A jubilee model turns into a primaeval stone
In 1945, the Datejust 36 was presented to mark the company's 40th anniversary. The diameter of the first Datejust was 36 millimetres. To this day, the 36 version is one of the greatest classics in the watch world. The sporty yet elegant style, high robustness, reliability and constant design language make the Datejust 36 a horological icon.
The small-diameter model also has iconic technical status. The Datejust 36 was the first self-winding wristwatch to feature an automatically changing date. To this day, this technical detail characterises not only all Rolex watches but the entire watch world.
Nine Decades of Model Diversity
In the meantime, the Datejust has been in production for a total of nine decades. For this reason, the variety of models is greater than that of almost any other watch. In addition to numerous materials such as stainless steel, yellow, white or Everose gold, there are three model generations recognisable by their reference numbers:
- Four-digit reference numbers from 1945 to 1976: Starting with the first Rolex Datejust 36 mm (Ref. 4467) up to vintage classics like the Ref. 1601 or 1603.
- Five-digit reference numbers from 1977 to 2003: Neo-vintage models such as the Ref. 16200 or the Ref. 16233 with fluted bezel and bi-colour design.
- Six-digit reference numbers since 2004: Modern Rolex Datejust 36; 2019 introduction of the Ref. 126XXX with the latest calibre generation