Rolex Datejust 41 Champagne Dial on Jubilee

When the first Rolex Datejust was introduced in 1945 - the year of the brand's 40th anniversary, it made history as the first automatic water resistant certified chronometer with a date on the dial. The "Cyclops" lens was added in 1955 to magnify the date display by two and a half times, thus making the indication more legible and clear, and this feature became one of the most recognizable Rolex hallmarks of all time. In 2009, Rolex introduced the Rolex Datejust II. This line of timepieces offers the features of the original and emblematic Rolex Datejust in a simpler and more 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 shock protection, a Parachrom hairspring, a COSC certified chronometer with a 48-hour power reserve, operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour. In 2017, the brand also introduced the newest version of the model under reference 1263xx. One of the biggest changes is precisely the movement - the new caliber 3235, which has an increased power reserve of 70 hours, a seriously improved automatic winding system where the rotor is now on a bearing, and its efficiency is increased by 15%. As for the lubrication, the reversing 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 the official COSC chronometer. It is not for nothing that the Datejust is the brand's most popular and recognizable model after the iconic Submariner – and the Datejust II allows this popularity to be presented in a contemporary interpretation. The specific timepiece is in the classic combination – a gold dial with luminescent hour markers and a Jubilee bracelet. Truly, 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 presented watch, it is the one named by Rolex the “Champagne-colour dial”), and the luminescent coating in the brand-specific Chromalight. Moving on to the famous sapphire with the “Cyclops” lens – 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 steel of the highest grade 904 L with 18-carat yellow gold (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 18-carat gold further reinforces the overall impression! And of course, the bracelet, or whatever you may call it – as can be expected from a Rolex, it is truly good... In this case, it is the new Oyster bracelet with a solid 18-carat gold center link and a solid clasp, crafted from a single block 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 the so-called EasyLink is fitted, which allows for micro-adjustment with the additional 5 mm - 20mm at the lugs, the specific bracelet has 11 links, and will fit a wrist up to 19.5 mm.