Rolex Datejust Review

When it comes to iconic timepieces, our thoughts certainly go to watches produced by Rolex, a brand that has been satisfying the needs of every wrist for over a hundred years: the Submariners and the Explorer for sportsmen, the Rolex Day-Date for the timeless and elegant Rolex Datejust for the wrist that loves to show off a historic timepiece.

Rolex Datejust: The long history

Before starting with the review of the Rolex Datejust and listing its remarkable features, I would like to explain to you why, many decades ago, this model represented a real revolution in the world of chronometers.

Taking you back in time, let’s go back to 1945, when to celebrate 40 years of activity of “Wilsdorf & Davis” Rolex presented the Oyster Perpetual Datejust, the first waterproof chronometer with automatic winding movement and a window on the dial, located at 3 o’clock, where the date was indicated: even days in red while odd days were indicated in black.

The first model with reference 4467 was produced from 1945 to 1949. One particular feature, especially considering the time, was the movement given by the caliber a295 which, together with the date, gave the case a height of 14 mm. But the real revolution of the first Rolex Datejust model was the Oyster case, an aesthetic canon that still represents the perfection and resistance of the “crown”, the unmistakable emblem of Rolex.

This first reference was made with a 36 mm diameter case and a Jubilee bracelet in 18-karat gold, which made the watch elegant but above all exclusive. A privilege initially reserved only for the male public until in 1933, the famous brand patented the Rolex Datejust 31 mm, a combination of gold, steel, mother of pearl and diamonds which, still today as in the past, represents the symbol of female elegance.

Oyster Perpetual Datejust: iconic evolutions

After introducing you to the first born of the Datejust family, it is almost a must to share the evolutions that have taken place over the years, starting with the writing of his name on the dial in 1950.

After the year 1945 we moved on to 1954, when two new features were presented during the Basel fair, the fluted bezel and the famous Cyclops lens, which set at 3 o’clock had the task, and still has, to facilitate the reading the date. Also in that year the reference 6309, indicating the Datejust Turn-O-Graph, had a new twist, namely the rotating numbered graduated bezel, which from 0 to 60 accurately indicated measurements that did not require the use of the stopwatch.

The evolutions continue and we arrive at 1975 when, with the reference 1630, the first Datejust model was born with the synthetic sapphire crystal, a material resistant to shocks and scratches that replaced the plastic glass that had protected the Rolex watch dial.

In 1977 a new model equipped with the 5053 quartz caliber was developed, the Datejust Oysterquartz, which remained in production until 2001; while 1980 was characterized by the introduction of the moon phases, a customization on request that was entrusted to the watch manufacturer Marcello Comezzi.

References after references, the designs, movements and dials have undergone continuous improvements which in 2009, on the occasion of Baselworld, were presented as the latest evolution of the Rolex brand: the Datejust II. The overall appearance of this new icon had remained quite similar to the original, apart from the in-house automatic caliber 3136, the 48-hour reserve winding, and the impossible-to-miss cosmetic change of the 36mm case that had gone up. to 41 mm.

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust II was not very appreciated by collectors and enthusiasts of the brand, perhaps due to the proportions that were too bulky compared to those of the past, a small “dissatisfaction” that in 2016 in Basel was forgotten with the presentation of the new icon: the Rolex Datejust 41.

Rolex Datejust Review: Timeless Features

A quality feature that unites all Rolex models is the simple and functional design, consisting of only three hands, a date window which, thanks to an intermediate gear and a spring mechanism, allows an instant date change at midnight. and a magnifying lens that guarantees perfect readability. A precision that only the founder of the Rolex brand, Hans Wilsdorf, could guarantee through his constant pursuit of excellence.

Rolex material: Oystersteel

The crowned watches are made with an alloy specially developed by the brand: Oystersteel, a material that, generally used in the aerospace and chemical industries, guarantees Rolex watches maximum resistance to corrosion. In addition to the guarantee of duration, the peculiarity of this metal is given by the shine, it is enough to polish it and its beauty is preserved even in the most extreme cases.
In order to make them indestructible, the dials of all Datejust models feature an impact-resistant and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.

Different technical characteristics according to the models

The different models of Rolex Datejust Oyster Perpetual differ from each other in the size of the case, which consist of different measures of diameter (28, 31, 34, 36, 41 mm) easily adaptable to any wrist and any style.

The bezel is available in different variants, from knurled to smooth, from rounded to that embellished with diamonds, in short, a choice that can be made according to the personality of the wearer.

In addition to the different sizes, these iconic watches can be purchased in different variations of colors and materials, such as the Rolex Datejust in yellow gold and steel, steel and pink gold, steel and white gold, platinum, platinum and diamonds; in short, different combinations that form an extremely durable and precious jewel.

A model to be taken into consideration is the Rolex Datejust 41, a watch that enhances the elegance of the wearer, and at the same time manages with its simplicity, to adapt to any occasion and any kind of look.

Rolex Datejust 41 review

Like its predecessor Datejust II, this new model also retains the case diameter of 41 mm. A dimension that, even if unchanged, does not appear to be as bulky as that of the old watch which, according to the tastes of some collectors, appeared even not very elegant, a thought that certainly did not reflect the prestige of the brand.

The visible improvement is therefore given not by the diameter but by the thickness of the case which, in just 11 mm, contains all the Rolex functions, giving the wrist a low and refined profile. The dial, the bezel and the bracelet amplify the elegance of this model which, when combined, transmit plays of light and make the knurled bezels and all the small details clearly visible. The bezel can be chosen according to taste, i.e. in smooth gold or with the classic and timeless knurling. Like all models, the Rolex reference 126333 Datejust also offers water resistance up to 100 meters deep.

For the Rolex Datejust a new caliber: 3235

The Datejust 41, in addition to a new visual appearance, comes with an innovative caliber 3235 designed and manufactured by Rolex. This Perpetual movement, concentrates in itself a series of evolutions that make it perfectly efficient and precise. The improvements are especially noticeable with regard to energy consumption, which thanks to the addition of a new type of Chronergy escapement and a high-speed barrel, offer the 3235 caliber about 30% less energy consumption. The power reserve has been increased up to 70 hours and together with these innovations the main features of the brand could not be missing, such as: the blue Parachrom hairspring, the Paraflex shock absorbers and the COSC certification of superlative chronometer with an accuracy equal to -2 / +2 seconds of deviation per day.

Jubilee bracelet

New to the Rolex Datejust 41 is the 5-link Jubilee bracelet, a detail that takes you back to the past, or better still, to the origin of the Datejust collection. This bracelet, in addition to having a refined and luxurious appearance, allows the wearer a greater comfort, amplified by the Oysterclasp folding clasp and the Easylink rapid extension system, with which, you can easily increase or reduce the length of about 5 mm , in order to be adapted to the size of any wrist. A beautiful detail to highlight is the particularity with which the shirts have been made, in fact, while the internal ones are shiny, the internal links are satin, a feature that makes them even more resistant to scratches.

Rolex Datejust: Price and models

The Rolex Datejust 41 in steel is the basic model, but if you prefer to combine different materials, the Rolesors can undoubtedly satisfy your desire to own a luxury watch. A model that has a great match is the one with a stainless steel case and outer links of the bracelet with 18K gold bezel, crown and inner links. The Rolex Datejust is also available in yellow Rolesor, which combines steel with yellow gold and pink Rolesor with steel and 18-karat rose gold.

The dials, with luminescent white rectangular hour markers are thinner than the old Datejust II, and are available in different versions: black, chocolate brown, white, sun, champagne and silver.

Rolex Datejust: price list of some models

Depending on the model, the prices of the Rolex Datejust vary, here are some examples:

• Rolex Datejust 41 mm reference 126333: yellow Rolesor, knurled bezel, champagne-colored dial and jubilee bracelet, € 12,700
• Rolex Datejust 41 mm reference 126303: yellow Rolesor, black dial with diamond indexes, smooth bezel, Oyster bracelet, € 13,850
• Rolex Lady Datejust, variant for women made of steel and white gold, has a list price of € 12,750
• Rolex Datejust 41 mm reference 126303: yellow Rolesor, Oyster bracelet, smooth bezel, white dial, € 11,950

As for used Rolex Datejust watches, their value remains very well on the market. Also because, being iconic timepieces, they are quite difficult to find new ones in watchmakers, which raises the price.

So apart from the excellent investment, buying a Rolex Datejust means always having at your wrist a precision that few calibers in the world possess and a resistance that guarantees perfect and long life.

Thanks for being with us, this Rolex Datejust review article ends here, let us know your opinion by commenting here at the bottom and we will be happy to answer you, also stay updated with us by leaving a like on our FB page, see you soon and good continuation on the our site!

The editorial staff of CF’s Magazine

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