When the first Rolex Datejust was introduced in 1945 – the year of the brand’s 40th anniversary – it made history as the first self-winding, waterproof, certified chronometer with a date indication on the dial. The “Cyclops” was added in 1953 to magnify the date display two and a half times, making it clearer and easier to read, and this feature has since become one of the most recognisable characteristics of Rolex watches in general.
In 2004, Rolex began introducing the new generation of Datejust 36 models with six-digit references. This line of watches offered the characteristics of the original and iconic Rolex Datejust in a more modern design, incorporating a number of improvements. One of the most important characteristics of the model is, of course, the movement – the Datejust 36 has the honour of housing the proven Calibre 3135, a Rolex in-house automatic movement with a Parachrom hairspring, COSC chronometer certification, a 48-hour power reserve and an operating frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour.
It is no coincidence that the Datejust is one of the most popular and recognisable models of the brand after the iconic Submariner – and the Datejust 36 allows this popularity to be presented in a contemporary interpretation, while preserving the classic 36 mm size. This particular watch is one of those models that, thanks to their distinctive design, have earned a nickname – in this case because of the colour arrangement of the date indications. Some dates are red, while others are black, alternating on the date disc, and it is precisely for this reason that this interesting version has become known as the “Roulette Date”.
The detail of this watch, as indeed of all modern Rolex watches we have had the opportunity to examine, is truly impressive. Starting with the incredible dial, which under certain angles almost seems to disappear, creating the overall impression that the hands and markers are “floating” in the air in a kind of weightlessness. The markers and hands themselves are made of white gold, further emphasising the high quality of the craftsmanship.
Moving on to the classic sapphire crystal with “Cyclops”, everything is executed with the precision and attention to detail characteristic of the brand. Of course, separate attention must be paid to the case and bezel – an incredible combination of brushed, high-grade 904L steel with faceted polished edges and details in certain areas. As you know, Rolex pay special attention to the steel they use and, for this purpose, have their own foundries for producing their alloys.
The bezel is the so-called “smooth” type, which gives the watch an incredible appearance and a striking presence on your wrist. Combined with the classic proportions of the 36 mm case, it creates a very elegant and timeless appearance.
And of course, the bracelet, strap, chain or whatever you prefer to call it – as one would expect from a Rolex, it is genuinely good. In this case, we are talking about a bracelet with solid links and a substantial clasp, manufactured with impressive precision rather than made from folded sheet metal, as is the case with many other brands. The only thing it lacks, but perhaps only in our opinion, is the Glidelock clasp of the Submariner, although here we do have the so-called Easylink, which allows the bracelet to be easily extended by an additional 5 mm. The lug width is 20 mm.
