ROLEX DATEJUST 36 FLUTED BEZEL

The Rolex Datejust is a classically designed self-winding chronometer wristwatch introduced by Rolex in 1945. It is characterized by an Oyster case and a date display at 3 o’clock.

Key Features of the Rolex Datejust
Even with more than 70 years of history, the Rolex Datejust’s design has remained largely unchanged. In fact, it has become emblematic, with its key features adapted to the rest of the Rolex collection: the Jubilee bracelet, the Cyclops window, the two-tone metal combination dubbed Rolesor, and many more.

Rolex Datejust
The Datejust is Rolex’s best-selling model for good reason. Introduced in 1945, it remains popular to this day because of its timeless aesthetic and vast range of designs that cater to just about any taste.

While it does not have the cult following of the Rolex Daytona or Rolex Submariner, all watch collectors have immense respect for the Datejust – and that’s the beauty of the collection. Both the casual watch wearer and the seasoned collector will agree that a Rolex Datejust is definitely worth having.

In the market for a Rolex Datejust? Get to know the history of the collection and the different options available to you with the help of SwissWatchExpo’s ultimate guide.

Rolex Lady-Datejust, Datejust 36, and Datejust 41 in Steel and Everose Gold

About the Rolex Datejust
It’s hard to imagine it now, but the date complication was a game-changer when it was introduced to the watch world. When the Rolex Datejust was launched in 1945, it became the first wristwatch whose date automatically changed at midnight, without the need for manual adjustment. At long last, the date will be just, all the time.

Unveiled on the 40th anniversary of Rolex, the Datejust today is an industry classic whose long and rich heritage is marked by the following events:

2009: The Datejust II with a 41mm case is introduced. For the first time since 1945, the Datejust is given a case size larger than 36mm.

2015: The Lady-Datejust 28 replaces the Lady-Datejust 26 to meet modern preference for larger watches.

2016: The Datejust 41 replaces the Datejust II. It retains the same 41mm case, but with proportions closer to the classic Datejust.



Key Features of the Rolex Datejust
Even with more than 70 years of history, the Rolex Datejust’s design has remained largely unchanged. In fact, it has become emblematic, with its key features adapted to the rest of the Rolex collection: the Jubilee bracelet, the Cyclops window, the two-tone metal combination dubbed Rolesor, and many more.

Rolex Datejust Steel Yellow Gold Diamond Dial Mens Watch 16233

With the vast variety of sizes, metals, dial colors, and textures available, the Rolex Datejust is the brand’s most varied collection – there is certainly a Datejust for every preference. Yet, regardless of design variations, the Datejust is always instantly recognizable thanks to its iconic look. The features of the Rolex Datejust has evolved through the decades, but the following components remain:

OYSTER CASE

DATE APERTURE WITH CYCLOPS
The distinguishing feature of the Rolex Datejust, from the very beginning, was the date aperture at 3 o’clock. With the addition of the instantaneous date mechanism, where the date instantly changes at midnight; and the Cyclops magnification lens to the surface of the crystal, the Rolex Datejust set the standard for how date complications should look and function.

SMOOTH or FLUTED BEZEL
Unlike the Rolex Submariner, GMT-Master, or Explore, which are tool watches, the Rolex Datejust has a decorative bezel over a functional one, with the exception of the Rolex Turnograph bezels. Its classic models come with either a smooth domed bezel or a fluted bezel made of gol for its two-tone designs. Meanwhile, there are also bezels decorated with diamonds and sapphires. The Rolex Datejust has been offered with different bezel types

OYSTER or JUBILEE BRACELET
The now iconic Jubilee bracelet was originally designed for the Rolex Datejust in 1945 and remains an option for the collection today. The Oyster bracelet features flat, three-piece links and is paired with the Oysterclasp; while the Jubilee has rounded five-piece links and is fitted with a concealed Crownclasp These two are the most commonly seen bracelets on the collection. However, other bracelet designs have been paired with sub-collections of the Rolex Datejust:

– Three-link Oyster
– Five-link Jubilee
– Three-link President (exclusive to Lady-Datejust and midsize Datejust models)
– Leather straps (discontinued)
– Integrated Jubilee and Oyster (exclusive to Oysterquartz and discontinued)



2009 – 2015 / Rolex Datejust II
Reference numbers: 1163XX
Movements: Caliber 3136 automatic movement

To adapt to the growing popularity of larger watches, Rolex introduced the Datejust II in 2009. With its 41mm case, this marked the first time that Rolex offered a men’s size aside from the original 36mm. Aside from the larger case, it also featured thicker lugs and a wider bezel.