Rolex Datejust, the story of an innovative watch
The story of the Datejust watch begins in 1945 on the occasion of Rolex's fortieth anniversary. The famous Swiss manufacturer was determined to revolutionise the watchmaking world. To do so, it created the first wristwatch with a date display: the Datejust. This watch was particularly innovative in that it was the first waterproof wristwatch with automatic winding. In its first version, the Datejust mechanism performed a complete rotation when it turned midnight in order to move the date forward to the next day. This original model was only available in 18-carat gold. It was fitted with a water-resistant Oyster case, a fluted bezel and the all-important Jubilee bracelet. All these distinctive features made the Rolex Datejust watch stand apart. Always evolving with the times, this exceptional timepiece has been transformed over the years while still managing to retain the features that first made it such a success. In 1954, the famous Cyclops magnifying glass was added to the Swiss model. To appeal to the female market, the watch became available in smaller, slimmer models from 1957. Called Lady Datejust, this new series offered a more elegant and refined design. In 2009, almost 65 years after it was first created, the Datejust range was expanded with new models with a 41mm diameter. Called Datejust II, this new series featured a redesigned mechanism and an Oyster bracelet. In 2016, Rolex continued to build on the success of the Datejust, which has become one of its flagship ranges, and released another new model called Datejust 41. While adopting many of the features and dimensions of the Datejust II, it introduced a thinner bezel. This is just one example of the many innovations and transformations that enabled Rolex Datejust watches to remain popular over the years, and it's now one of the most sought-after timepieces of its kind.
Rolex Datejust, a legendary watch across many designs
If the Rolex Datejust has become an exceptional watch, it's because it has been able to continually reinvent itself. Take the case first of all, which is available in several different dimensions: from 36 to 41mm for men's watches and from 26 to 31mm for women's models. In terms of design, this collection offers some models with simple, classic features, equipped, for example, with a fluted bezel and Roman numerals. Other, more prestigious, models are available with diamonds set into the bezel or even into the dial. As far as the materials are concerned, Rolex favours high-end options. Unlike other Rolex watches, the Datejust has been remodelled countless times. So there are women's versions with diamonds, more imposing models in stainless steel and fitted with an Oyster bracelet and even two-tone models combining steel and gold. As for the dial, it is sometimes a simple gold or cream colour. Or it can stand out and be more original in chocolate, grey, pink and even a floral pattern.
Rolex Datejust: aesthetics and performance
All Rolex Datejust watches are equipped with self-winding calibres. As demonstrated by the different personalities who have worn the Rolex Datejust, this watch can adapt to any situation, including the most extreme. It is very resistant with scratchproof sapphire glass. As for the calibres developed by the Swiss watchmaker specially for the Datejust, they are renowned for their great precision and unfailing reliability. Therefore it is only natural that this exceptional luxury watch should be worn by dynamic sportsmen and women such as tennis players, pilots, aviators and golfers. Considered to be one of the most beautifully classic watches of the 20th century, the Datejust has proved to be timeless. With its chic yet simple design, it has managed to pass through the ages and still remain inimitable in both its style and its quality. Always easily recognisable, this collection is truly timeless.