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 date indication more legible and clear, and this feature became one of the most recognizable Rolex hallmarks of all.
In 2009, Rolex introduced the Rolex Datejust II. This line of watches offers the features of the original and iconic Rolex Datejust in a more streamlined and modern design and includes new innovations. One of the most significant differences between the Rolex Datejust and the Rolex Datejust II is, of course, the size – the new one is 41 mm, significantly larger and follows the new trends for larger watch cases. The other difference is the movement - the Datejust II has the honor of carrying within it the caliber 3136, made by the brand exclusively for this model - an in-house movement with Paraflex anti-shock protection, a Parachrom hairspring, a COSC certified chronometer with a 48-hour power reserve, operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour.
Not for nothing is the Datejust the most popular and recognizable model of the brand after the cult Submariner – and the Datejust II allows this popularity to be presented in a contemporary interpretation. The specific watch is in a very rare and very hard-to-find combination – a blue dial with hour markers.
Indeed, the detail of this timepiece (as with all modern Rolexes I have had the opportunity to examine) is impressive. Starting with the incredible dial (in the case of the watch presented, it is the impressive blue dial with Roman numerals, not only for its color but also for its so-called sunburst effect and Bright Blue color) which at certain angles seems to be absent - from which the overall impression is as if the hands and markers are 'suspended' in the air in some kind of weightlessness. Moving on to the incredible sapphire with the 'Cyclops' – in this case, the brand's highest grade of 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 the bezel – an incredible combination of brushed highest-grade 904L 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). The bezel is in the brand's characteristic 'fluted' style, which gives an incredible radiance and has nothing in common with the other Datejust II 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 made of a precious alloy further reinforces the overall impression! 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 central link and a solid clasp, crafted from a single piece of steel (and not from bent sheet metal, as is the case with most brands) – the only thing it lacks (but only in my opinion) is the GlideLock clasp of the Sub, but here it has the so-called EasyLink which allows for micro-adjustment with the additional 5 mm - 20mm at the lugs, and its full size includes 5 links towards the '6 o'clock' side of the case (of which 2 are removable) and 7 links towards the '12 o'clock' side (of which 4 are removable).
