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A Guide to the History of the Rolex Datejust

A Guide to the History of the Rolex Datejust

Rolex Datejust, A Guide To The Timeless and Classic Face: a blog detailing the timeless elegance of Rolex watches.

The Datejust watch is one of the most prestigious wristwatches created by Rolex. Some people consider it the Rolex’s “signature luxury item,” and others feel it is the most popular. There are a lot of reasons why people love this Rolex model, but at its core, it features a timeless design that will never go out of style. People who wear Datejust watches tend to be more traditional and conservative. They want something that will last for the rest of their lives and remain in good condition without any major repairs or maintenance.

Rolex very rarely strays from its classic design cues. Instead, they simply improve on them. And by far, no Rolex watch is more classically designed than the Datejust. While previous Rolex watches were criticized for being too small and lacking a useful date display, the Datejust addressed all of these concerns. And after over 70 years of refinement and meddling, the Datejust has become one of the most beloved large luxury watches out there. But what makes it so classic? And is it really worth all that money?

 

Rolex Datejust 41

In 2016, Rolex launched the Datejust 41 to replace the Datejust II. While both models sported 41mm cases, the newer Datejust 41 case is slightly slimmer, its lugs are more slender, and its bezel is thinner. The Datejust 41 collection also offers more style variations than the Datejust II.

More importantly, however, is that the Datejust 41 debuted the new-generation time and date Rolex movement, the Caliber 3235. The completely redesigned automatic movement offers improvements in accuracy, precision, durability, and power reserve.

The most obvious difference between the Caliber 3235 and its predecessor is that it has two mainspring barrels instead of one. This allows for more power reserve without sacrificing accuracy or precision. While older Rolexes used a mainspring barrel made of Nivarox 1 alloy steel — which is resistant to corrosion — the new mainspring barrels are made from Nivachrom 440A alloy steel — which is even more corrosion-resistant than Nivarox 1 steel.

The Caliber 3235 movement also improves on its predecessor by being able to adjust for magnetic fields up to 4800 A/m — twice as much as before! This feature is especially important for pilots who may

 

Rolex Datejust II

Rolex Datejust II watches are built around a 41mm case with a broad bezel and thick lugs. The dials feature Roman numerals, and the second hands are straight in shape. This is a short-lived model as Rolex discontinued it in 2016 to make way for an updated version called the Datejust 41.

The Rolex Datejust II was first introduced in 2008 as a larger option for men to sit alongside the classic Datejust 36. It features a 41mm case with a broad bezel and thick lugs, which is larger than most modern Rolex watches. The case is also thicker than other models, making this watch more masculine than many of its counterparts from the same era.

The dials feature Roman numerals for hour markers, along with luminous stick markers at 12 and 6 o'clock positions on all models except for some vintage-inspired ones that have pointed stick markers at those times instead. On some models, there is also a date indicator at 3 o'clock position on the dial instead of stick markers at 6 o'clock position; some models also have an open-heart window at 9 o'clock position on

 

Rolex Datejust 36

The classic choice, the Datejust 36 retains the original size of the inaugural model from 1945. As the mainstay of the collection, the Datejust 36 is not only the longest-running model in the line-up but it is also the one that has undergone the most changes over the last seven decades. From quickset vs. non-quickset to acrylic vs. sapphire, it is important to understand the differences between the various generations of the 36mm Datejust before deciding which one would work best for you.

The first generation was introduced in 1945 and remained largely unchanged until 1953 when Rolex launched a newly designed movement with quickset date function (previously, it took two hands). In 1956, Rolex changed its name to Oyster Perpetual Datejust, which remains today as one of their most popular models and sells more than 1 million units each year worldwide. In 1963, Rolex added a second hand at 3 o’clock and changed its dial design to feature Roman numerals instead of arabic numerals (which were still used until then). This was followed by another change in 1968 when Rolex switched back

 

Rolex Datejust 31

The Rolex Datejust 31 is commonly referred to as the mid-size Datejust and it has been a part of the brand’s catalog just about as long as the Lady-Datejust and has followed a similar history. In fact, this model is geared towards a women clientele looking for a larger Rolex Datejust than the petite Lady-Datejust.

Yellow Rolesor diamond Datejust 31

Just like the Lady-Datejust, the Datejust 31 also offers platinum models, as well as the option of the famed President bracelet. Naturally, there are plenty of gem-set Rolex Datejust 31 models too.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust III – 3135

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust III – 3135

This model features a stainless steel case with a rotating bezel and date window at 3:00 on its dial; its caseback is secured by four screws and is stamped with an engraving of a crown along with “Oyster Perpetual” written beneath it in red lettering. The watch has black dial with white Arabic numerals at 12:

 

Rolex Lady Datejust 26

The Rolex Lady-Datejust is a wristwatch model introduced in 1945 by Rolex. The Lady-Datejust was the first self-winding women’s watch to be offered by the Swiss luxury watch brand. The reference number for this model is 26xx and it includes a 26mm case and 18K yellow gold or platinum bracelet.

By the time Rolex released the Lady-Datejust, the Cyclops lens and instantaneous date mechanism were already developed. Therefore all Lady-Datejust watches were fitted with both of these signature features. Throughout most of its history, the ladies’ Datejust model included a 26mm case.

However, in 2015, Rolex replaced it with a slightly larger 28mm case size. The Lady-Datejust and the Datejust 31 are the only Datejust models that offer the option President bracelets as well as platinum references. What’s more, many of the Datejust watches for women offer the choice of lavish diamond embellishments including diamond-set bezels, dials, cases, and bracelets.

 

Ultimately, if you are looking to make a purchase on the high-end timepiece

Whether you are looking for the perfect gift idea or are interested in buying Rolex watches for yourself, having a detailed knowledge of this vast, luxurious range at Wilson Watches can help to ensure you get the most from your experience. Fortunately,  Rolex Datejust is here to bring you a detailed guide, examining every aspect of this vast and luxurious timepiece. A celebrated watch, with a seemingly, never-ending supply of fans and admirers year on year, Rolex watches have become synonymous with luxury; this ranges from their exquisite craftsmanship to the intricate designs that each and every model features, giving each Rolex watch an individuality that can't be found elsewhere in the luxury world. Having first made its debut back in 1906 as a wristwatch, Rolex watches have come on leaps and bounds since their early days as a niche brand sought after by only the very elite; now available across the globe and in almost every corner of the high-end world.

 

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