As the leading producer of custom rubber watch straps, Rubber B consistently strives to innovate and improve on our existing product catalog, which features custom rubber watch straps for watches from leading watchmakers around the globe, such as Rolex, Tudor, Panerai, and Audemars Piguet. In this installment of the blog, we are going to take a look at one of the world’s most iconic wristwatches for women – the Rolex Lady-Datejust.
The Rolex Lady-Datejust has long been one of the most sought-after luxury watches, and numerous athletes, actresses, and dignitaries both foreign and domestic have been spotted wearing this beloved watch over the years. We thought it would, therefore, be appropriate to do a brief profile on this watch – to look further into its history, its technical specifications, its design style, and its overall impact on women’s wristwatches as of the present.
The History of the Rolex Lady-Datejust
The Rolex Lady-Datejust is a direct descendant of the original Rolex Datejust, which was first released in 1945. It was released at a size of 36 mm, which would have been slightly large for the time, as people were, on average, smaller back then. However, that watch would help to cement the idea of a wristwatch as a sort of fundamental male accessory, and it would go on to be very profitable for Rolex, as well as helpful in raising their overall profile around the world.
However, Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of Rolex, was nothing if not an enterprising man, and he soon realized that even though women’s wristwatches had technically been invented first, Rolex was not actively producing watches for women at that time. Deciding that he wanted to further expand the company’s brand and make a foothold into a brand-new market, the Rolex Lady-Datejust would first come to market twelve years after the original Datejust, in 1957.
The Rolex Lady-Datejust would implement several of the same world-famous features that the original Datejust had so prominently displayed – the date function, the automatic winding movement, and its waterproof case. However, the design was changed to make the piece more elegant, and it was produced at a much smaller size, measuring a petite 26 mm instead of the original 36.
The Rolex Lady-Datejust was an unparalleled success, and it has continuously been in production since it was initially released. In fact, the Rolex Lady-Datejust is Rolex’s best-selling watch of all time, outperforming even marquee models such as the Daytona or the Submariner. Because of the watch’s enduring popularity, it remains available in a plethora of different styles and tones, and is made from different precious metals depending on the model in question. Due to its enduring popularity, it is unlikely that the Rolex Lady-Datejust will be disappearing from the market at any time in the near future.
What Are The Technical Specifications of the Rolex Lady-Datejust?
As previously stated, there are a number of different iterations of the Rolex Lady-Datejust that are currently available on the market today. For the purposes of simplicity, we have decided to specifically profile the entry-level model of the most current version of this watch. If you are looking at an older version of this watch, it is very likely that the technical specifics will not be exactly the same.
The Rolex Lady-Datejust measures at 28 mm and features a Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back, and a winding crown, all of which are essential for any Rolex watch.
The watch is powered by the 2236 Caliber movement, which is manufactured in-house by Rolex and is perpetual, mechanical, and self-winding. It has a power reserve of 55 hours and is waterproof for up to 330 feet, which is notable for a luxury watch that is not a dive watch.
How Does the Rolex Lady-Datejust Fair in Terms of Its Aesthetic?
If there was one word that could sum up the totality of the appearance of the Rolex Lady-Datejust, that word would be elegance. Rolex clearly spared no expense in wanting to make this watch as elegant as possible, including encasing it in 18 karat yellow gold and setting it with 44 brilliant-cut diamonds.
What is particularly impressive about this watch is that, despite the use of precious metals and diamonds, it does not feel ostentatious or gaudy in any way. It is a credit to Rolex’s design team that they were able to produce such a svelte, elegant wristwatch that manages to use precious metals and stones in a way that feels classy without ever being pushy. With all of that in mind, it becomes very easy to see why this watch has remained so popular with women over the last several decades.
What is the Legacy of the Rolex Lady-Datejust?
The fact that the Rolex Lady-Datejust is the best-selling women’s wristwatch in history means that it will often be imitated, but never truly duplicated. Many other luxury watchmakers who produce women’s wristwatches often have a watch that is similar to the Rolex Lady-Datejust, including Rolex’s sister company, Tudor.
It is likely that, in the future, not only will we continue to see new iterations of the Rolex Lady-Datejust, but that other company will continue to be inspired by this legendary wristwatch for many years to come.
Are You in Need of a Custom Rubber Watch Band For Your Rolex Watch? Visit Rubber B Today
All of our watch bands are made from 100% vulcanized rubber and manufactured in Switzerland by industry professionals with decades of experience behind them. All of Rubber B’s straps are also non-toxic and non-allergenic, ensuring a quality product that is sure to last for years to come.
For more information about our products, shipping policies, pricing, or anything else about Rubber B, simply visit the Rubber B website today. We will be happy to promptly answer any inquiries that you might have about our products or policies in a prompt fashion.
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