It seems ironic to call a watch ‘timeless’ in its design and aesthetic – yet as soon as you start talking with watch enthusiasts about the Rolex Datejust, they can often come up with no better or more accurate word to describe the finish.
When it launched in 1945, the Rolex Datejust was the first timepiece of its kind to deliver both the time and date, in a waterproof structure with automatic winding and full chronometer-certification.
Since then, it has developed into one of Rolex’s leading collection and remains one of the most popular and in-demand among buyers from all walks of life. Where other manufacturers have embraced trend and straddled their vision with fashion, the Rolex Datejust is built on simplicity and uses this as one of its underlying selling points.
Key Features of the Rolex Datejust
The Rolex Datejust was released as the first ever wristwatch with an automated date change which happened at the stroke of midnight every night.
Small features have been added since the release of the first model, including the addition of the cyclops lens to make reading the date easier, and the introduction of the Turn-O-Graph with rotating bezel to measure time elapsed.
Over time since the release of the first ever Datejust wristwatch, many of the features that were designed for the Datejust have become standard across the entire Rolex collection. Small details like the aforementioned cyclops lens which zooms in on a part of the dial, the Jubilee bracelet, and the two-wone metal bracelet were rolled out across other timepieces developed by Rolex.
What’s more, because the Datejust is regarded as a typically decorative watch (when compared with functional pieces like the Submariner, GMT-Master, and other Professional watches) its aesthetic features are elegant and chosen to have a visual impact. The bezel, while generally smooth or fluted, can be enhanced with diamonds and sapphires, while the variety of sizes and diameters creates the right finish and balance for every wearer.
But one thing that remains amid the upgrades and the variety in styles and aesthetics is the underlying simplicity of this wristwatch in terms of how it looks and how it is used. Even the most complex of mechanisms built into the back of the watch do nothing to impact its clean design and the fact that the Datejust is perfect for all occasions.
What Makes the Rolex Datejust a Good Investment?
So, why is the Rolex Datejust a good investment?
When you start to dissect the Rolex brand, you start to uncover why the Datejust is such a core part of the brand’s history. While many of the professional models and Rolex collections were built with very clear underlying intentions and uses, the Rolex Datejust was developed and enhanced to become an everyday tool for watch enthusiasts.
Because it took all the best bits of Rolex’s engineering at the time and embedded it into a wearable and stylish accessory, it remains one of the most versatile in the collection. Vintage and modern models alike boast the same commitment to style – which is perhaps Rolex has created an entire campaign around how the Datejust can become a part of anyone’s success.
In this campaign, Rolex shares insight into some of the big names who wear a Rolex Datejust as part of their look – all the while underpinning the very simple fact that the Datejust watch can be worn by anyone for any reason.
And that’s before we even start to consider the investment potential of a wristwatch which has become such a focal point and staple in the world of luxury accessories. With such a low supply of watches coming from both Rolex and the second hand market, and with demand remaining high, the price of any authentic Datejust model is consistently increasing.
Buying an authentic and genuine Rolex Datejust isn’t just a style staple – it’s owning a piece of watchmaking history. The Rolex Datejust transformed the industry by becoming the first wristwatch to execute a perfect automated date change and embrace the value of waterproof casing and other mechanics.
Find your perfect Datejust, either as an everyday accessory of your very own investment piece of watchmaking history, with the help of a local reputable reseller.