A milestone in watchmaking history, the Oysterย Perpetual Datejust was the first self-winding waterproof chronometer wristwatch to display the date in a window atย 3ย oโclock on the dial. These numbers are a reminder that though 24ย hours mark a day, itโs on us to make those a date toย remember.
“It is a masterpiece of horological science. It is, in fact, a synthesis of all that has been achieved up to the present day.”
Hansย Wilsdorf,ย 1945
The perfect embodiment of the classic Rolex watch, theย Datejust, launched inย 1945, showcased all the major accomplishments developed to that point by the brand. It thus echoed the quest for excellence of Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf who believed that watchmaking progress should encourage human progress. In a period of great change, peopleโs relationship with time was shifting. Modern life moved to the rhythm of the passing days and was less connected to the seasons. Theย Datejust offers enhanced comfort in terms of legibility and daily timeย management.
Created to improve the legibility of the date, theย Cyclops lens is both an aesthetic and a technical brand signature. This Rolex invention was patented in the earlyย 1950s and presented for the first time inย 1953 on aย Datejust. Its magnifying effect makes the date easier to read. Initially in plexiglass, it has been crafted in sapphire since theย 1970s, likeย theย watchโsย crystal.
Celebrating theย 40thย anniversary of Rolex inย 1945, the Jubileeย bracelet was specially designed for the Datejust. This fluid and comfortable five-piece link metal bracelet is integral to the Datejustโs identity and enhances the timeless elegance of the model. Theย Datejust is also available with an Oysterย bracelet or, on precious metal versions, aย Presidentย bracelet.
The Datejust is constantly reinventing itself. Its varied reinterpretations express and showcase Rolexโs expertise in dial-making. Featuring smooth, domed, fluted or diamond-set bezels, theย Datejust has stylishly spanned eras while perfectly adapting to the personality ofย itsย wearers.
The Datejust has naturally become the watch of our dates with destiny. Day after day, its dial marks a meeting point between the personal course of each wearer and the passing of time. Seen on the wrists of such major figures as Winstonย Churchill, Dwightย D.ย Eisenhower and Martin Lutherย King, theย Datejust has spanned eras without ever losing itsย modernย touch.
Among the Rolex Testimonees associated with the Datejust, we celebrate Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer, Polish tennis player Igaย ลwiฤ tek, Swiss skier Laraย Gut-Behrami and Canadian singer Michaelย Bublรฉ.