Datejust
The perfect embodiment of the classic Rolex watch, the original Datejust showcased all of the brand’s major accomplishments to that point, with a certified chronometer movement, a self-winding mechanism and a waterproof case, complemented by the date display in a special window on the dial. Since its creation, it has continued to evolve, offering a host of aesthetic possibilities while encapsulating Rolex know-how.
The Datejust owes its name to the date display window on the dial. Like the time, the date was traditionally indicated by a hand on the circumference of the dial. In 1945, this made the Datejust the first waterproof self-winding chronometer wristwatch to show the date in numbers with a window at 3 o’clock on the dial. Before becoming a watchmaking standard, this type of display was seen as a major breakthrough. It works by fitting the calibre with a 31-day disc and a mechanism allowing it to turn at midnight.
Created to improve the legibility of the date, the Cyclops lens is both an aesthetic and technical brand signature. This Rolex invention, named after the one-eyed giant in Greek mythology, was patented in the early 1950s and presented for the first time in 1953 on a Datejust. Its magnifying effect makes the date easier to read. Initially in plexiglas, it has been crafted in sapphire since the 1970s, like the watch’s crystal. Virtually impervious to scratches, the sapphire now features a double anti-reflective coating, making it even more effective.
Smooth, fluted, domed or set with diamonds, the varied bezels allow the Datejust to reflect the personality of the wearer. The bezel is one of the watch’s most visible features and one of the most emblematic aspects of Rolex know-how. It can therefore be set with brilliant-cut diamonds, selected in-house by experts to ensure they sparkle beautifully. An iconic Rolex signature, the fluted bezel is crafted from 18 ct yellow, white or Everose gold.
For more than a century, gold and steel have come together in a pas de deux where sophistication meets strength. Created in the early 1930s, Rolesor features exclusively on Rolex watches in the Oyster Perpetual collection. The concept is simple: the bezel, the winding crown and the centre bracelet links are made of yellow or Everose gold while the middle case and outer links of the bracelet are made of Oystersteel. On white Rolesor models, the bezel alone is in white gold. These unique combinations are one of the brand’s signature features.
With a wide range of dials, the Datejust offers the most varied combinations of all Rolex watches. Set with diamonds or mother of pearl, or adorned with a sunray finish, the Datejust dials offer a host of faces available in a wide variety of materials, colours and motifs, with different hour markers (index or Roman or Arabic numerals) and multiple gem-setting possibilities. Bearing chief responsibility for the identity and legibility of Rolex watches, all of the dials are developed internally for optimal results.
Rolex uses only natural gemstones of the highest quality, meticulously selected based on purity, clarity and intensity. When precious stones are received, a rigorous testing protocol is applied, relying on both Rolex gemmologist expertise and specific measuring equipment. This allows for a strict selection in terms of cut, dimensions, purity, colour and the weight of all gemstones.
Gem-setting allows the watches to be adorned with precious stones using various techniques. The unique expertise of the gem-setters working on Rolex watches is renowned for ensuring the robustness, impeccable alignment and incomparable radiance of the gemstones. With the precision of a watchmaker, they insert each precious stone, one by one, distributing and orienting them as agreed with the designers.
A self-winding mechanical movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex, calibre 3235 features on models including the Datejust 36 and Datejust 41. Equipped with a Parachrom hairspring, it features an optimized barrel architecture and incorporates the patented Chronergy escapement, which combines high energy efficiency with great dependability. This movement delivers outstanding performance, particularly in terms of precision, power reserve, convenience, and reliability.