Whenever we ask our clients, customers, and people out and about which luxury watches and iconic timepieces they know about, most answers revolve around the Rolex brand.
A cornerstone of the luxury industry, Rolex is not only famous for its logo and iconic collection of watches but also for its presence in past and present pop culture. It is the favoured watch worn by James Bond, it is a brand that sponsors countless sports events, and it constantly appears on the red carpet and the wrists of the rich and famous.
And no other model evokes this classic, traditional, and impeccably stylish association than the Datejust.
History of the Rolex Datejust
The Datejust was first launched in 1945 and marked 40 years since the inception of the Rolex brand. It was then, and remains today, an embodiment of the classic Rolex, boasting all the hallmarks of what put the brand at the forefront of the market upon its release.
One of the most notable features of the Datejust, however, is the fact that, despite this model being by no means the most famous or iconic to come from the design chiefs at Rolex, it boasts its own position in the industry’s innovative hall of fame. The Datejust was the very first self-winding wristwatch to feature an automatic date display that changed the date at midnight. This is commonplace on the market today, but was an integral step forward back in the 1940s, and puts the Datejust on the map.
Aside from that, the Datejust is one of Rolex’s more ordinary timepieces. By that we mean it was not designed to push physical boundaries or support specific activities or lifestyles – rather, it is a classic watch that balances style with quality.
So, how has it evolved through the years?
How Is the Datejust Innovative?
We’ve already mentioned the most notable feature of the Rolex Datejust, which earmarked its release as a step forward in the wristwatch market.
The Datejust set the standard for wristwatches with date displays; a standard that is still being adhered to today. Owing its name to this founding innovation that underpins the history and inspiration behind the design of the watch, the Rolex Datejust doesn’t just place the date in numbers in a box next to the ‘3’ on the watch face, but it is also waterproof, with a 31-dial disc that moves automatically at midnight.
The real innovation comes when you start to consider how the Datejust watch has changed over the years since its first release in 1945.
In 1953, a magnifying lens was carefully positioned over the watch face to grant the user an easier viewpoint and perspective of the date. A concept invented by Rolex, this magnifying feature is called a Cyclops lens and is an incredibly simple but highly effective addition to the watch, which enhances its primary innovation.
In the 1950s, the name ‘Datejust’ was also added to the design of the watch face, while other design features, such as the hands, placement of the hour markers, and the bezel, were all finalised as part of a blueprint that remains present in even the most modern Datejust timepieces.
Then, in the 1970s, a new generation of movement hit the industry, with users now able to adjust the date setting of their Rolex Datejust without touching the hands that tell the time. This was married with a few subtle changes to the design, including a flat dial and a change in materials.
And then we come to some of the most modern releases and models, which include larger versions of the Datejust watch as released in the Datejust II collection. These modern designs and iterations retain most of the hallmarks and features of the classic Datejust, but with design updates to match the ever-changing trends and what buyers want from their timepiece.
What all of this tells us is that the Rolex Datejust hasn’t just undergone various innovations and design changes throughout its history – the entire existence of the watch is based on innovation. As one of the most coveted timepieces in the industry, the Datejust doesn’t owe its reputation to a specific sport, activity, or lifestyle. Rather, its reputation is a culmination of design flair, innovation, and the things that make the Rolex brand and its individual watches so revolutionary.
Is the Rolex Datejust a Good Investment Watch?
So, is the Rolex Datejust a good investment?
Rolex remains one of the most coveted brands in the luxury industry. The combination of high demand and low supply means that virtually all timepieces are always in demand among both Rolex lovers and investment buyers, pushing the price of every high-quality and good-condition watch skywards. This is further enhanced by the fact that Rolex is a brand that everyone knows and that everyone wants to own a piece of.
Whether you opt for a vintage Rolex Datejust or one of the more modern designs and models, the connection between the timepiece and watchmaking history is such that you can rest assured your investment will be a good one.
Buyers can wear or keep their Rolex securely stored and go on to sell it via a reputable reseller or auction at a later date, following a formal valuation and alongside all the right certificates of authenticity. Best of all, with the best resellers able to provide valuation support in store, as well as access to a plethora of other watches and luxury goods, you can not only sell your investment for the best price but browse and find your new obsession in one visit.
For more information on the services and products available, and to book a consultation, get in touch with the Love Luxury UK team. Or you can chat to our Dubai team via the Love Luxury Dubai site.
