Released in 1945 to celebrate Rolex’ 40th anniversary, the Datejust has become one of the Geneva-based watchmaker’s most iconic watches. One of the primary innovations present in the Datejust was the fact that the date was on display in a window and that it was always ‘just’ – how the name was created. This was a big step forward at the time as the Datejust was the first watch to have an automatically changing date function that wasn’t another hand pointing to the date along the dial periphery.
The Rolex Datejust ref. 126234 is the latest Datejust from the Crown and is part of their current lineup. With a sunburst silver dial, this example is as classic and no-nonsense as a Datejust can get.
In addition to its other firsts, the Datejust was also the first Rolex watch to carry the iconic Jubilee bracelet, which is also seen on the example I have here. Designed and explicitly named for the anniversary, the Jubilee bracelet has become a ubiquitous Rolex design choice from their dressier options like the Datejust to sportier models like the GMT-Master II.
Even though it wasn’t designed for any specific use like the Daytona was for car racing or the Submariner for diving, the Datejust was an instant success due to its dressy yet everyday wear friendly design. The utility offered by its date function, the clarity of its dial, and the ability for the watch to take daily wear and tear made it a fan-favorite.
Today the Datejust has become one of Rolex’s most recognizable watches. With its iconic Jubilee bracelet, cyclops lens, and fluted white gold bezel, the 2019 example I have here even come in the classic 36mm case size which qualifies it as the perfect everyday watch for both, men and women alike.
