Rolex Datejust

Rolex is perhaps one of the most recognizable names in the watch industry, and their sports models in the Oyster Perpetual line are just as easy to identify. Walk into any jewelry store or ORJ in the world and you’ll see these watches given pride of place. When confronted with case upon case of the Submariner or the GMT Master, you could be forgiven for thinking that Rolex ever produced anything else. And then there’s the Datejust. Launched in 1945, the 40th anniversary or jubilee of Rolex, the first reference of Datejust had all the hallmarks of a dress watch. For starters, it was only offered in yellow gold with a yellow gold bracelet that took on the nickname “Jubilee.” Elegant touches like the applied gold hour markers, the elegant alpha hands, and the lightly-fluted bezel drove home the point that this was a dress watch. However, subtle changes to the model throughout the years launched it into a realm that was not quite as sporty as the Submariner, nor as elegant as the Day-Date. While the steel models speak of an implied sportiness, it’s elegant touches like the fluted bezel or Jubilee bracelet that make it at home when worn with a suit. Offered in two-tone steel and gold, or steel, or pink gold, the Datejust attained a versatility that is seldom matched by any other watch that the brand offers. This watch is a Reference 1601, dating from the mid-1960s. Touches of gold like the Rolesor (steel and yellow gold) bracelet, the bezel, and the applied hour markers give it a decidedly dressy flair. But the case is, as always, a sturdy steel Oyster case, giving it a versatility that will seamlessly transition from night to day.