If you could live a life of economic stability, Fulfillment, And health in perfect balance, Wouldn't you be able to enjoy a satisfying life full of ease and confidence without worrying about the gaze of others?

Not that my life is like that... but at least for the moment I wear 'this watch', It feels as if I am under a spell that says 'life is good'.

© Wrist Whisperer

Without the need for showing off, Boasting, Disappointment, Or feeling intimidated, It simply satisfies me with its natural brilliance and sometimes grows in value faster than a bank savings account. That is why, If I were to buy just one, I believe everyone should have at least one Rolex Datejust.

Wait a moment! I must confess
I was short-sighted.

At first, I had no intention of buying a Datejust either. I had my own prejudices, Thinking 'Isn't it a bit old-fashioned?' or 'Isn't Rolex all about divers?'.

Despite that, Over the past three to four years, The watch I have worn the most is the Datejust. Thinking 'I'll wear it again tomorrow anyway', After work my Datejust rests not in a watch box but next to my wallet.

Author's personal Datejust 16014

Looking back now, I regret thinking that way. Let me confess why I consider the Datejust special and why I hope everyone reading this will have at least one.

The Promise of the Datejust
A design true to 'daily luxury'

© Christie's

Starting with the first Ref. 4467 in 1945, The Datejust has continued from vintage to current models and is remembered for its most iconic design. Its symbolic combination is the 'fluted' bezel (a component that protects the edge of the glass) and the 'Jubilee' bracelet.

The fluted bezel, Crafted in 18k gold (white, Yellow, Or (Ever)rose gold), Shines with understated brilliance and naturally draws the eye to the dial behind the glass.

© WatchClub

The current Datejust retains the essence of the original even with a simplified number of links. The 'Jubilee bracelet', Reminiscent of morning dew drops, Offers subtle elegance and a comfortable fit that flows smoothly around the wrist.

© Miltons Diamonds

For reference, The material of the bezel and the center link of the bracelet always match. If the bezel is yellow gold, The center link of the Jubilee bracelet is also yellow gold.

© WatchClub

However, If the bezel is white gold, The entire bracelet is stainless steel. This combination of steel and gold for the case and bracelet is called Rolesor.

© Wind Vintage

The Birth of the Datejust
From 'good' to 'luxury' watchmaker

© Craft + Tailored

Why did Rolex, Which used to make functional watches like the Oyster Perpetual, Pay attention to 'unnecessary' details such as the fluted bezel?

The Datejust was the hidden intention of Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf. It was the first attempt to create not just a 'good watch' focused on function, But a 'luxury watch'.

© Rolex

So how did Wilsdorf differentiate the Datejust?

Fact 1.
The very first Datejust was released only in 18k yellow gold

© Christie's

Fact 2.
The new model in 1945 was priced at $300. That was at least twice the price of the Submariner and Air-King released eight years later.

Fact 3.
Every Datejust received official chronometer certification (unlike the Submariner)

(The photo below compares a Submariner and Datejust produced in 1963. Watches certified for accuracy by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) have the word "Chronometer" on the lower part of the dial. Of course, The absence of this mark does not mean the movement is of low quality, But it shows how much Rolex valued the Datejust.)

© HQ Milton

Fact 4.
Until the Day-Date debuted in 1957, The flagship model of Rolex was the Datejust

At the debut of the Day-Date in 1957, Compared to the Datejust
© Craft + Tailored, Tropical Watch

Given this historical context, It is clear why vintage Datejusts from the 1950s to 1970s are so highly respected in the market. (Currently, About 20% of the Datejust resale market consists of vintage or neo-vintage models.)

Technical Perfection: More Than Beauty

The true 'daily watch'

The official name of the Datejust is
Oyster Perpetual Datejust.

'Oyster' refers to the robust waterproof case reminiscent of an oyster shell, 'Perpetual' means automatic movement, 'Date' is the date function, And 'Just' refers to the feature where the date changes precisely at midnight.

In short, It is a waterproof watch that always tells the correct date and time, Making it a flawless daily luxury timepiece in terms of function.

Have you not found your lifelong companion yet?

Modern Datejust 126234 / © Monochrome

Did the Datejust, Which you may have thought was not special because you saw it so often, Start to feel a bit more special now?

It may not be a 'hot' song competing for the top spot on the Melon chart, But like a masterpiece that still inspires awe, The Datejust will continue to be loved for the next 80 years, Or even 800 years (am I going too far?).

It is one of the few timepieces that can be worn everywhere from the pool to a year-end gala dinner, And the only watch that gives you a 'certificate' of owning a Rolex, Which has emerged as a new safe asset.

Datejust 36 126234

36mm, Mint Green, Jubilee

Just as 'first love' and 'lifelong companion' are different, The Datejust promises to be the timepiece you will be with forever, And the one you may not have inherited but want to pass on to your children.

Datejust 41 126333

41mm, Champagne, Jubilee

Next Step
Find your perfect Datejust

However, When it comes time to make a purchase, It can be overwhelming to decide which model to choose.

© WatchClub

Yellow gold or white gold bezel? Patterned dial? Matte black or blue? Is it a 1967 vintage or an unworn 2025 model? 26mm, 41mm, Which size is best?

One thing is certain. The perfect Datejust for you is waiting to meet its new owner right now.

Discover your own Datejust today.

Datejust Reference Numbers by Year

* The listed prices are based on the average market price during the specified time frame.