Everything you need to know about the Rolex DateJust

The next major update came much later in 1970 when Rolex introduced the very famous calibre 3035 movement. The new movement featured a quickset date function so you could now change the date independently of moving the hands. The DateJust was now becoming more practical as well as dressy, it still however retained the same 5 digit references numbers. 

Rolex also made a DateJust powered by a quartz movement, reference 17000, to compete within the watch industry during the quartz crisis. However, it was not produced for long as Rolex decided to stick with their heritage and continue to make classic and elegant timepieces rather than conform to social pressure.

Then in 1988 a new generation emerged which saw the introduction of the reference 162xx instead of the previous 160xx. The movement was upgraded to 3135 which was almost identical to the previous movement but the new one had better accuracy in terms of keeping time. The most noticeable update to this generation however is not on the inside but on the outside. 

The older models all featured an acrylic crystal which was easily scratched and damaged, hence they introduced the sapphire crystal in 1988. This provided the Rolex DateJust with greater durability compared to the previous ones and was much harder wearing giving it a more sporty feel.

2009 saw the replacement of the Datejust with the DateJust II. This was a major change within the evolution of the DateJust, it went from having a few classic models to now having an overwhelming amount of choices for creating your DateJust. Before you could only have a fluted bezel, but now you could choose between a fluted, smooth or gem set bezel. Many dial colours became available and the oyster bracelet was added as a sporty alternative to the classy jubilee bracelet. Both bracelets featured the same clasp with the 5mm easy link extension, the oyster bracelet featured a three link design with polished centre links. 

Rolex added a twin lock crown to the oyster case giving it 100 metres of water resistance. Now the DateJust could be worn more casually and even in a sporty environment like wearing it swimming. Whilst not benign a dive watch, it was now more than capable to be worn whilst swimming in pools, the sea or in a hot tub. The DateJust II was also given an update inside with the new calibre 3136 beating inside of it. This new movement featured Rolex’ parachrom hairspring and paraflex shock absorbers which earnt the calibre 3136 COSC certification. 

The DateJust II really was a massive update for the DateJust lineup going from a dressy watch to now an all-rounder capable of being at home on your wrist during sports, casual setting and formal events. When you look at the DateJust II you can tell it apart from all the other generations, it has a beefy case to provide the 100m water resistance and the dial is ever so slightly smaller due to the case and bezel being thicker. The stick hour markers were made larger and the date window was further away from the edge of the dial which made the dial look even smaller. The lugs are wider compared to any other DateJust model and just had a larger look to it overall.

In 2016 Rolex got rid of their successful DateJust II line and replaced it with the DateJust 41 because, well you guessed it, it was in 41mm. They refined the case and made it slimmer, the DateJust II shared very similar proportions to that of the Rolex Milgauss (ref. ) which has a larger case with wider lugs. The new DateJust 41 had the lugs slimmed down for a more elegant appearance and the thinner case allowed it to slide beautifully under any dress shirt.

However, Rolex focused mostly on the interrorior of the watch when it came to this update, they replaced the 3135 with the new 3235. The calibre 3235 which had over 14 patented parts to it with a superlative chronometer certification. The new movement was slightly slimmer and more accurate than the previous 3136, but this is only a very small improvement in accuracy which you probably won’t really notice. The reference changed from the 116334 for the DateJust II to the new 126300 for the new DateJust 41.

The 36mm case size comes with the most amount of options when it comes to dials. The new “Motif” dial consists of a palm tree benign engraved on the dial which is available in the colour options above. The 36mm case size is also truest to the original DateJust like the no-date Submariner is truest to the original release of the model. This is something a purist may want to consider when deciding between case sizes if both the 41 and 36 for your wrist. The large range of metal options for your Rolex gives you all the options you need to create the perfect watch for all your daily needs. 

The prices of a 2022 DateJust vary from 7,000 usd all the way up to just under 20,000 dollars. You really can make the perfect watch for yourself or a loved one with the endless options available to you. Like with most jewellery when it comes to the “hers' ' side of things,the options are plentiful with prices ranging from low 5 thousands all the way up to high 30! Diamonds no diamonds, pearls no pearl, gold no gold, the options are endless, the dial colour variations allow you to create a rainbow if you wanted to so you can get the perfect datejust for yourself and your partner. 

Whether you want a full steel model or a combination of steel and gold, the DateJust in 2022 can easily hold up and be made to suit your everyday needs. The refined lugs and slim case make it a perfect dress watch and the lume, date, time accuracy and strong movement make it a durable watch that can be worn and enjoyed.