When the first Rolex Datejust was introduced in 1945 – the year of the brand's 40th anniversary – it made history as the first self-winding, waterproof, certified chronometer with a date indication on the dial. The “Cyclops” was added in 1953 to magnify the date display two and a half times, making it clearer and easier to read, and this feature has since become one of the most recognisable characteristics of Rolex watches in general.
Naturally, Rolex could not overlook the fairer half of humanity and introduced ladies' versions of the Datejust in several different sizes and countless variations of bracelets, bezels and dials. The example presented today comes in one of the most elegant sizes – 28 mm – and perhaps in the best combination (at least in our opinion): stainless steel and yellow gold, the classic fluted bezel, a silver dial with 10 diamond hour markers and a Jubilee bracelet.
This particular model belongs to the Lady-Datejust 28 generation, introduced in 2015. One of its most interesting characteristics is Rolex's in-house automatic Calibre 2236, equipped with the patented Syloxi silicon hairspring and Paraflex shock protection system. The movement offers an approximate power reserve of 55 hours, while its Superlative Chronometer certification guarantees an accuracy of −2/+2 seconds per day after casing – further proof that behind the elegant appearance lies serious watchmaking.
The details of this watch (as indeed of all modern Rolex watches we have had the opportunity to present) are truly impressive. A closer inspection reveals the jewellery-like craftsmanship, while the overall impression is exceptionally aristocratic. Starting with the incredible dial – in this particular example, we are talking about a special silver dial set with 10 high-quality diamonds, mounted in 18-carat gold settings. The sunray finish creates exceptionally beautiful reflections and changes its shades depending on the lighting conditions, while the diamond hour markers further emphasise the distinguished character of the watch.
Moving on to the classic sapphire crystal with “Cyclops”, everything is executed with the precision and attention to detail characteristic of the brand. The scratch-resistant sapphire crystal protects the dial, while the magnifying lens above the date window ensures excellent legibility.
Of course, separate attention must be paid to the case and bezel – a jewellery-like combination of brushed and polished, high-grade 904L steel, which Rolex call Oystersteel, with faceted polished edges and details in certain areas, together with 18-carat yellow gold. As you know, Rolex pay special attention to the steel they use and, for this purpose, have their own metallurgical facilities for producing their precious metal alloys. The brand calls the combination of steel and yellow gold Yellow Rolesor – one of the most classic and recognisable combinations in the history of the Datejust.
The bezel features the brand's characteristic “fluted” design, crafted from 18-carat yellow gold, giving the watch an incredible appearance and making it entirely different from the Datejust with a “smooth bezel” – they are simply different watches! This one has a striking presence on your wrist, and the fact that the bezel is made of solid 18-carat gold further reinforces the overall impression. The combination of yellow gold, a silver dial and diamond hour markers is exceptionally successful and gives the watch a character that is difficult to mistake for any other.
Despite its elegant dimensions, this is a genuine Rolex Oyster – with a screw-down Twinlock crown, solid caseback and water resistance of 100 metres. In this way, the Lady-Datejust combines jewellery-like craftsmanship with the practicality and reliability we expect from every watch bearing the brand's name.
And, of course, the bracelet, strap, chain or whatever you prefer to call it – as one would expect from a Rolex, it is genuinely good... In this case, we are talking about a five-link Jubilee bracelet, with the centre links made of solid 18-carat yellow gold and the outer links crafted from Oystersteel. Particularly interesting is the concealed folding Crownclasp, which creates the impression of an uninterrupted bracelet around the entire wrist. This is an exceptionally elegant solution that perfectly suits the character of the Lady-Datejust and further emphasises the feeling that this watch is not only a precise mechanical instrument but also a genuine piece of jewellery.
