Datejust
Rolex's foundational dress watch with date function, introduced in 1945 for the brand's 40th anniversary. The first wristwatch with an automatically-changing date display.
The Datejust is Rolex's foundational dress watch with date function, introduced in 1945 for the brand's 40th anniversary. It was the first wristwatch with an automatically-changing date display through a window on the dial.
Origin
Reference 4467 (1945) was the original Datejust in 18k yellow gold. The model has been in continuous production since then, making it one of the longest-running watch references in horology.
Defining features
- Cyclops date window: a magnifying lens over the date at 3 o'clock, introduced 1953. The cyclops has become a Rolex signature.
- Jubilee bracelet: a five-piece-link bracelet developed in 1945 to mark Rolex's 40th anniversary, launched alongside the Datejust, now an option on Datejust and several other lines.
- Fluted bezel: a fluted (notched) bezel in precious metal, the classic Datejust look. Smooth and engine-turned bezels exist in modern variants.
Sizes and modern references
The Datejust is produced in several case sizes:
- Datejust 26 / 28 (women's): Lady-Datejust references 79xxx, 279xxx.
- Datejust 31: 178xxx, 278xxx (with diamond or smooth bezel variants).
- Datejust 36: 126200, 126233, 126234 (current production; the earlier 116200 ran until circa 2018).
- Datejust 41: 126300, 126333, 126334 (introduced 2016, replaced Datejust II 41 mm).
Material configurations
The Datejust is produced in steel, Rolesor (two-tone steel and gold), yellow gold, white gold, rose gold (Everose), and platinum. The number of dial-colour and bezel variants exceeds 200 across the live catalogue.
Movements
Modern Datejust 36/41 references use calibre 3235 (date) or 3230 (no date). Earlier calibre 3135 (1988-2018) powered the 16234 / 116234 / 116200 family.
Day-Date relationship
The Day-Date (introduced 1956) is the Datejust's premium sibling: only in precious metals (yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, platinum), with both day-of-week (in full) and date displayed. The Day-Date is also known as the "President" after the bracelet style introduced with it.
Market position
The Datejust is the most-produced Rolex reference family and one of the most accessible entry points into the brand. Secondary market premiums for Datejust are modest compared to sports models; the 36 mm and 41 mm in steel with fluted bezels and "wimbledon" dial are the most-traded combinations.
Related: rolex, oyster-perpetual, submariner.