The 10 Best Rolex Datejust Models of All-Time
Rolex began production of the Datejust model in 1945. The long history of this watch family suggests that it is here to stay. It’s not received as much attention as some other collections, but it is a notable watch that assumed its place in the iconic category, synonymous with quality and practicality, serving as a staple of the brand. Rolex had been in business for 40 years at the time and it was a commemorative watch that would go on to become one of its original collections, evolving with the times, but maintaining its familial DNA. The Datejust is a versatile timepiece with several variants offered through the years. Here are the 10 best Rolex Datejust models of all time for your enjoyment and consideration.
10. Rolex Datejust 41 reference 126333-0019 Price: $12,600-$14,450
The Datejust 41 is a customizable timepiece that you can configure before ordering on the Rolex official website. This variant is on the high end featuring the signature Rolex fluted bezel that screws the front of the watch firmly into the case to enhance its water resistance. Premium quality in materials and workmanship go into the creation of each model from the creation of the sunray finish of the dial to the unique colors achieved through the unique electroplating processes and varnishing. The case is made of Oysterstseel and yellow gold measuring 41 mm in width with a monoblock mid-case, a screw-down style case back, and a winding crown. The Yellow Rolesor is a blend of Oystersteel and yellow gold with a twin lock double waterproofing system for the winding crown for a water resistance rating of 330 feet. It’s powered with a perpetual mechanical self-winding caliber 3235 in-house precision movement. Functions include hour, minute, seconds, date, and stop-seconds. The date window is enhanced with a cyclops lens for magnification over the sapphire crystal lens covering the dial. The power reserve is 70 hours. The bracelet is Yellow Rolesor featuring Oystersteel and yellow gold with a folding Oysterclasp that is fully adjustable.
9. Rolex Datejust Aubergine Diamond Price: $16,050
The Datejust Aubergine Diamond is a member of the Datejust 31 collection. It features a purple sunray Roman dial. The case is made of Oystersteel with 18k white gold, measuring 31 mm in width. The crown and case back are both screw-down styling for waterproofing to 100 meters. It’s powered by an in-house caliber 2236 perpetual self-winding moment with hours, minutes, seconds, and date function. The power reserve is 55 hours. The bracelet is a link style of Oystersteel with Oysterclasp buckle closure. The bezel is set with a set of 6 diamonds.
8. Diamond Iced Out Rolex Datejust 41 Price: $28,500
This version of the Rolex Datejust 41 line features a full 25 carats of diamonds with a custom diamond dial and a two-row oyster band. The case is made of stainless steel with a width of 41 mm. The case is crusted with 9.75 carats of diamonds. The bezel is surrounded by an additional 5.75 carats of diamonds with brilliant sparkling tiny diamonds covering the face of the dial. The lens that protects these precious stones is sapphire crystal glass.
7. Iced Out Rolex Datejust 36 MM | Two-Tone | 10 Carats of Diamonds | Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial Price: $16,061
This is another variant featuring the Iced Out diamond Accenture. The case is made of stainless steel and yellow gold with a width of 36 mm. The dial is a custom mother of pearl background with diamonds. It’s a two-tone silver and gold timepiece with a custom diamond jubilee bracelet with 6.3 carats of diamonds. The bezel features an additional 3.5 carats of VS quality diamonds. The total carat weight is 10.
6. Rolex Lady-Datejust 6917 Price: $6,900
The Lady Datejust reference 6917 is a lovely variant that features a slim profile 26 mm case in stainless steel and yellow gold. The dial is dazzling white with a diamond hour and minute markers set in a tiny pedestal of yellow gold. The hands are also gold for a stylish and brilliantly contrasting display of the time. The date window is plain and unembellished at the 3 o’clock position. The bracelet is made of stainless steel and yellow gold in a Jubilee styling. The total diamond carat weight is 1.80.
5. Rolex President Datejust White Gold Lapis Lazuli Diamond Ladies Watch 69179 Price: $11,990
This model was manufactured from 1997 through 1998 and remains one of Rolex’s most popular variants in the Datejust collection. It is an elegant ladies watch featuring an oyster case made of 18k white gold with a diameter of 26 mm. The bezel is fluted, also made of 18k white gold with the Rolex logo tamped on the crown. The dial is Blue Lapis Lazuli with diamond hour markers and a date window at 3 o’clock. The bracelet is made of 28 white gold in the president styling with a hidden clasp style closure. It’s powered with a caliber 2135 certified chronometer self-winding movement with 29 jewels.
4. Women’s Gold Rolex Watch 16233 Price: $9,875
The Rolex Datejust watch has a customized dial. The indices are Arabic style in red. The dial features two carats of small VS quality diamonds. The case is stainless steel and gold materials. The width of the case is 36 mm. The watch runs via a Rolex in-house automatic movement. The band is a jubilee style.
3. Rolex Turnograph Datejust Steel Rose Gold Silver Dial Men’s Watch 116261 Price: $10,990
The Reference 116261 is a men’s watch made of stainless steel and rose gold. The case is stainless steel in a 36 mm width. The bezel is 18k rose gold with a fluted design in a bi-directional turnograph rotating style. The timepiece is powered by an in-house 31-jewel caliber 3135. It is a chronometer-certified self-winding movement. Functions include the quickset date, hours, minutes, and seconds. The sapphire crystal lens features a cyclops magnifier above the date window. The dial is silver with hour markers in rose gold baton styling. The bracelet is two-tone in 18k rose gold and stainless steel in an oyster styling with a fold-over clasp.
2. Rolex Lady-Datejust 31mm Yellow Gold Malachite Roman Dial & Diamond Bezel 278288RBR Price: $63,280
This unique variant is a ladies’ watch featuring a 31 mm case of 18k gold with a polished finish and a solid case back. The bezel is encrusted with diamonds. The dial is made of green malachite with 18kt yellow gold hands with a diamond at select hour markers and date. It’s powered with an automatic self-winding Rolex caliber 2236 movement with a power reserve of 55 hours. The bracelet is yellow gold with brushed and polished finishes in a president styling with a crown clasp closure. This match is water-resistant to 330 feet.
1. Rolex Datejust Oyster Perpetual Stainless Steel Automatic Diamonds Price: $17,250
The Oyster Perpetual Stainless Steel Automatic features a 36 mm case with a 12 mm depth, made of stainless steel. The bezel is stainless steel and 18k white gold. The dial has a black background with 18k white gold markers set with diamonds. This model was produced in 2014 and has remained a solid favorite. It’s powered with an in-house Rolex automatic movement.