4 Things that have Made The Rolex Datejust So Popular

Many luxury watches are designated as “classics”. It is the status that a timepiece has to earn moderately.

However, the fact is most watch enthusiasts or collectors would accord this label to the iconic Rolex Datejust without any further thought.

The Rolex Datejust is a prototype of technical wonder and influential design that could fit in seamlessly in any instance.

Today, we will be exploring the significant factors that have made the Rolex Datejust such an icon in the watch industry, thriving for over 75 years.

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Intriguing History

In 1945, Rolex introduced the Datejust to celebrate its 40th anniversary. Available in yellow gold, the watch flaunted a 36mm case diameter and a cream dial.

• The Rolex Datejust ref. 4467 is the first automatic and water-resistant watch with a date window.
• However, the watch was equipped with the most intricate Jubilee bracelet.
  While the case of the Datejust 4467 featured an increased curvature, the reference was nicknamed as the “Big Bubbleback”.
• By the 1950s, Rolex upgraded its movements that eventually slimmed down the watch.
• Moreover, the brand fitted the Datejust with a magnifying “Cyclops” lens over the date display.

Rolex has made several improvements over the years. But a contemporary Datejust watch bears similar aesthetics and design features like the initial model introduced many generations ago.

Fascinating Design

The Rolex Datejust is available in different metal options, sizes, dial colours, and bracelet and bezel style.

• The Datejust with a steel case, smooth bezel coupled with an Oyster bracelet and a monochrome dial, offers an understated and modest look.
• On the contrary, the Rolex Datejust in Rolesor or solid gold, embellished with diamonds and flaunting the more intricate 5-link Jubilee bracelet can make you stand out of the crowd.

Today, the iconic model is available in a larger 41mm case size. However, it retains the classic proportions of its time-honoured and versatile profile.

The Rolex Datejust range now includes nearly five different sizes –

• The Rolex Lady-Datejust with 28mm case diameter
• A “mid-size” 31mm version
• A 34mm Date variant
• The classic 34mm version
• The full-size 41mm Datejust.

Marked Associations

The marketing strategy of Rolex has always been unrivalled. In fact, the brand is allegedly better in selling its watches than producing watches.

From the very beginning, Rolex has perceived the advantage of associating their watches with noteworthy figures of the day.

• When Rolex released its 100,000th model (a rose gold Datejust) in 1948, the manufacturer gifted it to the British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.
• However, another Datejust (the 150,000th piece) was presented to Dwight D Eisenhower in 1951.
• Moreover, while Rolex cemented its elite status with endorsements from historical luminaries, the Datejust was typically the first embracing model.

Noteworthy figures who appreciated the Datejust’s classic styling also include the Dalai Lama and Dr Martin Luther King Jr.

The Rolex Datejust also flaunted the wrist of Paul Newman during his Oscar-winning role in “The Color of Money” as Fast Eddie Felson.

Top-notch Development

Rolex has hardly changed the outward appearance of the Datejust over the years. The internal mechanism of the watch has, however, been kept at the forefront.

• The Datejust was the first to house the iconic movements like the Calibre 3035 and Calibre 3135.
• However, the modern Datejust 36mm and 41mm run on the next-generation Calibre 3235.
• This movement is protected by 14 patents, featuring the patented Chronergy escapement, Blue Parachrom hairspring, and Paraflex shock absorbers.
• It offers a 70-hours power reserve.

However, the Calibre 3235 features Blue Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorbers, offering precision up to -2/+2 seconds per day.

Overall, the Rolex Datejust possesses the most influential legacy, different styles, and the most upgraded mechanics.

If we are asked to name a timepiece that has admittedly earned the label “iconic”, it would be the Rolex Datejust.

More interestingly, all these aspects make the Datejust also highly popular and coveted among second hand watch collectors or buyers.

Potential watch buyers are often willing to pay the highest price for a used Rolex Datejust, especially if it is in good condition.

If you are looking to sell your Rolex Datejust or any other Rolex model, fill up this online form now and get the most competitive quote immediately.