- Rolex’s first DateJust was released in 1945.
- The Datejust was the first Rolex to introduce the now iconic Jubilee bracelet.
- Since then she 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 world’s most popular, yet exclusive, brands. Founded by Hans Wilsdorf in 1905, Rolex got its name as Wilsdorf wanted the name to be universal throughout the world and short enough to adorn a watch dial. The Rolex was onomatopoeic, reflecting the sound of the watch being wound.
Whether it’s iconic Submarineelegant day date, or trailblazing GMT-Master IIThere’s a Rolex for everyone. They are not just tools for telling time, but a symbol of one’s achievement and status. Prices may change with each horological year, but Rolex’s inherent appeal is timeless.
In this Rolex Datejust condition.
Features of the 2024 Rolex Datejust
A brief history of Rolex history
It was first introduced in 1945, Rolex Datejust It holds a special place in Horological history as the first automatic wristwatch to feature a date display that automatically changed at midnight. These small details, which we all undoubtedly benefit from, have revolutionized the watchmaking industry. Before that, watches with date displays required manual adjustment or displayed the date gradually. It was clanky, inaccurate and downright inadequate.
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This pioneering advantage was made possible by Rolex’s perpetual movement and established Rolex’s early position as an industry leader at home Haute Horlogerie – a condition that has been preserved to this day.
The first Date was unveiled as part of Rolex’s 40th anniversary celebration and was exclusively available in 36mm and made entirely of gold until the collection later expanded to include other sizes and precious materials. Use every date now Iconic Jubilee bracelet Since their release, Rolex Deperers have offered an original design that still retains the brand’s signature comfort and appeal.
History of popular culture
From world leaders like Winston Churchill, who wore a gold date during his tenure as British Prime Minister, to cultural icons like Paul Newman, Rolex dials have been a mainstay in popular culture since their release in the mid-century—an innovative piece of poplar history, favored by notable celebrities after Over 75 years old.
In the world of cinema, DateJust’s timeless elegance has made it a choice for fashion designers aiming to portray affluence and taste. in Myself is an AmericanFor example, Christian Bale’s character’s obsession with status and luxury is reflected through his choice of a watch (although we can’t say for sure that it’s related to Batman’s tendencies).
Likewise, in Martin Scorsese’s 1990 Gangster Dust GoodfellasPaul Sorvino’s character doesn’t set the history of gold to embody the mob lifestyle.
Contact with sports
Although the Rolex Datejust is not inherently a sports watch like a Rolex Submariner or Daytona, it carries an undeniable connection to the world of sports, often gifted to champions and high performers for their enduring achievements.
Its inherent style and charm has seen Rolex grow into one of the most sought-after pieces within a collector’s catalogue. As this year’s Australian Open resumes in Melbourne, Australia, the Rolex Datejust has found a new home in the world of tennis, with Rolex Ambassador Roger Federer wearing the watch during trophy presentations. Scroll up, that’s Ruger’s wrist in the picture.
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 date
The Rolex Datejust, like most Rolex models, can be purchased at official Rolex boutiques and authorized Rolex retailers Kennedy In Australia. Of course, it can be difficult to get your hands on new models these days, with waiting lists reaching record highs amid limited supply and increased demand.
Alternatively, you can get your desired model from a trusted distributor 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”, the celebration of Rolex’s 40th anniversary, the first Rolex date was released in 1945 and has been a Swiss watch ever since. manufacturing Most iconic references in history. This model revolutionized watchmaking by introducing the instant date change mechanism, setting a new standard for the wristwatches we still use to this day. Before then, wearers had to manually adjust their watches each day to align with the correct date – a long and tedious task that had to be done every morning.
As the original date, ref. 4467 is a piece of motor history and has become a sought-after collector’s item. Available exclusively in yellow gold, it was the first time the brand’s now jubilee bracelet had appeared on Rolex wristwatches.
Rolex Datejust (1959) Ref. 1601
The 1601 saw Rolex introduce a now-devastating bezel for the first time. Originally, the oyster bezel fluting provided the weight of the bezel on the case to ensure water resistance of the watch. It has since become a defining feature of this collection – a lasting mark of quality, elegance and luxury.
Nicknamed the “Pancake Datejust” for its concave dial design that resembles a pancake pan (we know, there have certainly been more inspired dials given to Rolex models over the years), this 1959 version was the incarnation of the mid-century Rolex craftsman, complete with design roles. (a combination of stainless steel and gold) which gave it a timeless aesthetic.
Notably, this was the first Rolex watch to feature a Cyclops lens throughout history, 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 its dual-tone history for the first time, a COSC-certified automatic movement that would continue to serve as the flagship movement for Rolex watches for the next 30 years, topped off in 2015 by the 3235.
This legendary 16233 movement has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable and reliable Swiss made pieces in their 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, the Ref. 126334 is an undeniable favorite among the watch community. An amalgamation of all the historical processes that came before. It has the same venerable lineage as its predecessors, and features the brand’s iconic dials (stainless steel and 18K white gold) with an oyster or jubilee bracelet.
Under the hood, 126334 is powered by the state-of-the-art caliber 3235, Rolex’s latest generation in-house movements that the Swiss brand claims are two times more accurate than officially certified chronometers. Available in 31mm, 41mm and 41mm for today’s contemporary tastes, this modern version is the top of the Datejust range and a worthy inclusion on this list of the most popular models.
