Basel 2009 - Rolex 41mm & 36 mm Datejusts

Datejust II. The most significant watch released by Rolex at Baselworld 2009 was the 41mm Rolex Datejust II. We new we would eventually see this watch, although we thought Rolex would lets its Day-Date II enjoy the 41mm lime light alone for a bit longer.

Four different models of the Datejust II are displayed on Rolex's website. But before we look at the differences, we have to express a bit of disappointment at the similarities. All four watches have fluted bezels and Oyster bracelets. A bit of a mistake we think, so we have always felt that the fluted bezel looked best with the Jubillee bracelet, while the smooth or domed bezels looked best with the Oyster bracelet.

Rolex Datejust II. Picture from European Watch Co.

The Oyster bracelet is also the most common of Rolex bracelets. If we were launching a new Datejust, we would have done it with the Jubillee bracelet. For most of the world, a two-tone watch with a Jubillee bracelet is what most people recognize as a Rolex.

Something green. Since Basel 2004, Rolex has brought out something green. GMT Master II brought it green theme with the green 24-hours hand and "GMT Master II" lettering on the dial from 2004 to 2007, the green theme Anniversary Submariner graced the floors of Basel in 2006, and in 2008, we had the green glassed Milgauss 116400GV.


For 2009, well we have green Roman numbers on the new two-tone 41mm Datejust II. Noticeable is the use of a baton marker at the nine o'clock position. Clearly, this is done to have a luminescent reference from the luminescent hands. In previous Rolex Datejust watches with Roman numbers, no luminescence was used in the hands and hour markers.

Arabic and baton markers. Two of the other Rolex Datejust II shown on Rolex's site have Arabic numerals. One in two-tone, the other in white gold and stainless steel.


Of course, there is also a model with traditional batton markers.


Only four? No, Rolex will release more variants of Datejust II's this year with different colored dials and markers, but the three basic configurations are what you see above. It looks like a Jubillee bracelet or a smooth bezel will have to wait till 2010.

A change in the wind. This article is continued here.