The Oyster Perpetual Datejust is an absolute classic among Rolex watches and one of the oldest models in the range, which is still in production today. At Baselworld 2018, Rolex presented the latest versions of Datejust.
The new Datejust 36, with modified case and the modern movement 3235 (Photo: Rolex)
Also the case of the Datejust 31 was renewed, it now contains the Caliber 2236 (Photo: Rolex)
An overview of the Rolex innovations 2018 can be found here!
A year earlier, at Baselworld 2017, several new models had already been presented. Various material variants have been added to the Lady-Datejust 28 ladies’ version and also to the Datejust 41, which will completely replace the Datejust II from this point on.
The new Datejust 41, Oystersteel and white gold with Oyster Bracelet (Photo: Rolex)
The Lady-Datejust 28, here also Rolesor White and with Jubilé-Band, is available in very simple to very noble (Photo: Rolex)
An overview of all Datejust models can be found here!
The history of Rolex Datejust
1931 was a very special year in the company’s history: with the Oyster Perpetual, Rolex presented its first watch with the new patented automatic self-winding mechanism “Perpetual Rotor”, one of the cornerstones of Rolex’s outstanding expertise in high-performance precision watches.
The Perpetual Rotor introduced in 1931 (Photo: Rolex)
Then, in 1945, the next big step in development came: the first waterproof automatic wristwatch with chronometer function, which displayed the date in a window on the dial at 3 o’clock. The Rolex Datejust!
The first model of Datejust from 1945, still without her name on the dial (Photo: Rolex)
Together with the new watch, Rolex also introduced the Jubilee gold bracelet, which was also to become a classic and is still in use today. In the mid-1950s, the characteristic Cyclops lens was added above the date. Around the time that Datejust was already a complete success, Rolex introduced the first ladies version of the model, the Lady-Datejust.
Current model and at the same time a classic: the Lady-Datejust 28 in yellow gold (Photo: Rolex)
Over the next ten years, various changes were made to the case and movement until, under the increasing pressure of quartz technology, a break with the traditional design occurred. In 1970, Rolex presented the Quartz Date and in 1977, with the Oysterquartz Datejust, added another Date. However, the success of her mechanical siblings was denied to these models.
A 1970 Rolex Quartz Date
In 1992 an exclusive extension of the model line was made. The Lady-Datejust Pearlmaster is presented as a particularly feminine interpretation of the classic, with even more elegant lines and exclusively in the finest materials, with precious dials and gemstone bezels.
The first Lady-Datejust Pearlmaster from 1992 (Photo: Rolex)
Its current counterpart, the Pearlmaster 34, Ref.81298 (Photo: Rolex)
However, the case size of the watch, which until 2009 was 36 millimetres, remained unchanged for a long time. Then came Datejust II, with a housing diameter of 41 millimeters. However, the 36 millimetre housing has been retained as an intermediate size for the line, as has a 31 millimetre version.
The 2009 Datejust II (Photo: Rolex)
And now, it has been expected for a long time, Rolex has taken Datejust II out of the program and replaced it completely by the new Datejust 41. These are now available in stainless steel and as a Rolesor variant, i.e. Rolex’ characteristic combination of stainless steel and 18 carat gold. In solid gold only the smaller Datejust models are offered, the Lady Datejust 28 also in platinum. In principle, the Datejust line offers a variety of variation possibilities like no other Rolex model. Countless material and dial variants are available, plus cambered or ribbed bezels, Oyster Bracelet, Jubilee Bracelet and in some cases also the President Bracelet.
Introduced in 2016, Datejust 41 in Rolesor-Everose Gold is a classic Rolex design (Photo: Rolex)
The file adjustment models of the different sizes are driven by different calibers, depending of course on the case size. All have in common, apart from the guaranteed water resistance of 100 meters depth, that they are certified as precision watches by the Swiss testing institute “COSC”. Since 2016, Datejust 41 has been equipped with the ultra-modern Rolex 3235 automatic Caliber with Chronergy escapement, which has a power reserve of 70 hours. The caliber 2236 of the Lady-Datejust offers 55 hours power reserve.
The caliber 3235 is an automatic movement of the latest generation (Photo: Rolex)
More information about the Datejust Calibers and other Rolex movements can be found here!
Here you can see the “unboxing” of a beautiful Datejust 41 2017, in Rolesor White
Continuously updated article, originally put online in November 2017.
