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, including the 116233. 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 features 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, COSC-certified chronometer with an approximate 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 and timeless 36 mm size.
The detail of this watch, as indeed of all modern Rolex watches we have had the opportunity to present, is truly impressive. Starting with the incredible dial, which under certain angles almost seems to disappear – in this case, we are talking about a silver dial with 10 high-quality diamonds serving as hour markers – creating the overall impression that the hands and markers are “floating” in the air in a kind of weightlessness. The silver colour changes its shades depending on the lighting conditions, while the diamond-set markers add an extra touch of elegance and distinction to the watch.
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, together with 18-carat yellow gold. 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 “fluted” type, crafted from solid 18-carat yellow gold, which gives the watch an incredible appearance and a striking presence on your wrist. Combined with the silver dial and diamond-set markers, it creates an exceptionally successful combination of classic elegance and the luxury characteristic of Rolex.
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 five-link Jubilee bracelet, with the centre links made of 18-carat yellow gold and the outer links crafted from Oystersteel. The clasp is the concealed Crownclasp, which creates the impression of an uninterrupted bracelet around the entire wrist and further emphasises the model's elegance. The only thing it lacks, but perhaps only in our opinion, is the possibility of quick micro-adjustment, as found in some of the brand's newer systems. The lug width is 20 mm.
