When was the Rolex Datejust introduced?

The Datejust was introduced in 1945, Rolex's fortieth anniversary year. It was the first self-winding, waterproof chronometer wristwatch to show the date in a window on the dial.

What sizes does the Datejust come in?

Current sizes include 28, 31, 36 and 41 mm. Vintage and earlier sizes, such as the 26 mm Lady-Datejust, have also been made.

What is the difference between the Jubilee and Oyster bracelets?

The Jubilee has five-piece links and a dressier, more fluid look. The Oyster has broader three-piece links and a sportier feel.

What does the Cyclops lens do?

The Cyclops is a small magnifying lens set into the crystal over the date window. It enlarges the date so it is easier to read.

Models

The Rolex Datejust

By the Encore Luxe specialists · Updated October 2026

If one watch defines Rolex's idea of an everyday luxury, it is the Datejust. Since 1945 it has offered a simple promise: a robust, accurate, waterproof watch that tells you the date at a glance. It has been made in more combinations of size, metal, dial and bracelet than almost any other watch, which is part of its pleasure. This guide explains the Datejust's history, its key features and how to choose and care for one.

Key facts


Introduced	1945
Significance	First self-winding, waterproof chronometer wristwatch with a date window on the dial
Signature details	Date window at three o'clock, Cyclops lens, fluted or smooth bezel, Jubilee bracelet
Current sizes	28, 31, 36, 41 mm
Metals	Oystersteel, Rolesor (steel and gold), 18k gold, platinum on some versions
Bracelets	Jubilee, Oyster, President (on some gold versions)
Movement	Self-winding Perpetual movement, chronometer-certified

A watch for an anniversary

Rolex launched the Datejust in 1945, its fortieth year. It combined three things the house had pioneered: the waterproof Oyster case, the self-winding Perpetual rotor and chronometer certification. To these it added a date shown in a window on the dial. The first Datejust came in yellow gold on a new bracelet, the Jubilee, made for the occasion.

In the early 1950s Rolex added the Cyclops lens over the date, magnifying it for easier reading. It has been a Datejust signature ever since.

Anatomy of a Datejust

Oyster case: a screw-down caseback and crown protect the movement.
Bezel: fluted (in gold, catching the light) or smooth; diamond-set on some versions.
Dial: hundreds of variations, from silver and black to champagne, blue, slate and mother-of-pearl, with baton, Roman or diamond markers.
Date and Cyclops: the date window at three o'clock, magnified by the Cyclops lens.
Bracelet: Jubilee, Oyster or President.

Sizes

28 mm: the current smaller size.
31 mm: a versatile mid-size.
36 mm: the classic size for decades, and still the reference for many.
41 mm: a larger, more contemporary size.
Vintage sizes: such as the 26 mm Lady-Datejust and the 34 mm Oyster Perpetual Date.

Case size changes the character of a Datejust considerably, so each listing gives exact measurements.

Metals

Oystersteel: Rolex's own stainless-steel alloy, hard-wearing and bright.
Rolesor: Rolex's term for steel combined with gold, typically a gold bezel and gold centre links.
18k gold: yellow, white and Everose.
Platinum: on some versions.

Bracelets

The Jubilee, with its five-piece links, is the dressy classic and the Datejust's traditional companion. The Oyster, with broader three-piece links, gives a sportier feel. The President, with semi-circular three-piece links, is reserved for some precious-metal versions. Modern bracelets use concealed clasps and comfort adjustment systems.

Choosing a Datejust

There is no single correct Datejust, only the right one for the wearer. A 36 mm steel Datejust with a smooth bezel and an Oyster bracelet is understated; a 36 mm with a fluted gold bezel and a Jubilee is the archetype; a 41 mm with a slate dial is contemporary. Vintage Datejusts often have softer case lines and acrylic crystals and are loved for their character.

Caring for a Datejust

Servicing: Rolex recommends servicing at intervals of around ten years for current models; older watches may need more frequent attention.
Water: ensure the crown is screwed down fully before contact with water. Have water resistance tested periodically, particularly after servicing or on older watches.
Date changes: on older models, avoid changing the date manually when the hands are between roughly 9pm and 3am, when the date mechanism is engaged.
Cleaning: a soft brush with warm, soapy water on a modern steel case and bracelet, with the crown screwed down, then a soft dry cloth.
Polishing: polishing removes metal and softens the case lines. Many owners prefer to keep it to a minimum.

Authentication

Every Datejust we offer is examined by our watch specialists. Read how we authenticate a Rolex.

Encore Luxe is an independent retailer and is not affiliated with Rolex.

Questions we’re often asked

When was the Rolex Datejust introduced?: The Datejust was introduced in 1945, Rolex's fortieth anniversary year. It was the first self-winding, waterproof chronometer wristwatch to show the date in a window on the dial.
What sizes does the Datejust come in?: Current sizes include 28, 31, 36 and 41 mm. Vintage and earlier sizes, such as the 26 mm Lady-Datejust, have also been made.
What is the difference between the Jubilee and Oyster bracelets?: The Jubilee has five-piece links and a dressier, more fluid look. The Oyster has broader three-piece links and a sportier feel.
What does the Cyclops lens do?: The Cyclops is a small magnifying lens set into the crystal over the date window. It enlarges the date so it is easier to read.