For a good reason, the Datejust is Rolex’s best-selling model. It was introduced in 1945 and is still popular today because of its timeless look and wide choice of patterns that cater to almost any taste.
While it does not have the cult following of the Rolex Daytona or Rolex Submariner, all-watch aficionados revere the Datejust – and that is the collection’s charm. A Rolex Datejust is worth possessing for both the casual watch wearer and the seasoned collector.
Are you looking for a Rolex Datejust Rubber Strap?
Learn about the collection’s history and The Ultimate Rubber Strap Guide to the Rolex Datejust.
For our purposes here, if we use the term “strap,” we are referring to a rubber watch strap, and if we use the term “bracelet,” we are talking about a bracelet that is made out of metal.
The Datejust by Rolex
It’s difficult to believe now, but when the date complication was introduced to the watch industry, it was a game-changer. When the Rolex Datejust was introduced in 1945, it was the first timepiece that automatically updated the date at midnight, eliminating the need for manual adjustment. Finally, the date will be correct all of the time.
The Datejust, which was introduced on Rolex’s 40th anniversary, is now an industry classic, with a long and colorful history that includes the following events:
1953: To increase legibility, Rolex puts a Cyclops lens above the date. The lens is set on the glass’s surface, immediately above the date.
1954: The Rolex Datejust “Turn-O-Graph” is debuted. It has a rotating bezel, which was an innovative and easier way to calculate elapsed time back then.
1957: The Rolex date complication becomes immediate. (instead of rolling over slowly for a few hours). Also introduced is the Lady-Datejust. Rolex Watchbands in Midsize and Ladies size
1977: The Oysterquartz Datejust is released. As a response to the rising popularity of Japanese quartz timepieces, Rolex develops its own quartz mechanism.
2009: The Datejust II with a 41mm casing is debuted. For the first time since 1945, the Datejust has a bigger case size than 36mm.
2015: To accommodate current tastes for bigger watches, the Lady-Datejust 28 replaces the Lady-Datejust 26.
2016: The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 41 was introduced. The bracelets are available in stainless steel, two-tone stainless steel, and 18k yellow or 18k Everose gold (Rolex’s equivalent of rose gold). The 2016 Datejust is available with an Oyster or Jubilee bracelet. While the Datejust 41 has a 41mm case diameter comparable to the Datejust II, the Datejust 41 features smaller indices and a thinner bezel than the Datejust II.
2019: the Datejust collection includes the following sizes: 28mm, 31mm, 34mm, 36mm, and 41mm in complete stainless steel, two-tone gold (yellow, Everose, or white) and stainless steel, or solid gold (yellow, Everose, or white) case and bracelet.
Read more about the History – Click Here
Rolex Datejust Specifications
Even after more than 70 years, the design of the Rolex Datejust has remained substantially intact. In fact, it has become iconic, with essential characteristics adopted to the rest of the Rolex collection: the Jubilee bracelet, the Cyclops window, the Rolesor two-tone metal combination, and many more.
The Rolex Datejust is the brand’s most diverse collection, with a wide range of sizes, metals, dial colors, and textures available – there is a Datejust for any taste. Regardless of design modifications, the Datejust is readily identifiable because of its classic appearance. The Rolex Datejust’s features have altered throughout the years, but the fundamental components remain:
Oyster Case
Created by Rolex in 1926, the Oyster was the world’s first waterproof case made for a wristwatch. Its patented system of screwing down the bezel, caseback, and winding crown against the middle case protects the movement from dust and moisture and provides optimum water resistance. Each Rolex Datejust comes in an Oyster case, in a variety of sizes:
– Lady-Datejust – 26mm, 28mm and 31mm
– Rolex Date – 34mm
– Rolex Datejust – 36mm
– Rolex Datejust II and Datejust 41 – 41mm
Aperture Date With Cyclops
The date aperture at 3 o’clock has always been a defining characteristic of the Rolex Datejust. The Rolex Datejust established the bar for how to date complications should appear and work with the inclusion of the instantaneous date mechanism, which changes the date instantaneously at midnight, and the Cyclops magnifying lens to the surface of the crystal.
Smooth or Fluted Bezel
The Rolex Datejust, unlike the Rolex Submariner, GMT-Master, or Explorer, features a cosmetic bezel rather than a functional one, with the exception of the Rolex Turnograph bezels. Its original versions include either a smooth domed bezel or a fluted gold bezel for two-tone designs. In the meanwhile, there are bezels set with diamonds and sapphires. The Rolex Datejust has been available with the following bezel configurations:
– Smooth
– Fluted
– Gem-set
– Engine-turned (discontinued)
– Rotating Turn-O-Graph (discontinued)
Oyster or Jubilee Bracelet
The now-iconic Jubilee bracelet was conceived for the Rolex Datejust in 1945 and is still available in the line today. The Oyster bracelet has flat, three-piece links and an Oysterclasp, but the Jubilee bracelet has rounder five-piece links and a hidden Crownclasp. These are the most regularly seen bracelets in the collection; nevertheless, various bracelet styles have been combined with Rolex Datejust sub-collections:
– Three-link Oyster
– Five-link Jubilee
– Three-link President (exclusive to Lady-Datejust and midsize Datejust models)
– Leather straps (discontinued)
– Integrated Jubilee and Oyster (exclusive to Oysterquartz and discontinued)
The Rolex Datejust has gone through several generations.
Throughout its existence, the Datejust has experienced a number of movement and cosmetic enhancements, and Rolex is always improving on its classic design. The following are several generations of Rolex Datejust watches and their distinguishing characteristics. This post will concentrate on the reference that Rubber B provides the best rubber straps.
Rolex Datejust 41mm
2016 – present / Rolex Datejust 41 – Reference numbers: 1263XX
Rolex discontinued the Datejust II in 2016 in favor of Datejust 41. While the 41mm case size remained, the new Datejust 41 featured dimensions comparable to the old Datejust and was equipped with a new-generation movement. The Datejust 41 is regarded as a more elegant version of the Datejust II, which is more sturdy and athletic. In addition, the Datejust 41 comes with the choice of an Oyster or Jubilee bracelet.
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Green Strap for Rolex Datejust 41mm – Tang Buckle Series$240.00
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Brown Strap for Rolex Datejust 41mm – Tang Buckle Series$240.00
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Blue Strap for Rolex Datejust 41mm – Tang Buckle Series$240.00
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White Strap for Rolex Datejust 41mm – Tang Buckle Series$240.00
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Black Strap for Rolex Datejust 41mm – Tang Buckle Series$240.00
Movements: Caliber 3235 automatic movement
Models 126334, 126331, 126333, 126300, 126303, and 126301 are all compatible (including Jubilee and Oyster bracelet versions)
NOTE: This strap is NOT compatible with prior models “Datejust II 41mm”, which is a different watch model you can see those option below.
2009 – 2015 / Rolex Datejust II 41mm – Reference numbers: 1163XX
Rolex created the Datejust II in 2009 in response to the increased popularity of bigger watches. With its 41mm case, this was the first time Rolex provided a men’s size in addition to the classic 36mm. In addition to the bigger case, it had thicker lugs and a wider bezel.
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Brown Rubber Strap for Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41mm – Tang Buckle Series$240.00
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Blue Rubber Strap for Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41mm – Tang Buckle Series$240.00
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Green Rubber Strap for Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41mm – Tang Buckle Series$240.00
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White Rubber Strap for Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41mm – Tang Buckle Series$240.00
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Black Rubber Strap for Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41mm – Tang Buckle Series$240.00
Movements: Caliber 3136 automatic movement
NOTE: Not compatible with the newer 2016-present “Datejust 41mm” models.
Vulcanized Rubber strap engineered to fit Rolex Datejust II case (pre-2016 ONLY along with model ref. 116334) and deployant buckle (Oyster bracelet version only). NOTE: The pre-2016 Jubilee clasp is not compatible with this strap. This strap utilizes “Blocked Integration” engineering, incorporating solid inserts for a flawless, motionless flush mount to the watch case.
Rolex Datejust 36mm
2018 – present / New generation Rolex Datejust 36 – Reference numbers: 1262XX
Rolex revamped the Datejust 36 series in 2018 with the new Caliber 3235 movement. With an accuracy of -2/+2 seconds each day, the in-house automatic movement has a longer power reserve of 70 hours and is two times more exact than an officially certified chronometer.
Movements: Caliber 3235 automatic movement
NOTE: This strap is NOT compatible with prior models “Datejust 36mm produced before 2018”. Contact our customer service department for help with older models.
Rolex Datejust 31mm
Oyster Bracelet Datejust 31
Use your Original Rolex clasp – (Clasp NOT included)
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Pink Rubber Strap for Rolex Datejust 31 – Classic Series$220.00
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Blue Rubber Strap for Rolex Datejust 31 – Classic Series$220.00
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Red Rubber Strap for Rolex Datejust 31 – Classic Series$220.00
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Brown Rubber Strap for Rolex Datejust 31 – Classic Series$220.00
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White Rubber Strap for Rolex Datejust 31 – Classic Series$220.00
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Black Rubber Strap for Rolex Datejust 31 – Classic Series$220.00
Use the Rubber B 316L SS Tang Buckle – (Tang Buckle included)
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Black Strap for Rolex Datejust 31 – Tang Buckle Series$240.00
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Blue Strap for Rolex Datejust 31 – Tang Buckle Series$240.00
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Brown Strap for Rolex Datejust 31 – Tang Buckle Series$240.00
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Pink Strap for Rolex Datejust 31 – Tang Buckle Series$240.00
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Red Strap for Rolex Datejust 31 – Tang Buckle Series$240.00
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White Strap for Rolex Datejust 31 – Tang Buckle Series$240.00
Rolex Datejust Models That Are Popular
There are several Rolex Datejust watches available, but only a handful have achieved cult status. Here are today’s most popular Rolex Datejust models.
Rolex Datejust Two-Tone
When you hear the words “Rolex Datejust,” you probably envision a two-tone, steel, and gold watch. The pattern has been so common and well-known in earlier decades, notably in the 1980s, when it became a Wall Street trading standard – a sign that someone has made it. Many considered it an antiquated design decision until recently when Rolex introduced new variants like as the bigger Rolex Datejust 41 and revamped Rolex Datejust 36.
Rolex Datejust Wimbledon Dial
The ‘Wimbledon’ dial, first seen on the Rolex Datejust II in 2009 and then adapted to the Datejust 41, features a slate grey face with Roman markings highlighted in a forest green tint. The two-tone version has been heavily advertised in conjunction with the Wimbledon tennis event, and it resembles the court clocks used during the games, thus many have interpreted this as an homage to the competition.
Roger Federer has also been seen wearing the Rolex Datejust ‘Wimbledon’ on multiple occasions, most notably in 2017, when he won a record eighth Wimbledon title.
The ‘Wimbledon’ dial may be found on a variety of Rolex Datejust 41 models, including full stainless steel, white Rolesor, yellow gold Rolesor, and Everose Rolesor.
Rolex Datejust Diamond and Mother Of Pearl
Rolex is a pioneer in the usage of mother-of-pearl dials. The natural material has been employed not just on ladies’ watches, but also on Rolex men’s watches. The material, in particular, has given the bigger and sportier Datejust 41 range a luxury vibe. This design, which is frequently coupled with brilliant-cut diamond hour markers, creates a dramatic statement item for casual, business, or formal situations.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Rolex Datejust
Is Rolex Datejust a good investment?
The Datejust has consistently been regarded as one of the watchmakers’ best creations, and demand for it has only grown with age, making it a wonderful investment.
How much does a Rolex Datejust cost new?
The Rolex Datejust range is the most flexible from the company and is arguably the most famous watch from Rolex. Datejust prices vary greatly since they contain both men’s and women’s references. Having said that, a Rolex Datejust will cost between $7,200 and $14,800.
What is so special about a Rolex Datejust?
The Rolex Datejust was the world’s first self-winding chronometer timepiece with an automatically updating date mechanism.
How much to service a rolex datejust?
Rolex recommended expert service every ten years to keep your watch accurate and waterproof. This, however, is entirely dependent on how your watch is used and stored. There might be indications that your watch need service sooner rather than later. The cost of service changes depending on reference and price + shipping, recommended a authorized Rolex service provider.
Are You in Need of a Custom Rubber Watch Band For Your Luxury Watch? Visit Rubber B Today
Rubber B watch straps do not contain any coating, blends, or bonding, and each and every strap undergoes rigorous testing to ensure that it meets quality control standards.
If you would like to learn more about our complete list of products, shipping policies, pricing, or have questions about our custom rubber watch straps, please visit the Rubber B website today for more information. One of our valued associates will be happy to answer your inquiry in a timely manner.
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