Rolex Datejust

Rolex introduced the Datejust in 1945 to celebrate its 40th anniversary. It was the world’s first automatic waterproof wristwatch to display the date on its dial, which soon became an industry standard. The Datejust has since become one of Rolex’s most recognizable and popular models, with ongoing improvements and updates.

Although the women’s Datejust collection was created simultaneously with the men’s, it wasn’t released until 1957. The Lady-Datejust was designed as a “classic feminine watch” and features a smaller 28mm case with various metal types, bracelet styles, dial colors, and bezel options.

Other variations of the Datejust include the Mid-size, OysterQuartz, and Turn-O-Graph models. The Mid-size model bridges the gap between the Lady-Datejust and the larger 34mm Datejust. The OysterQuartz was released in 1977, after five years of design, and revolutionized timekeeping abilities. With only around 25,000 watches produced during its 25-year production period, the OysterQuartz is now a rare and sought-after model. The Turn-O-Graph, also known as the “Thunderbird,” was released in 1953 as Rolex’s first watch with a rotating bezel and was later sponsored for the US Air Force Thunderbird squadron.

Over the course of 75 years, Rolex has created quite a few references in this classic collection:

Datejust: 166201, 126334, 126333, 126331, 126303, 126301, 126300, 126281, 126234, 126233, 126231, 126203, 126201, 126200, 116244, 116243, 116238, 116234, 116233, 116231, 116208, 116203, 116201, 116200, 116199, 116189, 116188, 116139, 116138, 17014, 17013, 17000, 16364, 16250, 16248, 16238, 16234, 16233, 16220, 16203, 16200, 16078, 16030, 16018, 16014, 16013, 16000, 6827, 6605, 6604, 6518, 6305, 1630, 1607, 1603, 1601, 1600

Lady-Datejust: 279458, 279343, 279178, 279175, 279174, 279173, 279171, 279161, 279160, 279135, 197173, 179459, 179368, 179313, 179298, 179239, 179179, 179178, 179175, 179174, 179173, 179171, 179168, 179166, 179165, 179163, 179161, 179160, 179159, 179158, 179138, 179136, 80359, 80329, 80328, 80319, 80318, 80309, 80299, 80298, 79288, 79238, 79179, 79178, 79174, 79173, 79168, 79166, 79163, 79159, 79158, 79138, 79136, 79126, 79089, 79088, 79079, 79078, 79068, 69278, 69190, 69179, 69178, 69174, 69173, 69163, 69160, 69136, 6927, 6917, 6916, 6517

Midsize Datejust: 278384, 278343, 278381, 278344, 278274, 278273, 278243, 278241, 278240, 178383, 178313, 178288, 178286, 178279, 178278, 178275, 178274, 178273, 178269, 178248, 178246, 178245, 178243, 178240, 178239, 178238, 178159, 178158, 81339, 81338, 81308, 81209, 81208, 81158, 78288, 78286, 78279, 78278, 78274, 78273, 78266, 78248, 78246, 78243, 78240, 77438, 77080, 77014, 68278, 68274, 68273, 68248, 68243, 68240, 17824, 7518, 6824

Datejust OysterQuartz: 17014, 17013, 17000

Datejust Turn-O-Graph “Thunderbird”: 116264, 116263, 116261, 16268, 16264, 16263, 16253, 6309, 1625

The value of a Rolex Datejust, like any other Rolex watch, is determined by various factors. These factors include the watch’s age, model type, exclusivity, materials used, condition, bezel and bracelet styles, and any additional diamond or other decorative elements. Prices may also differ based on the type of dial, bracelet, diamond selection, and rarity.

The average bracelet on a Rolex watch is usually composed of 12 links, not including the easylink inside the clasp that appears as half a link. Once unlocked, the easylink adds a few millimeters of length to the bracelet.

 To wind a Rolex Datejust manually, begin by fully unscrewing the winding crown. Next, turn the crown in a clockwise direction for a minimum of 25 turns to ensure that the watch is sufficiently wound. If the watch is worn daily, it will automatically wind itself. Depending on the specific model, the Datejust can maintain its charge for up to 70 hours when not in use.

The Datejust has been a popular choice for many notable individuals throughout its history, from political figures like President Dwight D. Eisenhower and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, to civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and celebrities like Daniel Craig, Jennifer Aniston, David Beckham, Roger Federer, and Bono.

With the release of the 2022 Rolex lineup, new Datejust models were introduced, including the floral dial motif in Azzurro Blue, Silver, and Olive Green. All the Datejust 31 models come with the calibre 2236 movement, a 55-hour power reserve, and options for bezels (fluted, smooth, or diamond-set) and bracelets (Oyster or Jubilee). The Datejust 36 and 41 also received two new dial motifs, the Palm motif in Olive Green, Silver, or Golden, and the fluted motif in Silver, Slate, Bright Blue, or Mint Green. The 36mm and 41mm models house a 3235 caliber movement with a 70-hour power reserve.

Throughout the years, Rolex has continued to blend sleek design with innovative features, making the Datejust an ideal choice for everyday wear.