Rolex Datejust

Make a date of a day

A milestone in watchmaking history, the Oyster Perpetual Datejust was the first self-winding waterproof wrist chronometer to display the date in a window at 3 o’clock on the dial. These numbers remind us that 24 hours make a day. It is up to us to make it a date to remember.

Rolex

“This is a masterpiece of horological science. In fact, it synthesizes all that has been achieved to date.”

– Hans Wilsdorf, 1945

Since its launch, the Datejust has continually reinvented itself while expressing Rolex know-how through a wealth of aesthetic variations.

Rolex Datejust Modelle – Goldschmiede Hofacker – Detail view 35

An embodiment of Rolex know-how

Introduced in 1945, the Datejust embodied the classic Rolex watch and brought together the brand’s major achievements. It reflected founder Hans Wilsdorf’s pursuit of excellence and his belief that advances in watchmaking should support human progress. As society underwent profound change, people’s relationship with time evolved as well. Modern life increasingly followed the rhythm of the day rather than the seasons. The Datejust brought greater comfort to reading the date and managing time from day to day.

The Cyclops lens
Optimised legibility

Developed to improve the legibility of the date, the Cyclops lens is both an aesthetic and technical Rolex signature. Patented in the early 1950s, it first appeared on a Datejust in 1953. Its magnifying effect makes the date easier to read. Originally made of Plexiglas, the lens has been crafted from sapphire since the 1970s, like the watch crystal itself.

Rolex Datejust Modelle – Goldschmiede Hofacker – Detail view 36

The Jubilee bracelet
Comfort and elegance

Created especially for the Datejust in 1945 to mark Rolex’s 40th anniversary, the Jubilee bracelet is an integral part of the model’s identity. Its flowing contours and five-piece links offer outstanding comfort while enhancing the watch’s timeless elegance. The Datejust is also available on an Oyster bracelet or, for certain precious-metal versions, a President bracelet.

Rolex Datejust Modelle – Goldschmiede Hofacker – Detail view 37

A watchmaking icon in constant evolution

The Datejust continually reinvents itself. Its many interpretations showcase Rolex expertise in dial-making. With polished, domed, fluted or diamond-set bezels, the Datejust has moved through the eras with style while remaining perfectly suited to the personality of its wearer.

Rolex Datejust Modelle – Goldschmiede Hofacker – Detail view 38

A witness to history

The Datejust was naturally destined to witness the course of history. Day after day, the wearer’s life and the passage of time meet on its dial. Worn by influential figures including Winston Churchill, Dwight D. Eisenhower and Martin Luther King, the Datejust has crossed the decades without losing any of its relevance.

Rolex Testimonees associated with the Datejust include Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer, Polish tennis player Iga Świątek, Swiss alpine skier Lara Gut-Behrami and Canadian singer Michael Bublé.