16233.Īlthough not a part of the original Datejust suite, this collection deserves a bonus mention. 126233 if you have trouble finding a pre-owned ref. Although it’s no longer in production, it was replaced by the ref. This self-winding automatic watch is 36mm and boasts a beautiful slate grey Jubilee bracelet. See all of its features and movements up close when you watch this detailed review.įeaturing a yellow gold fluted bezel, a stainless steel case, and a two-tone bracelet, this model sticks out to many collectors. 126334 measures in at 41mm and has a striking stainless steel case with an 18k white gold fluted bezel. 17013.įans of a sunburst dial and stainless steel Oyster bracelet can’t go wrong with this model. Learn more about this piece by reading this review of the ref.
It’s extraordinarily robust with the caliber 5035 ticking away inside, and it’s COSC Swiss Chronometer certified-a true feat for quartz watches. This historic, rare model features a gorgeous faceted metal bracelet and a fluted gold bezel. If you’d like to see a modern version of this piece up close, watch this expert review of the Rolex Datejust ref. Airforce pilots after returning from combat missions. It features a gold Turn-O-Graph bezel which gives it a stopwatch functionality, and it was also awarded to U.S. Perhaps one of the most noteworthy versions of the Datejust is the Turn-O-Graph ref. Check out a variety of its most memorable models and references for recommendations on where to start looking for your next piece. Over the years, the Rolex Datejust collection has seen its fair share of changes and iterations, but the intrigue and collector-worthy status of these pieces has remained the same. Designed in a spectrum of metals, dials, textures, bracelets, and types of markers, the Rolex Datejust provides endless configurations. The Datejust lineup offers a variety of sizes for men and women consisting of 28mm, 31mm, 34mm, 46mm, and 41mm. In the 2000s, the flat and polish bezel became an alternative to the classic fluted bezel. In following years, Rolex introduced rose gold, steel, and two-toned one editions, known as Rolesor. When the Datejust was first released it was only available in yellow gold. Many elements of the model such as the dial layout, hands, and specs remain almost unchanged from its introduction. With automatic winding, high accuracy, and high water resistance, the Rolex Datejust became one of Rolex’s most wearable watches. In 1988, the Calibre 3135 was introduced, improving, but not totally renewing, the watch’s movements. The caliber changed again in 1965, with the introduction of the Calibre 1570. In 1957, the design of the Datejust changed to incorporate the new Calibre 1065 and date magnifier known as the Cyclops lens for easy reading. While these movements were reliable, they were difficult to service. The Rolex Datejust was released using the Calibre 710, later replaced with the Calibre 730, which uses 17 jewels. Prior to the Rolex Datejust, watches indicated the date by a hand pointing to markings around the edge of the dial. Rolex’s revolutionary date display became the watchmaking standard after 1945. This feature has set the precedent and standard for today’s date-displaying wristwatches. Once the 1950s rolled around, the name became more standard and the design was finished off with the renowned Cyclops magnification lens on the crystal’s surface. Interestingly, the very first model was technically reference 4467, but it didn’t yet carry the Datejust name.
Since the collection’s launch in 1945 for the brand’s 40th anniversary, it has remained in constant production. Made for practical everyday wear, the Rolex Datejust is a highly accurate and suitable timepiece for any occasion. While Datejust models have introduced new features over past decades, its enduring aesthetic has remained the same. In fact, it’s so popular that it’s the best selling model in at least 4 countries-check out this breakdown of the top watch brands by country to learn more. As one of Rolex’s most emblematic and top-selling watches, the Datejust is a reliable piece with unlimited configurations. An iconic model, the Rolex Datejust was launched in 1945 as the first self-winding waterproof chronometer wristwatch to display the date at the 3 o’clock on the dial, and the world’s first watch to feature a date function that automatically changed.