The Datejust launched in 1945 to mark Rolex's 40th anniversary and introduced the world's first automatically changing date on a chronometer-certified wristwatch. It is the template every other dress-sport Rolex borrows from. The 1601 (fluted bezel, 1959–1977) and 1603 (engine-turned bezel) are the vintage collector's sweet spot: 36mm, tritium dials in every conceivable color, and prices that make them the most accessible way into Rolex ownership. Look for silver 'linen' dials, 'sigma' dials with gold indices, and the 'buckley' dials with painted Roman numerals. The 16014 (sapphire, quickset, 1977–1988) and 16234 (1988–2005) followed, keeping the recipe intact. A vintage Datejust on a Jubilee bracelet remains one of the most versatile watches ever made.
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Model
Rolex Datejust
The world's first self-winding waterproof chronometer with a date—and the best-value vintage Rolex.
- Introduced
- 1945
- Case sizes
- 31mm · 34mm · 36mm · 41mm
- Notable references
- 44676605160116031601416234116234126234
What to watch for
Refinished dials (particularly silver ones), stretched Jubilee bracelets, and replaced pie-pan dials on later cases.