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Five Rolex Datejust Facts You (Probably) Did Not Know

The Datejust’s history includes a 1945 debut, a launch-era Jubilee bracelet, a 1953 Cyclops lens, and an instantaneous date change introduced in 1956.
Estimate2–3 min Catalogued SpecialistWatchRanker Team
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The Rolex Datejust debuted in 1945, but several details that define it today arrived later: its Cyclops date magnifier came in 1953, and the date did not begin jumping instantaneously until 1956. Here are five milestones—and what they mean for the modern collection.

1. The Datejust debuted in 1945 with its date at 3 o’clock

Rolex describes the Datejust as the first self-winding waterproof chronometer wristwatch to display the date in a window at 3 o’clock. The date display also explains the model’s name. Rolex’s history and its Datejust newsroom overview identify 1945 as the launch year.

2. The Jubilee bracelet was created for the Datejust

The five-piece-link Jubilee bracelet was designed especially for the Datejust’s 1945 launch, rather than being a later addition to the range. Today’s bracelet choices vary by reference: Rolex lists Oyster and Jubilee options across the collection, and President bracelets on relevant Datejust 31 versions. These are collection-level possibilities, not a guarantee that every bracelet is available with every case, dial, or bezel.

3. The Cyclops lens arrived in 1953

The magnifying lens over the date came eight years after the watch debuted. Rolex says the Cyclops makes the date easier to read. Its current product description specifies a virtually scratchproof sapphire lens with a double anti-reflective coating. Rolex’s watchmaking features explains the lens; the launch and date are also covered in its Datejust history.

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4. The date’s instantaneous change came in 1956

The Cyclops and the instantaneous date change are separate milestones. Rolex dates the instantaneous jump to 1956 and links it to calibre 1065; the magnifying lens had already appeared in 1953. The distinction matters: one improvement made the date easier to read, while the later change altered how the calendar advanced. Rolex’s history page records the 1956 development.

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5. The modern Datejust spans three sizes and two movement families

Rolex currently presents the collection in 31, 36, and 41 mm sizes. The movement family depends on size: Datejust 31 uses calibre 2236, while Datejust 36 and 41 use calibre 3235. The collection overview also describes Oystersteel and 18 ct yellow, white, or Everose gold options, alongside smooth, domed, fluted, and diamond-set bezels. Exact combinations depend on the reference and market. The Datejust collection page is the best place to check current configurations.

Rank #2
Rolex, Pre-Loved Oyster Perpetual Datejust Automatic Watch 36
  • Imported
  • Pre-Loved Condition: Very Good; Minor scratches and wear on case and band.
  • Case Size/Width: 36mm, Watch Height: 12mm, Band Width: 20mm, Wrist circumference: 7.0"
  • Band material: Stainless steel with 18k yellow gold.
  • Case material: Stainless Steel

Specifications are reference-specific, not universal across the family. For example, Rolex lists a Datejust 31 in Oystersteel with a 31 mm case, domed bezel, calibre 2236, and 100 m water resistance on its Datejust 31 model page. A particular Datejust 41 in Oystersteel and Everose gold has a 41 mm case, calibre 3235, and 100 m water resistance on its Datejust 41 model page. Those examples should not be read as specifications for every current or historical Datejust.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 2
Rolex, Pre-Loved Oyster Perpetual Datejust Automatic Watch 36
Rolex, Pre-Loved Oyster Perpetual Datejust Automatic Watch 36
Imported; Pre-Loved Condition: Very Good; Minor scratches and wear on case and band.; Case Size/Width: 36mm, Watch Height: 12mm, Band Width: 20mm, Wrist circumference: 7.0"
$11,120.00
Bestseller No. 3
Rolex, Pre-loved Two-Tone Computer Datejust 16233 36mm, White
Rolex, Pre-loved Two-Tone Computer Datejust 16233 36mm, White
Pre-Loved Condition: Very Good; Light scratching and wear throughout watch; Length: , Height: , Depth:
$10,500.00
Bestseller No. 4
Rolex, Pre-Loved Oyster Perpetual Datejust Automatic Watch 26
Rolex, Pre-Loved Oyster Perpetual Datejust Automatic Watch 26
Imported; Pre-Loved Condition: Very Good; Scratches and minor wear on case and band.; Case Size/Width: 26mm, Watch Height: 11mm, Band Width: 13mm, Wrist circumference: 5.5"
Bestseller No. 5
Rolex, Pre-loved Silver Oyster Perpetual Datejust 79240 26mm, Silver
Rolex, Pre-loved Silver Oyster Perpetual Datejust 79240 26mm, Silver
Pre-Loved Condition: Very Good; Light scratching and scuffing throughout hardware; Length: , Height: , Depth:
Best Value
Rolex, Pre-loved Silver Oyster Perpetual Datejust 79240 26mm, Silver
  • Pre-Loved Condition: Very Good; Light scratching and scuffing throughout hardware
  • Length: , Height: , Depth:
  • Made in Switzerland
  • Oyster clasp closure
  • Signature upon delivery required
Rank #4
Rolex, Pre-Loved Oyster Perpetual Datejust Automatic Watch 26
  • Imported
  • Pre-Loved Condition: Very Good; Scratches and minor wear on case and band.
  • Case Size/Width: 26mm, Watch Height: 11mm, Band Width: 13mm, Wrist circumference: 5.5"
  • Band material: Stainless steel with 18k yellow gold.
  • Case material: Stainless Steel
Rank #3
Rolex, Pre-loved Two-Tone Computer Datejust 16233 36mm, White
  • Pre-Loved Condition: Very Good; Light scratching and wear throughout watch
  • Length: , Height: , Depth:
  • Made in Switzerland
  • Oyster clasp closure
  • Signature upon delivery required

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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