The Datejust from 1979 with Rolex’s own quartz movement
The well-known design with its obelisk hands, fluted bezel and rectangular index hour markers has been in place since the early 1950s.In 1974, Rolex was the first manufacturer Fake Rolex to use a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, and in 1977, Caliber 3035 with its red anodized, friction-reducing wheels added the Quickset date. In 1977, there was also an Oysterquartz Datejust with a quartz movement that was developed in-house by Rolex.
Datejust 31
In 1988, the Datejust began to be powered by automatic Caliber 3135 with a balance bridge and an improved self-winding mechanism. The case size of the original version remained unchanged with a 36-mm diameter. At that time, there were only two smaller versions: 31 mm and 26 mm. While men once wore the 31-mm model, eventually even the 36-mm version seemed too small. Although Rolex long resisted the
move to larger Datejust models, in 2009, the company introduced the 41-mm Datejust II, which was replaced in
2016 by the Datejust 41, which was same size but had a new movement and updated case.
The date is magnified behind a “Cyclops” lens.
Elegance and Sportiness
Of course, technical features are not enough for the success the Datejust has achieved. Since its remarkable popularity with its appealing design, other manufacturers have followed and began offering comparable models of their own. Rolex created the perfect combination of elegance and sportiness with the Datejust. It can be worn just as easily with a suit as with jeans. And Rolex gave it an enormous variety of configurations, something that usually plays a lesser role. The Datejust offers a choice of radial Arabic or Roman numerals, rectangular or diamond markers, a wide range of dial colors, and dials made of malachite, mother-of-pearl or embellished with precious gems.
Datejust 36
There are a number of different case materials as well. Stainless steel 904L — which Rolex calls “Oystersteel” — is more resistant to corrosion and harder than standard 316L steel. There are also two-color versions known as “Rolesor,”
where the case and outer bracelet links are made of steel and the bezel,
crown and inner links of the bracelet are made of 18k gold. A White Rolesor model has a white-gold bezel only. Bezel options include fluted, domed or set with diamonds.
And in addition to the typical Jubilee bracelet for this line, Rolex also offers the sportier Oyster bracelet. No leather straps are available but both metal bracelets have a 5-mm fold-out Replica Rolex extension. A steel bracelet does not “give” like a rubber or leather one so the extension can bring some welcome relief in warmer temperatures or during periods of increased activity. It is designed to look identical to the bracelet even in the extended position.
Rolesor jubilee bracelet
The two men’s Datejust models start at $7,050 for the 36-mm version and $7,650 for the 41 mm, plus there are three smaller versions measuring 34 mm (from $6,500), 31 mm (from $6,400) and the Lady-Datejust at 28 mm (from $6,500), which is also available in a yellow-gold version with a diamond-pavéd dial ($38,800).
Updated Movements
The various sizes also differ in the type of movements cased within. The 28-mm version is powered by new Caliber 2236. A notable feature of this movement is the Rolex-developed antimagnetic Syloxi hairspring made of silicon with an oxide coating. This caliber also has a power reserve of approximately 55 hours. The 31-mm version encases Caliber 2235, which has a power reserve of 48 hours. The 3135 caliber with a 48-hour power reserve is used in the 34-mm version, and the men’s versions in 36 and 41 mm are powered by new Caliber 3235.
