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 Rolex's most recognizable marks ever.
In 2018, Rolex introduced the new generation Rolex Datejust 31. This line of timepieces offers the features of the original and iconic Rolex Datejust in a more modern design and, of course, includes some innovations. One of the most significant differences is the movement - the Datejust 31 has the honor of carrying the new calibre 2236, which has an increased power reserve of 55 hours, a seriously improved automatic winding system where the rotor is now on a ball 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 2236 has 14 integrated patents and more than 90% new components, and it is also twice as precise as an official COSC chronometer.
Not for nothing, the Datejust is the brand's most popular and recognizable model after the iconic Submariner – and the Datejust 31 allows this popularity to be presented in a contemporary interpretation and in a suitable size for the better half of humanity. This particular watch is in the great and relatively hard-to-find combination – a pink dial with a sunburst finish (which Rolex calls the Pink Roman dial) with Roman numerals for markers and a Jubilee bracelet.
Indeed, the detail of this watch (as with all modern Rolexes we have had the opportunity to examine, by the way) is impressive. A detailed inspection reveals the fine craftsmanship, and the overall impression is very aristocratic. Starting with the incredible dial (in the case of the watch presented, it is the so-called "Pink Roman dial" used by Rolex in few models), moving on to the classic 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 – a noble combination of brushed and polished steel of the highest grade, 904L. The bezel is the so-called "fluted" and is made of 18-carat white gold and of course the bracelet, or whatever you call it – as can be expected from a Rolex, it is really good, in this case, it is the new Jubilee bracelet with a polished 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 our opinion) is the Sub's GlideLock clasp, but here the so-called EasyLink is fitted, which allows for micro-adjustment with an additional 5 mm - 20mm at the lugs, the specific bracelet has 10 links, and will fit a wrist up to 18 cm.
