- The first Rolex Datejust was released in 1945.
- The Datejust was the first Rolex watch to offer the famous Jubilee bracelet.
- Since then he has become one of the brand’s leading models.
Since its inception in London at the turn of the 20th century, few luxury watchmakers have been able to come close to Rolex, one of the most recognizable and exclusive brands in the world. Rolex, founded by Hans Wilsdorf in 1905, got its name because Wilsdorf wanted the name to be universal around the world and short enough to adorn watch dials. The Rolex was an onomatopoeia, mirroring the sound of the watch being wound.
Whether it’s creative SubmarineOr the elegant or avant-garde Day-Date GMT Master IIThere is a Rolex watch to suit everyone. They are not just tools for telling time, but a symbol of one’s achievements and status. Prices may change with each year, but Rolex’s inherent appeal is remarkably timeless.
In this Rolex Datejust condition.
Rolex Submariner 2024 features
| specification | details |
|---|---|
| price | AUD 14,200 – AUD 17,600 |
| Case diameter | 31mm, 36mm, 41mm |
| Materials | Oystersteel, 18 ct white gold, yellow gold, everose gold |
| Jobs | Time, operating seconds, date function with instant date change |
| Ordering options | Bright blue, slate, bright black, mint green, silver, white; With variations of the hour markers including rectangular indices, Roman numerals and diamonds |
| bezel | Grooved, domed |
| a movement | Rolex Caliber 3235 automatic movement with approximately 70 hours power reserve |
| Water resistance | 100 meters / 330 feet |
| Bracelet | Available with an Oyster or Jubilee bracelet, both featuring an Oyster clasp with Easylink 5mm comfort extension link |
A brief history of the Rolex Datejust
Related stories
This pioneering feature was made possible by Rolex’s perpetual movement and cemented Rolex’s early position as an industry leader within High-end watches – Preserved condition to this day.
The first Datejust was unveiled as part of Rolex’s 40th anniversary celebration and was available exclusively in a 36 mm diameter and made entirely of gold until the collection later expanded to include other sizes and precious materials. Each Datejust used what has now become distinctive Jubilee bracelet Since its launch, Rolex has offered wearers an original design that maintains the comfort and signature appeal of the brand.
History in popular culture
From world leaders like Winston Churchill, who famously wore a gold Datejust during his tenure as British Prime Minister, to cultural icons like Paul Newman, the Rolex Datejust has been a mainstay in popular culture since its release in the middle of the century – an innovative piece of watchmaking history. Preferred by famous celebrities over 75 years.
In the world of cinema, the timeless elegance of the Datejust has made it a favored choice for fashion designers aiming to portray affluence and taste. in American PsychoFor example, Christian Bale’s character’s obsession with status and luxury is reflected in his choice of watch (although we can’t say for certain that this was related to Batman’s tendencies).
Likewise, in Martin Scorsese’s 1990 gangster film Good guysPaul Sorvino’s character wears a gold Datejust watch to embody the opulence of the gangster’s lifestyle.
Contact with sports
Although the Rolex Datejust is not inherently a sports watch like the Rolex Submariner or Daytona, it carries an undeniable connection to the world of sports, and is often gifted to champions and high performers for their enduring achievements.
Its inherent style and charm have made the Rolex Datejust one of the most sought-after pieces in a collector’s catalogue. With the resumption of the Australian Open this year in Melbourne, Australia, the Rolex Datejust has found a new home in the world of tennis, with Rolex Ambassador Roger Federer famously wearing the watch while presenting awards. Scroll up, that’s Roger’s wrist in the photo.
Likewise, the Datejust has appeared at many prestigious events, including golf tournaments such as the Open Championship, where Rolex continues to serve as the official timekeeper.
Where to buy a Rolex Datejust
The Rolex Datejust, like most Rolex models, can be purchased from official Rolex boutiques and authorized Rolex dealers such as Kennedy In Australia. Of course, new models can be hard to come by these days, with waiting lists reaching record levels amid limited supply and increased demand.
Alternatively, you can get the model you want from a trusted seller such as Chrono24. It’s a different experience for sure. But you can find the exact model and year you want without having to wait for limited in-store availability.
1. Rolex Datejust (1945) Ref. 4467
Often referred to as the “Golden Jubilee,” celebrating Rolex’s 40th anniversary, the first Rolex Datejust was launched in 1945 and has since become one of the Swiss watches. Manufactures The most famous references in history. This model revolutionized watchmaking by introducing an instant date change mechanism, setting a new standard for wristwatches that we still use to this day. Before then, watch wearers had to manually adjust their watches each day to match the correct date, a long and arduous task they had to do every morning.
Like the original Datejust, the Ref. 4467 is a piece of watchmaking history, and has become a great collector’s item. It was available exclusively in yellow gold and was the first time the brand’s now famous Jubilee bracelet had appeared on Rolex wristwatches.
Rolex Datejust (1959) Ref. 1601
The year 1601 saw Rolex introduce the now famous fluted bezel of the Datejust for the first time. Originally, the grooves of the Oyster bezel were used to secure the bezel to the case to ensure the watch is waterproof. Since then it has become the hallmark of this collection – a lasting mark of quality, elegance and luxury.
Dubbed the “Pie-Pan Datejust” due to its concave dial design that resembles a pie pan (we know there have certainly been more inspiring nicknames given to Rolex models over the years), this 1959 was the embodiment of mid-century Rolex craftsmanship. Complete with a Rolesor design (a combination of stainless steel and gold) giving it a timeless aesthetic.
It is worth noting that this was the first Rolex watch in history to feature a Cyclops lens, which is a small convex lens placed on the crystal to magnify the date.
Rolex Datejust (1988) ref. 16233
In the late 1980s, Rolex introduced the Caliber 3135 to the two-tone Datejust for the first time, an in-house COSC-certified automatic movement that would serve as the flagship movement for Rolex watches for the next 30 years. He beat it in 2015 with 3,235.
This legendary 16233 movement has earned a reputation as one of the Swiss brand’s most reliable and versatile pieces in its catalogue, combining traditional design with modern engineering to appeal to collectors around the world.
Rolex Datejust (2017) ref. 126334
The current flagship model of the Datejust line is the Ref. 126334 is an undoubted favorite among the watch community; A combination of all the Datejusts that came before it. It features the same venerable lineage as its predecessors, featuring the brand’s iconic Rolesor design (stainless steel and 18k white gold) with an Oyster or Jubilee bracelet.
Under the hood, the 126334 is powered by the cutting-edge caliber 3235, Rolex’s latest generation in-house movements that the Swiss brand claims are two times more accurate than an officially certified chronometer. Available in 31mm, 36mm and the classic 41mm for contemporary tastes, this modern version is the pinnacle of the Datejust range and deserves inclusion in our list of most popular models.
