The Rolex Datejust vs Rolex Date

In the earliest days, Rolex is alleged to have launched brand-new watches or upgraded an existing design every five minutes.

Sometimes, it indeed becomes confusing keeping track of different watches that Rolex has introduced over the years – especially the Rolex Date and Rolex Datejust models.

Indeed, the Rolex Datejust is one of the most popular watches in the brand’s catalogue.

Introduced in 1945 to celebrate Rolex’s 40th anniversary, the Datejust outsells all other models.

However, the Rolex Datejust often cloaks its more famous sibling – the Rolex Date. Many people also confuse the Date with the Datejust.

Nonetheless, both the watches are yet in production for over half a century.

Although the Datejust and Date are practically identical, they have the slightest of differences that justify the change in their names.

Thus, let’s today explore what difference the term “just” makes between the Rolex Datejust and Rolex Date.

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The Datejust vs Date

When Rolex introduced the Datejust in 1945, the watch was an absolute innovator in the world of horology.

• Featuring the Perpetual movement and an Oyster case, the Rolex Datejust was the first self-winding and water-resistant watch to display a date window.
• However, the Datejust is also the ever first Rolex to sport the popular 5-link Jubilee bracelet.
• Initially, the Datejust for men was available only in a 36mm case size.
• However, Rolex upgraded the model and released the Datejust II in 2009, followed by the Datejust 41 in 2016.

On the other hand, Rolex launched the 34mm Date watch in the mid-1950s. The Rolex Date was a smaller alternative to the Datejust.

However, the brand offers vintage references of the Date in different materials. But the Rolex Date 34 is today available only in stainless steel.

Functionality

The Rolex Datejust as well as, the Rolex Date timepieces feature the Date and the time functions.

• The Datejust Reference 160xx collection launched the quickset feature. The feature allows the wearer to set the Date from the centre hands independently.
• Eventually, the user doesn’t have to turn the minute hand continuously around the dial for changing the number in the date display.

Similarly, Rolex introduced the quickset feature to the Date Reference 150xx collection.

Differences in Size

The Rolex Datejust features 36mm dimensions that are conventionally regarded as an ideal size for men’s watches. Now:

• While Rolex introduced the 26mm Lady Datejust collection in the 1950s, it also launched a smaller men’s watch edition measuring 34mm – the Date.
• The reason why Rolex shortened the name is not apparent.
• However, many people began considering the Date as a different set-up to the Datejust.

Rolex presented many options of the Date to its potential customers.

The Rolex Date is available in stainless steel, yellow gold, and Rolesor, along with a choice of bezel types.

• Moreover, when it comes to technology, the Rolex Date was never far behind the Datejust.
• Both the Datejust and Date featured a Quickset date function and housed the Calibre 3035 movement.
• However, Rolex updated the movement again to the iconic Calibre 3135 by the end of the 80s.

Additionally, the 150xx and 162xx references now flaunted scratch-resistant sapphire crystals instead of the acrylic ones.

The Current Models

Rolex introduced the Datejust II 41mm in 2009. However, the brand discontinued its production in 2016 and paved the way for the Datejust 41.

• Today, the Rolex Datejust is available in three case sizes – 31mm, 36mm, and 41mm.
• Moreover, the watch comes in different combination of metal, dial colour, bracelet style, and bezel type.

Reversely, Rolex offers the Date family in fewer options.

• The Rolex Date comes with only an Oyster bracelet.
• However, collectors can select between all-steel models with either white gold smooth bezel or a fluted bezel.
• Interestingly, Rolex upgraded the Date in the early 2000s, offering slightly wider lugs and sturdier case.
• Regardless, the 34mm Rolex Date is yet a small timepiece by modern standards.

In simple words, the Rolex Date is ideally a more cloaked version of the Rolex Datejust.

However, both the Datejust and Date are historically famous and can suit to any occasion, making them highly coveted even among the second hand buyers.

For those who are looking to sell a Rolex Datejust or sell a Rolex Date in London, get in touch with the trusted watch buyers at The Luxury Hut.

The process is simple, transparent and straightforward.

• Fill up this online form
• Receive a competitive valuation
• Send your watch to confirm the final offer Or call on 0207 242 9160 to book an appointment at their premises in Hatton Garden, London
• Accept your final price offer & get paid within minutes.

With the trusted Rolex watch buyers at The Luxury Hut, you can rest assured that you will secure the best possible deal for your Rolex, be it a Rolex Datejust, Date or any other Rolex models.