Rolex Datejust 41mm vs Datejust II 41mm comparison

The Rolex Datejust 41mm History

The Rolex Datejust earns its honors as one of the greatest timepieces ever made. Hans Wilsdorf introduced an early form of the Datejust in 1926, and soon added incredible features including the automatic caliber and then the comfort-fitting 5-piece link Jubilee bracelet.

The Oyster case provided water resistance with its signature screw-down winding crown. The Datejust officially inherited a vast history of horological achievements when it launched in 1945. It launched with the date window at the 3 o’clock dial.

The case was a medium build 36mm diameter, which became the standard-bearer for the Rolex dynasty. The Datejust has the iconic look of Rolex. And the Datejust became one of Rolex’s most recognizable timepieces and has ever been connected to all things luxury.

However, over the years Rolex has found a way to make the Datejust even better. In 1953, Rolex released the cyclops magnifier which makes the date on the Datejust easier to read.

The 36 mm case was a fine size that fit most men’s wrists and many women’s as well. Rolex released a tremendous array of options for the 36mm timepiece.

They came out with all steel, rose (steel and gold), and all gold versions. They have various bezel options, dial designs, and added gems throughout the timepieces to either dress up or dress down the Datejust.

Rolex owners can choose between a smooth, domed, or fluted bezel – or even one set with diamonds. Rolex uses 3 types of gold – yellow, white, or Everose gold and sometimes intertwines yellow/rose gold with 904L steel/white gold to create its two-tone look – named Rolesor.

In 1988, Rolex launched the Datejust with its first Sapphire crystal – providing scratch resistance and strength over the older Acrylic glass used for decades. In 2018, Rolex released the 36mm with the new caliber 3235 which extends the power reserve to an astounding 70 hours.

The twin lock double waterproofness system provides water resistance to 330 feet. The Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring oscillator and Paraflex shock absorbers provide the ultimate in precision which is fully certified as “superlative” before heading out to market.

The Rolex Datejust II

In 2009, Rolex gave the Datejust a makeover which included a new size and caliber. At Baselworld, Rolex brought out a more substantial men’s timepiece in the 41mm size.

The reference 116300 was an all stainless steel model. The 116334 combined stainless steel and white gold. The 116333 created the Rolesor look with yellow gold and stainless steel.

Rolex decided to shun the Jubilee bracelet for this more masculine and sporty timepiece. Instead, all Datejust II timepieces don the Oyster 3-link bracelet with Oysterclasp. Rolex also shunned the Everose gold, and all yellow gold metals when designing the Datejust II.

The Datejust II is powered by the caliber 3136, updated from the 3135 of the standard Datejust 36. The newer Datejust II was built for performance – with better shock absorption and support for extreme conditions.

This new chronometer was at least 2 times more precise than the earlier version Datejust.

Although the Datejust II was launched with great fanfare, Rolex cut the cord on this version in 2016, making it one of the shortest-lived Rolex versions released.

Similarities and Differences

Although there are more similarities than differences at first glance when you view these watches side by side, it’s important to note what the differences are between these watches. At a Rolex retailer, (as of November 2016) you can get the older Rolex Datejust II 41mm (ref.116333) for around $11,700. The newer version, The Rolex Datejust 41mm (ref.126333) will run you around $12,000 at a Rolex retailer. 

Dials

Both versions of this Datejust have a variety of dial colors ranging from black to champagne-colored dials, ivory, etc. Both the Datejust II and Datejust 41mm watches have the date displayed on the dial at the 3 o’clock position and include the cyclops lens that fits on top of the crystal. The most noticeable difference when glancing at the dials is the hour markers. 

On the Rolex Datejust II, the hours are marked with Roman numerals, and although they are not luminescent, they are just as striking on their own in 18-carat gold; the gold pairs beautifully with a black dial. The shine from the gold numerals on the older Datejust II can be viewed as having better readability in the sunlight. 

The Rolex Datejust 41mm, however, has its own unique upgrades. The hours are marked with stick index markers rather than roman numerals of the older version, they are still 18-carat gold as well, but this watch does include Luminescence. The luminosity of the newer Datejust 41 can last up to 8 hours in the dark and that’s also including the hands on the watch. 

Bezels

The bezels on both of these watches are extremely similar. There’s the tiniest change to the newer Datejust 41; the width of the bezel is slightly thinner than the bezel of the Datejust II. Both include a gorgeous 18-carat fluted bezel. 

Cases

Both cases on the Datejust II and Datejust 41 are 41mm, and both are “super cases”. You can tell they are super cases because of the tapering edges on the sides of the case. The newer Datejust 41 can be described as all-around more compact; even though both are the same millimeters in length their thicknesses are slightly different with the Datejust 41 being smaller. Another important thing to note about the newer version Datejust 41mm is the 904L steel which is extremely durable. You can notice when comparing the two cases side by side that on the older Datejust II the edges of the case taper off sharper and visually don’t transition as smooth as that of the Datejust 41. Both can easily fit under a suit cuff, with each only being half a millimeter difference in terms of case size/thickness. (Datejust II 12.17mm thickness, Datejust 

41 is 11.70mm thickness).

Bracelets

The bracelets that come on the Datejust II and Datejust 41 are probably the biggest difference between these two watches. The Rolex Datejust II originally comes on the bolder oyster style bracelet, it is highly polished and golds down the center. The Datejust 41 comes on the jubilee bracelet, which wasn’t offered for Rolex Datejust models until this 41 came out in 2016. The jubilee bracelet has a bit more shine to it, and comes in two-tone variations including rose gold. 

Clasps

Both claps on these watches are almost the same size. As a trend we’ve noticed with the newer Rolex Datejust 41, the clasp on this watch is only slightly smaller. Both offer the same folding oyster clasps and are embossed with the Rolex name on the clasp itself. Both watch’s clasps have the comfort extension link systems making it very simple to expand or contract the links 5mm inwards or outwards. 

Movements

The Rolex Datejust II movement is 31-36, an upgrade from what Rolex has used for its watches from the 15 years prior which was 31-35. The upgrade to the Rolex Datejust II was made to accommodate the larger 41mm size, it has a power reserve of up to 48 hours before it has to be rewound. The Datejust 41mm has a movement of 32-35, and now features a much higher power reserve lasting 70 hours as opposed to 48. Both watches include the shock-absorbent system.

Crowns

Both the Rolex Datejust II and Rolex Datejust 41 house the instantaneous changing date, the crowns on both watches are unwound counter-clockwise. The crowns on both watches are simple and easy to use and feature Rolex’s twin lock waterproof system.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when deciding between the Rolex Datejust II or the Rolex Datejust 41 it is ultimately a matter of preference. If the Luminescence on the dial and more modern design are a must-have for you the newer Rolex Datejust 41 may be the better option. If you’re looking for the classic Rolex luxurious look but don’t require the upgrades of the 41, you may prefer the Datejust II.

Rubber B Watch Straps for Rolex Datejust 41mm and Rolex Datejust II 41mm

Rubber B has developed Vulcanized Rubber straps engineered to fit Rolex Datejust II case 41mm and deployant buckle. It has an all-black strap, a lustrous Mandarin orange strap, and two straps that feature all black with an Arctic White or Mandarin Orange stripe.

Classic Series of 3 solid colors and 3 VulChromatic (dual-color) rubber bands, as well as a Cuff Series for the Classic Rolex Datejust II – 41mm.

The pre-2016 version Rolex Datejust II case (41mm) and also model ref. 116334, is supported with Rubber B’s patented “Blocked Integration” engineering which incorporates solid inserts for a flawless, motionless flush mount to the watch case.

The strap also supports the deployant buckle for the original Oyster bracelet version that came with the timepiece.

In addition, the Cuff Series is a high-tech watch band, made of “SwimSkin®”, Rubber B’s exclusive patented technology, created over a developmental period of many years, requiring all-new innovative machinery and engineering techniques.

Although this strap looks and feels identical to moisture-sensitive materials such as Kevlar® and twill, it is actually 100% RUBBER, therefore waterproof for all sports and aquatic activities.

Hand-Sewn with HYDROTURF® Marine Thread: Maximum resistance to UV-rays, atmospheric conditions, & chemicals. Offered in Jet Black and Navy Blue colors, for more click here.

To view, the selection of various color options clicks here.