Rolex Datejust - Watch History

The Rolex Datejust began its production run in 1945 but was originally released under the name “Jubilee Datejust”, which signified the 40th anniversary of the Wilsdorf & Davis Company (aka Rolex Watch Company). It was some time later when the watch became known simply as the “Rolex Datejust”. Originally the Datejust was essentially a variant of the Bubbleback watch which had been in production for a number of years before the introduction of the Rolex Datejust. The Datejust version was significant due to its ability to display the numerical date automatically, which was the first of its kind.

Over the years, the Rolex Datejust has enjoyed a number of convenient additions as well as having improved waterproofing abilities, an upgraded sapphire crystal, as well as a slimmer profile overall.

Cyclops Magnification Feature

After its introduction the Rolex Datejust had many minor cosmetic adjustments to the bezel and the crown. The Datejust model 6605 brought a significant improvement to the design; the “Cyclops” magnifying device was introduced. This significant change allowed the date display to be magnified a number of times and the powerful magnification is still a trait used to differentiate between fake versions and Authentic Rolex Datejust watches. After its inception, the Cyclops magnification feature was added to numerous other Rolex models.

Quick Set Feature

The “Quick Set” feature for the Rolex Datejust watch in the late 1970’s. This convenient addition allowed the date to be set without having to wind the hour hand forward and the Crown no longer had to be rotated in order to adjust for the date; one could simply use the winding stem. This convenient addition was popular and subsequently added to a number of other Rolex models.

In the 1990’s, Rolex expanded on the functionality of the Quick Set function by including the ability to also change the day at the same time (on Dayjust models). This new version was dubbed the “Double Quick Set”

Datejust Materials and Bracelets

Over the years the Rolex Datejust was offered in many combinations of materials and different straps. The watch was first available in 18 karat yellow gold and then stainless steel; there were a limited amount of Datejust watches produced using more exotic materials such as platinum, white gold, and pink gold. Later on in production,  two tone versions of the Rolex Datejust were offered – containing both gold and stainless steel. A variety of bracelet options were offered; a leather strap, the Oyster bracelet, or the original Jubilee bracelet.