History of the Rolex Datejust

A contemporary Rolex Datejust

On its 40th Anniversary, Rolex launched a new model, the "Datejust". Launched in 1945, the Datejust was a modified version of the Bubbleback. The Datejust introduced a date function at the 3 o'clock position to the self winding movement. The date wheel contained alternating red and black date markers. Another modification was that the Datejust was fitted with a coin-edged bezel, which evolved into what we now know as the flutted bezzel. At it’s release, the Datejust was the premium watch in the Rolex line-up, until 1956 when Rolex released the Day-Date or President.

A Rolex Datejust reference 1603, manufactured in 1964. This is typical example of Rolex Datejust manufactured from the mid 1950's to the early 1970's. This watch features the original pie pan style dial used in the Bubbleback and later the Datejust. The hands are the early dauphine hands with inlaid tritium. The Steel case features the engine turned bezel which is no longer an option in current Datejusts.

The familiar cyclops on Rolex watches was not always there. It was introduced in 1954, with the Rolex Datejust being the first watch to feature the cyclops. Another variant of the Datejust was released at about the same time. Rolex introduced the Thunderbird model of the Datejust, which we is what we now call the Turn-O-Graph bezel. In the 70’s, a new movement was built to house the quickset feature. Since the new movement had a smaller profile, a new case and dial were also used.

Rolex Datejust Advertisement from 1973

Datejust have have been available in three sizes: 26mm (Ladies); 31mm (Mid-sized) and 36mm. In 2009 a 41mm Datejust was added to the line-up.

A Rolex Datejust from the 1990's with a fluted bezel.

Other Rolex Datejust articles from Precisiontime

Basel 2009: 41mm Rolex Datejust
Rolex Datejust Dial and Marker options
Rolex Datejust
Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph

About Rolex. Rolex SA is a Swiss manufacturer of wristwatches and accessories founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis. Rolex is the largest single luxury watch brand by far, producing over 2000 watches per day. Rolex is the best known and most sought after watch brand in the world.