How Many Facts About The Rolex Datejust Do You Know?
The Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36, perhaps Rolex's most iconic watch model, adds new palm and fluted bezel designs to its lineup.
By Gordon Ng,
Fun fact about the Oyster Perpetual Datejust: as one of Rolex’s most emblematic timepieces, it’s got perhaps the most diverse range of sizes and styles available from the Swiss luxury watchmaker.
This year, there are two new dial designs for the Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 – one featuring a palm motif; the other, a fluted pattern, available in a variety of combinations and styles.
How many of these other facts about the Datejust (new and existing) do you know?
The palm motif dial recalls lush tropical forests – perfect for a relaxed, hey-I’m-on-vacay look. It introduces itself on the Datejust 36 this year in three different colours: olive green, silver and golden.
The first step in deciding on a Datejust 36 model is the choice of material. There’s always Oystersteel – a steel alloy unique to the brand – as well as combinations of white, yellow and Everose gold.
You’ll find the new Datejust 36 style options in all of them. The one here? Yup, it’s in full Oystersteel, complete with the three-piece link Oyster bracelet.
When Rolex watches are made in a combination of Oystersteel and gold, the dual-toned result is what the brand calls “Rolesor”. This Datejust 36 with the golden palm dial, for example, is just that with yellow gold on its bezel, crown, polished centre links of the bracelet as well as the hour markers and hands.
The new fluted dial motif is modelled after the distinct grooved bezel signature of the brand’s watches and comes in bright blue, silver and golden coloured dials.
The Datejust paved the way for the inclusion of date windows on wristwatches and boasts what the brand calls the Cyclops lens. Introduced in 1953, this lens magnifies the date display by two-and-a-half times. Naturally it’s on all of this year’s Datejust 36 releases, which hit stores recently.
THE JUBILEE BRACELET, AS IT NAME SUGGESTS, WAS FIRST LAUNCHED TO MARK THE BRAND'S 40th ANNIVERSARY IN 1945
For a dressier Datejust 36, go for the versions with the fluted motif dial and a Jubilee bracelet - just like the one you see here. The supple and comfortable five-piece link metal bracelet was designed and made especially for the launch of the Oyster Perpetual Datejust in 1945. The design has since been synonymous with the watch style.
A version of this article first appeared in FEMALE‘s June 2021 Fashion Activity Book