Rolex Datejust II – The Collections History Revealed | Bob's Watches
The Datejust II is the larger edition of Rolex’s famed Datejust wristwatch. The original 36mm version debuted in 1945 and continues production today. Its core design, which is still present in the larger 41mm model, includes a waterproof Oyster case and a Perpetual movement with self-winding and a jump date mechanism. While Rolex has made countless upgrades to the collection, none has been as memorable as the Datejust in 41mm.
Rolex released the first 41mm edition of the Datejust at Basel World 2009 under the Datejust II. Its case grew 5mm and housed a then-new calibre 3136 Perpetual movement. The Datejust II was also only ever produced on a three-link Oyster bracelet. The addition of a 5-link Jubilee option came a few years later with the introduction of the current Datejust 41 in 2016. In addition to its larger case size, the 2009 model also introduced the collection to a new and very contemporary selection of dial colors.
The series also included several notable references, such as the White Rolesor 116334 in stainless steel and 18kt white gold and the Oystersteel 116300 in all-steel, among many others.
The release of the Datejust II was not surprising, with some of the industry’s top watch brands already producing large timepieces. Rolex had also already introduced the bigger Day-Date II the year prior, in 2008. Unfortunately, their first attempt at the 41mm edition didn’t quite take off, and the Datejust II was discontinued in 2015.
Rolex introduced the Datejust 41 in 2016. In addition to equipping the collection with a brand new calibre 3235 Perpetual movement, the Datejust 41 also received a refined case, a slimmer bezel, smaller markers on the dial, and either an Oyster or a Jubilee bracelet. With these small tweaks to the case, the Datejust 41 appears less boxy than its predecessor and has since enjoyed more success on the market, all while maintaining the 41mm diameter that the brand was hoping to achieve.
The calibre 3235 movement is one of Rolex’s most impressive yet with nearly 90% new parts. That is in comparison to the calibre 3135, which has powered the Datejust 36 for decades. It boasts Paraflex shock absorbers, a blue Parachrom hairspring, and an impressive 70-hour power reserve. The calibre is also equipped with Rolex’s newer skeletonized Chronergy escapement. Overall, the movement is 30% more efficient. It still operates on automatic winding technology and boasts the distinction of a Superlative Chronometer Officially certified. The calibre 3235 is a superior movement and is expected to replace the long-running calibre 3135.
The current generation Datejust 41 is offered in Oystersteel, steel and white gold “White Rolesor,” Steel and yellow gold “Yellow Rolesor,” or steel and rose gold “Everose Rolesor.” Many of these metal options are also available with either a fluted or smooth bezel. Notable references include the stunning two-tone Everose Rolesor ref. 126331 and the White Rolesor ref. 126334. Both editions are topped with Chromalight, a stunning luminous material that emits a radiant blue glow.
The Datejust II is discontinued but can be found on the secondary market for around $6k - $8k. The Datejust 41 remains in production and currently retails from $7,900 to $13,450.
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