When the first Rolex Datejust was introduced in 1945 - the year of the brand's 40th anniversary, it made history as the first automatic waterproof certified chronometer with a date on the dial. The "Cyclops" was added in 1955 to magnify the date display by two and a half times, thus making the reading more legible and clear, and this feature became one of the most recognizable marks of Rolex altogether.
In 2018, Rolex introduced the new generation Rolex Datejust 36. This line of timepieces offers the features of the original and emblematic Rolex Datejust in a more modern design and, of course, includes some innovations. One of the most significant differences is the movement - the Datejust 36 has the honor of carrying the new caliber 3235, which has an increased power reserve of 70 h, a seriously improved automatic winding system where the rotor is now on a ball bearing, and efficiency is increased by 15%. As for lubrication, the reverser wheels, as one of the problematic areas in terms of friction, are Teflon-coated! The new 3235 has 14 integrated patents and more than 90% new components, and it is also twice as accurate as an official COSC chronometer. The other is the use of the Everose Rolesor alloy – this is how the brand designates its watches in which the patented rose gold alloy is used, which was first used only on the Daytona.
Not in vain is the Datejust the brand's most popular and recognizable model after the cult Submariner – and the Datejust 36 allows this popularity to be presented in a contemporary interpretation. This particular watch is in the superb and relatively hard-to-find combination – a brown dial (which Rolex calls a “Chocolate dial”) with luminescent markers, rose gold, and an Oyster bracelet.
Indeed, the detail of this timepiece (as, by the way, with all modern Rolexes we have had the opportunity to examine) is impressive. A detailed inspection reveals the jewel-like craftsmanship, and the overall impression is very aristocratic. Starting with the incredible dial (in the presented watch, it is the so-called “Chocolate dial” used by Rolex in few models), and the luminescent coating in the brand-specific Chromalight (which in this case is on the hour markers and hands). Moving on to the classic sapphire with the "Cyclops" – in this case, the brand's highest-grade sapphire is used, which has allowed the overall height of the watch to be reduced compared to its predecessors. Of course, separate attention must be paid to the case and bezel – an aesthetic combination of brushed highest-grade 904 L steel with faceted polished edges and details in places (as you know, Rolex pays special attention to the steel used and for this purpose has its own foundries for the production of all its alloys) and 18-karat rose gold. The bezel is in the brand's characteristic "fluted" style, which gives it a distinctive radiance and has nothing in common with the other Datejust with the "smooth bezel" – they are simply different watches – this one has a killer presence on your wrist, and the fact that the bezel is 18-karat gold further reinforces the overall impression! In this particular case, the new Rolex alloy is used – Everose – this is the name given to the brand's rose gold. And of course the bracelet, the band, the chain, or whatever you call it – as can be expected from a Rolex, it is truly good... In this case, it is the new bracelet with a solid 18-karat gold center link and a solid clasp, crafted from a single block of steel (and not from bent sheet metal, as with most brands) – the only thing it lacks (but only in my opinion) is the GlideLock clasp of the Sub, but here the so-called EasyLink is fitted, which allows for micro-adjustment with the additional 5 mm - 20mm at the lugs, the specific bracelet has 10 links, and will fit a wrist up to 18 cm.
