Rolex’s Datejust is the archetype of the classic watch thanks to functions and aesthetics that never go out of fashion. Launched in 1945, it was the first self-winding waterproof chronometer wristwatch to display the date in a window at 3 o’clock on the dial, and consolidated all the major innovations that Rolex had contributed to the modern wristwatch until then. Rolex Datejust Watches Both modern and aesthetic, the Rolex Datejust has one of the most recognized in the collection of classic watches, specifically their traditional pieces, which has spanned over eras and surpassed changes in fashion over time. New Rolex Datejust Watches
Rolex just dropped a new collection of Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36s at the Watches & Wonders 2021 show. The Datejust has long been a canvas for interesting dials, and now, we have two new ones to choose from: a festive palm motif and a luxe fluted version that pays homage to the Rolex’s famously fluted bezels.
The tropical palm motif can be found on three of the new models. There’s an Oystersteel version that comes on an Oyster bracelet and features the palm motif in olive green, there’s a Rolesor (two-tone) version on an Oyster bracelet that features the golden palm motif dial, and there’s a silver dial on the third version, an Everose Rolesor model with a Jubilee bracelet. On the fluted dial side of things, there’s a yellow gold and steel version with a golden fluted dial, and there’s a white gold and steel and white-gold version with a blue fluted dial. All the new Datejusts are outfitted with the caliber 3235, which comes with the Chronergy escapement and a power reserve of 70 hours.
The Rolex Datejust 36 is what a lot of people who aren’t necessarily enthusiasts or into sport watches tend to think of when they think of Rolex. It’s also been a traditional canvas for new dial designs and colorful dial treatments, so it’s no big surprise to see a couple of new dial treatments in the DJ 36.
With the new tropical Palm motif, Rolex has offered another fun design that shows quite a bit of range across the three variations available at launch. I really like the olive dial paired with the Oystersteel DJ. Its plain domed bezel and white metal configuration are the most toned-down of the new releases, and the olive-colored palm dial provides a really fun pop of color.
On the fluted dial side of things, you get the two-tone with golden fluted dial, a two-tone steel and Everose with domed bezel, and the all-white metal version paired with a blue dial. The last brings a really cool look to the Datejust 36, and it’s my favorite of all the new Datejusts. But if the Datejust 36 is what a lot of people think of when they think of Rolex, then I think the two-tone yellow gold and Oystersteel version of this model is the specific watch many have in their minds. Paired with this new dial, it feels classic, like something you might have seen already. Just look at that one right above.