The Rolex Datejust - A watch that has transcended changes through time

Introduced in 1945, to celebrate the company's 40th anniversary, the Rolex Datejust was the first-ever watch to feature a date and self-winding capability. These streamlined timepieces feature a signature cyclops lens for easy view, and are also available in an incredible array of finishes, including a number of ladies’ models in stunning colors, with or without diamonds. 

The intricate aesthetics of the Datejust models set them apart from the crowd, as symbols of universal and classic style. They actually and truly embody timeless form and function, which is firmly rooted in the pioneering origins of Rolex. One of the biggest reasons why the Datejust is so popular is because it has managed to span eras, while still retaining the same aesthetics. 

Not many people know this fact, but the now-famous Jubilee bracelet was introduced only to be paired exclusively with this wonderful timepiece. The five-piece link bracelet, made of either stainless steel or white, yellow, or rose gold, also comes in dual-color combinations. This beautiful work of horological art is also available in varying sizes - from 28 mm to 41 mm - which makes it perfect for almost any wrist size. In 1957, Rolex introduced a line of smaller sizes that were meant exclusively for women under the name Lady-Datejust. 

Did you know that the Rolex Turn-O-Graph model was first introduced in 1955 as a unique award that was given to US Air Force pilots returning from combat missions, which featured a rotating bezel marked to 60 minutes, which can be used to measure time intervals? Datejusts of this type have been aptly nicknamed  "Thunderbirds". 

Originally, the Datejust was only available in 18 kt yellow gold with a small bubble back winder but has myriad options to choose from now. 

3 Reasons that set the Datejust apart:

• The main feature of a date display with a cyclops lens, 
• The first-ever chronometer wristwatch which is also water-resistant and has an automatic movement and date display
• The exclusively designed five-piece link Jubilee bracelet, which was made particularly for the Datejust.

Price: 

The 41-mm stainless steel Datejust, when bought in mint condition would cost you around $7,300 USD. The rarer, bicolor models that are available in both gold and stainless steel, in mint condition would cost you about $11,200 USD when new.  If you’re looking for something in a higher price range, you can also take a look at the yellow gold 18-karat gold Datejust 36 that retails for about $26,200, in mint condition, while the pre-owned ones can be bought for around $20,100 USD. The prices for first-generation models might vary greatly from $10,000 to even $25,000 or more. 

What drives the Rolex Datejust?

All Datejust models are powered by their in-house calibers - the 3135 in the 36-mm versions and the 3235 in the 41-mm versions. The difference between both is that the 3235 caliber has an improved 70-hour power reserve while the  3135 doesn’t.

The best part about the caliber 3255’s criteria for precision is twice as exacting as those for a normal chronometer. This caliber also has the new Chronergy escapement that has been patented by Rolex, which is the perfect combination of high energy efficiency and great dependability. The oscillator, which is the heart of this watch also has a blue Parachrom hairspring that has been optimized to be almost ten times more precise than a normal hairspring in the case of any shocks

Over the years, the Datejust movement has gone through subtle improvements to its features and an expansion of design options. Several years after its debut, In 1954, Rolex added the now-famous Cyclops lens as a major update.

Who is the Rolex Datejust for?

The  Datejust is one of the most popular women’s Rolex models but is equally popular with men. This is because of it’s uncomplicated look and reliability, which make it perfect for wearing on any occasion. The Datejust is truly an ideal day watch that can be worn with both business suits and also casual attire. You have a case size to suit almost any wrist: like the 28-mm Lady-Datejust for the dainty wristed, and the 41-mm men's Datejust for the robustly built.

What is the difference between a Rolex Day-date and Rolex Datejust?

Often confused for the other because of their similar looks the Day-Date and the Datejust have several differences. The most notable difference between the Datejust and the Day-Date is the size of the case. While the Datejust case measures 36 mm, the Day-Date measures 34 mm in size. The bracelets are different too. The bracelet of the Datejust is 20 mm wide while the Day-Date has a 19 mm wide bracelet. 

Celebrities who love the Datejust :

From actors to presidents to world leaders, the Datejust has captured the hearts of many. President Eisenhower wore his 18-karat gold Datejust everywhere and was even featured with it on the cover of Life Magazine. The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso also owns a Datejust. Actor, film director, philanthropist and producer extraordinaire, Paul Newman too loved his Datejusts and even wore a full Stainless Steel 36mm Datejust in the Academy-Award winning movie,  “The Color of Money”

Buying Guide:

A watch that has been with us for decades, the Datejust is just as popular today as the time it first launched. The Datejust’s universal appeal has remained constant, and can never be thought of as old-fashioned. A watch that can be passed on from one generation to the next, and which looks just as apt on a young millennial's wrist as on a veteran’s, the Datejust is truly a watch that has been made for everyone.  

The Rolex Datejust is the ideal choice for people looking for that one good watch that will definitely last a lifetime. With a history of being in production for almost 70 years in production, and with m eight different metal combinations and more than a hundred different dial options, the Datejust is a good choice for all generations. 

As an investment:

The ever-popular Datejust brings to you a brilliant blend of functionality and good looks. Because these iconic watches have been built to last generations, they do tend to hold their value quite well. The fact that these eternal timepieces are fantastically robust, when combined with their ever so timeless appearance, makes them extremely popular on the market, and also always a good investment.

Conclusion:

Like we talked about before, the Datejust truly is the perfect watch for almost any occasion. Water-resistant up to 100 m, thanks to its screw-down case back and Twinlock crown system, you can wear this watch not only while at a party, or to your tennis game, but also while swimming. The sapphire glass that protects the dial is scratch-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about it constantly. The 70-hour power reserve that comes with caliber 3235 means you don’t have to worry about rewinding it constantly, and the Paraflex shock protection gives you the flexibility of wearing it even during adventure sports. 

Whether you are looking for a Rolex that makes a statement, or you simply want to indulge in a timepiece can go everywhere with you and also last for a lifetime, the Datejust is the most perfect choice.