Datejust

Choosing a pre-owned Datejust
Rolex introduced the Datejust in 1945. The recipe has barely changed since the Cyclops date magnifier was added in the 1950s: an Oyster case, a date window, and a choice of bezel and bracelet. The differences between generations are in the movement, the crystal, and how solid the case and bracelet feel.
Datejust 36
This is the original size. These are the main generations you'll see in our inventory:

1601 and 1603: vintage references with an acrylic crystal and a non-quickset date, which advances by turning the hands through midnight.
16013, 16014: introduced a sapphire crystal and a quickset date. Made from the late 1970s to the late 1980s.
16233, 16234, 16220: the caliber 3135 generation, made from the late 1980s into the 2000s.
116233, 116234, 116200: same size, but a heavier case and a bracelet with solid end links.
126233, 126234: current production, with the caliber 3235 and a power reserve of about 70 hours.

On five- and six-digit references, the last digit tells you the metal: 0 is steel, 3 is yellow Rolesor (steel and yellow gold), 4 is steel with a white gold bezel, 1 is Everose Rolesor, and 8 is yellow gold.
Datejust 41
The Datejust 41 (126300, 126334, 126333, 126301) arrived in 2016–2017 with the caliber 3235. It replaced the Datejust II (116300, 116333, 116334), which has the same 41mm diameter but a wider bezel and larger hour markers. If you want the bigger case with classic proportions, choose a 1263xx. If you like a bolder dial, look at the Datejust II.
Datejust 26 and 31
The 26mm ladies' size covers references such as the 6917, 69173, 69178 and 79163. The 31mm midsize, for example the 68278, sits between the ladies' and men's sizes. It works well as a dress watch on smaller wrists. Also see our Lady-Datejust collection.
What to check
Look for crisp edges on the fluted bezel, stretch in older Jubilee bracelets, and dial originality. Several Datejusts in our inventory have aftermarket diamond dials or bezels, and most of them say "custom" or "iced out" in the title. For any diamond-set watch, ask us to confirm whether the diamonds are factory or aftermarket before you buy.
Datejust FAQ
Should I choose the Datejust 36 or 41?
The 36 wears close to the original 1940s proportions and suits most wrists. The 41 has more presence on larger wrists. Come in and try both. The difference is easier to feel than to read about.
What does "quickset" mean?
You can change the date directly with the crown instead of turning the hands through 24 hours. On the Datejust, Rolex introduced it with the 160xx references.
Is the fluted bezel solid gold?
Yes. On Rolex Datejusts the fluted bezel is 18k gold. It's white gold on steel models and yellow or Everose gold on two-tone and gold models.
Are the diamond dials original?
Some are, and some are not. A Rolex factory diamond dial and an aftermarket one can look similar in photos. Ask us which one a specific watch has. We will tell you before you buy.
Which Datejust references are in stock?
The grid above is live: what you see is what we have. Recent stock has included the 16233, 16013, 16014, 126300, 126334, 126333 and 69173. Stock changes often.