The Recognized Ascendancy of the Rolex Datejust as the Watch Synonymous with the British Crown
The Rolex Datejust, introduced in 1945 to mark the Swiss watchmaker's 40th anniversary, has become a pioneering and iconic timepiece in the brand's history. As the world's first automatic, waterproof chronometer wristwatch with a date function, it set a new standard for wristwatch functionality.
To accompany the Datejust launch, Rolex created the Jubilee bracelet, a distinctive five-piece link bracelet designed specifically for this model. Debuting in 1945 along with the Datejust, the Jubilee bracelet became iconic for its elegant and comfortable design, featuring a combination of polished inner links and brushed outer links.
The Datejust was the culmination of earlier Rolex milestones, including the Oyster case (1926), the first waterproof watch case, and the Perpetual movement (1931), Rolex’s first self-winding mechanism with a rotor. These innovations directly influenced the Datejust’s design and performance, helping it stand out as a practical, robust, and stylish watch.
Throughout the mid-1900s, the Datejust solidified its place as Rolex’s flagship dress watch, favoured by professionals and collectors alike for its timeless design and technical excellence. Its robust yet elegant Oyster case and signature Cyclops date magnifier lens further enhanced its distinctiveness and legibility.
The Datejust collection offers elegant looks, a handy date complication, various dial and metal configurations, and the choice of Jubilee, Oyster, or President bracelets. The modern incarnation of the classic 36 mm Datejust maintains the classic design while incorporating modern features and technical upgrades.
Notable references in the Datejust lineup include the ref. 6104 and 6105, produced around 1950, which were the first to feature the word "Datejust" on the dial. The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust ref. 6309/6609 "Thunderbird" combined a standard Datejust with a rotating bezel for tracking elapsed time. The Oysterquartz Datejust, produced from 1977 to 2004, featured a quartz movement and an integrated bracelet, coming with a more angular case architecture and boasting quickset date adjustment and hacking seconds.
The Datejust II, produced from 2009 to 2016, featured a larger 41 mm case and the Cal. 3136 movement, available only on an Oyster bracelet. The Datejust 41, introduced in 2016 as a replacement for the Datejust II, features a slightly thinner case, lugs, bezel, and dial indices compared to the Datejust II.
The 16XX series, debuted in the late 1950s, included the ref. 1601, a stainless steel watch with a white gold fluted bezel, which is particularly beloved for its unique combination of affordability and the presence of precious metal. The special solid-gold Oyster Perpetual reference 4467, released in 1945, was the world's first automatic, waterproof chronometer wristwatch with a date function.
The current-gen Rolex movement powering the Datejust lineup is the Cal. 3235. The ref. 126234-0051, a modern incarnation of the classic 36 mm Datejust, features a mint green dial in a sunray finish with applied Chromalight indices and hands.
In summary, the mid-20th century milestones of the Rolex Datejust centre on its 1945 launch debut with the first self-winding date display, paired with the introduction of the Jubilee bracelet, marking a landmark in watchmaking innovation and style that defined Rolex’s identity going forward.
- Science and technology advancements led Rolex to introduce the first automatic, waterproof chronometer wristwatch with a date function in 1945 – the Rolex Datejust – setting a new standard for wristwatch functionality in the realm of fashion-and-beauty and general-news.
- The Rolex Datejust's design and performance were greatly influenced by their earlier milestones, such as the Oyster case (1926), the first waterproof watch case, and the Perpetual movement (1931), their first self-winding mechanism with a rotor, marking significant strides in science and education-and-self-development.
- Throughout the mid-1900s, the Datejust became known for its elegant and comfortable design, becoming a mainstay in home-and-garden magazines, accompanied by the Jubilee bracelet.
- With the introduction of the Oyster Perpetual Datejust ref. 6309/6609 "Thunderbird" in the 1970s, the Datejust lineup expanded to include sports-oriented models, appealing to a wider audience in entertainment and sports enthusiasts.
- Rolex's Datejust 41, released in 2016, features a slightly thinner case, lugs, bezel, and dial indices compared to the Datejust II, catering to the latest lifestyle trends while maintaining its iconic design.
- Today's Datejust collection encompasses various food-and-drink options, with different dial and metal configurations, and the choice of Jubilee, Oyster, or President bracelets, making it a versatile addition to any travel itinerary.
