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The Rolex Datejust began in 1945 as an automatic, waterproof chronometer with a date window at 3 o’clock. Its first decade brought two defining refinements: the Cyclops magnifier in 1953 and an instantaneous date change in 1956. These milestones are the first of three useful editorial periods in the model’s history—not official Rolex era names—and show how the Datejust’s familiar display developed.
What made the 1945 Datejust distinctive?
Rolex says the Datejust launched for the company’s 40th anniversary. In the company’s account, it was “the first self-winding waterproof chronometer wristwatch to display the date in a window at 3 o’clock on the dial – hence its name.” That “first” is Rolex’s characterization of the watch, rather than an independently established finding.
The launch watch was crafted exclusively in gold and came on the Jubilee bracelet, which Rolex says it created for the occasion. Its combination of automatic winding, an Oyster waterproof case, chronometer certification and a date window put the date display at the centre of the design rather than treating it as a secondary complication. Rolex emphasizes that the date window and recognizable design have continued as the model evolved.
How did the Datejust change from 1945 to 1956?
Rolex’s historical timeline records the early Datejust’s refinements in stages. The Cyclops improved the visibility of the date, while the later date-jump mechanism changed how the calendar advanced.
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- Pre-Loved Condition: Excellent; Faint scratching throughout hardware
- 31mm
- Made in Switzerland
- Hidden Crown Clasp
- Signature upon delivery required
| Year | Milestone | What it changed |
|---|---|---|
| 1945 | Datejust launch | A date window at 3 o’clock joined automatic winding, an Oyster waterproof case and chronometer certification. The launch version was in gold with a Jubilee bracelet. |
| 1953 | Cyclops lens | Rolex dates the addition of the magnifying lens over the date to this year, making the date easier to read. |
| 1956 | Instantaneous date change | Rolex’s timeline associates the mechanism with calibre 1065; the date began changing instantaneously rather than advancing gradually. |
The sequence matters: the date window was present from the beginning, but its magnifier and the instantaneous change came later. They are distinct improvements, not features to assume on every Datejust from 1945 onward.
What changed as the Datejust family expanded?
Although this first part focuses on the launch and early refinement, the next milestones show how the watch broadened beyond its original gold configuration. Rolex records Rolesor Datejust versions—combining gold and steel—in its catalogues from the 1950s. The Lady-Datejust followed in 1957 with a 25 mm case. Those changes extended the range in materials and size while retaining the model’s date display.
How do the later eras fit into the Datejust timeline?
For context, Rolex’s timeline points to two later shifts: an integrated-bracelet Datejust design in 1974 and the introduction of calibre 3035 with an independently quickset date in 1977. Quickset lets the wearer adjust the date separately from the hands through the winding crown. Rolex marks calibre 3235’s introduction in 2016.
These milestones support a practical three-part way to read the history: launch and early refinement (1945–1956), expansion of the family and design (1957–1976), and quickset and later generations (1977 onward). The divisions are an editorial organizing device, not a formal Rolex taxonomy.
Rank #3
- Precision Timekeeping: Equipped with a high-quality Japanese automatic movement, ensuring accurate timekeeping. Automatic watches require at least 8 hours of wear daily to maintain power reserve. If natural arm movement is insufficient to sustain continuous operation, manual winding is recommended (approximately 20–25 turns).
- Classic Design: Featuring a sapphire crystal dial, stainless steel case, and bracelet, this watch is scratch-resistant. The 6 o'clock position and case back feature openwork designs, complemented by elegant hands and diamond accents, giving the watch a stylish and sophisticated appearance suitable for any occasion, while also holding collectible value.
- Dimensions: Case diameter 38mm, strap length 185mm, strap width 16mm, weight 4.4ounces; BUREI offers additional color and style options; includes a strap tool, adjustable strap for a comfortable wearing experience.
- 3ATM Water Resistance: Suitable for daily use, resistant to splashes and light rain; do not wear while showering, and not suitable for diving, swimming, snorkeling, or other underwater activities.
- Customer Service: BUREI offers a 30-day return policy (original packaging and unused watch must be retained) and a 2-year warranty. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our after-sales service team; we are happy to assist you.
What does Rolex list for the current Datejust?
Rolex’s current Datejust newsroom page, accessed in 2026, lists 31, 36 and 41 mm case sizes. It specifies an Oyster case water-resistance rating of 100 m (330 ft), calibre 2236 with an approximately 55-hour power reserve for the 31 mm model, and calibre 3235 with an approximately 70-hour reserve for the 36 and 41 mm models. These are current company specifications, not characteristics of every historical Datejust.
For finished watches, Rolex states a precision range of −2 to +2 seconds per day under its Superlative Chronometer protocol. That is the manufacturer’s specification, not an independent comparative test of Datejust generations.
Rank #4
- Compatible Models: Rolex Air King 5500 and Rolex Date 1500 with a 19mm lug opening in 1960's tapered style，Fits for Most Rolex Watch Model Collection: Oyster Perpetual, Datejust, Lady‑Datejust, Day‑Date, President, 1908, Explorer, Explorer II, GMT‑Master II, Air‑King, Cosmograph Daytona, Yacht‑Master, Yacht‑Master II, Submariner, Sea‑Dweller, Deepsea, Land‑Dweller, Sky‑Dweller, Cellini...etc.
- Sizes: Lug Width: 19mm, Length: 7 Inches (Clasp Closed) Color: Frosted steel color/Bright room gold/Bright all gold
- Premium Material: Made From 316L Stainless Steel. Corrosion-Resistant, Durable, And Outperforms Alloy Alternatives.
- "Package including: 1× Watch Band 2×Spring Bars"
- Your Satisfaction Is Our Highest Priority. Pls Contact Us If You Have Any Questions, We Will Try Our Best To Serve For You.
Further reading
Wallpaper* reported on 11 September 2025 that Oyster Perpetual Datejust – A Watch that Made History, a 224-page book in English and French by historian and watch expert Nicholas Foulkes, was available through WallpaperSTORE*. That report describes availability at the time; it does not establish current retailer stock.
Quick Recap
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- Mens Wrist Watch: Features a classic big dial and quartz movement with stable quality. High hardness coated glass mirror is wear-resistant, scratch-proof, Butterfly double buckle ensures comfortable wear
- OLEVS Mens Watches: Unique Classic Design Analog Date Calendar Display Watch Window. Easy to Read, Classic Business Style, Stylish Casual Dress Watch, Stylish Gold Indexes and Round Case, finely designed, stand the test of time, handsome and outstanding
- Business Pointer Quartz Watch: Dial diameter is 1.6 inches (41 mm). Case thickness is 0.43 inches (11 mm), steel band width is 0.79 inches (20 mm), length is 8.66 inches (22 cm). The weight of the men's watch is 4.16 ounces (118 g)
- Fashion Gold Green Man Watch: Luminous Hands/Markers and Enlarged Date Window at Three o'clock, Stylish Watch with Roman Scale Bezel, Water Resistance Up to 30M. Usually, Suitable for Swimming, But not Suitable for Deep Diving
- Night-light Function：When Using the Luminous Pointer Function for the First Time, Please illuminate The Watch Under The Light for 30 Seconds to Activate the Luminous Function. Watch Chain Can Be Adjusted in Size
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