When the first Rolex Datejust was introduced in 1945 – the year of Rolex's 40th anniversary – it made history as the first automatic water-resistant 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 Rolex's most recognizable marks ever.
In 2009, Rolex introduced the Rolex Datejust II. This line of timepieces offers the characteristics of the original and iconic Datejust in a more streamlined and modern design and includes new innovations. One of the most significant differences between the Rolex Datejust and the Datejust II is, of course, the size – the new one is 41 mm, significantly larger and following the trend for larger cases. The other essential difference is the movement – the Datejust II features the caliber 3136, developed specifically for the model, with Paraflex shock absorbers, a Parachrom hairspring, a COSC certified chronometer with a 48-hour power reserve and a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour.
In 2017, the brand also introduced the newest version of the model under reference 126300. One of the biggest changes is the movement – the new caliber 3235, which offers an increased power reserve of 70 hours, a significantly improved automatic winding system with a ball-bearing rotor, and a 15% increase in efficiency. In terms of lubrication, the reversing wheels – one of the areas with the highest friction – are Teflon-coated. The new 3235 holds 14 patents and has more than 90% new components, and is also twice as precise as an official COSC chronometer.
It is for good reason that the Datejust is the brand's most popular and recognizable model after the iconic Rolex Submariner – and the Datejust II allows this popularity to be presented in a contemporary interpretation. This particular watch is in the clean and highly sought-after combination – a snow-white dial with luminescent hour markers.
Indeed, the level of detail on this watch (as is the case with all modern Rolexes we have had the opportunity to examine) is impressive. Starting with the dial – in this case, a classic snow-white, with a Chromalight luminescent coating that ensures excellent visibility. Moving on to the sapphire with the "Cyclops," for which the brand's highest-grade sapphire was used, allowing for a lower profile of the watch compared to previous generations.
Of course, the case and bezel deserve special attention – a combination of brushed high-grade 904L steel with faceted, polished edges. As is well known, Rolex pays exceptional attention to the materials used and has its own foundries for the production of its alloys. The bezel is the characteristic "fluted" style, which lends an exceptional presence and clearly distinguishes this model from the smooth bezel variants. The fact that the bezel is made from a noble alloy – the so-called Rolesor, patented by the brand – further enhances the feeling of luxury.
And of course, the bracelet – as one would expect from a Rolex – is of exceptional quality. In this case, it is an Oyster bracelet with a solid clasp, milled from a solid block of steel (and not from bent sheet metal, as with many other brands). The only thing it lacks (perhaps only in our opinion) is the GlideLock system from the Submariner, but the EasyLink is present here, which allows for micro-adjustment with an additional 5–20 mm.
The combination of this dial and this bracelet makes the timepiece truly impressive.
