Rolex · 2,271 listed

Rolex Datejust for sale in NYC

Datejust 36 and 41 references in steel, Rolesor and gold, the 41mm Datejust II, and Lady-Datejust 28 and Datejust 31 models, on Jubilee, Oyster and President bracelets, new and pre-owned.

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A short history

Rolex introduced the Datejust in 1945 to mark the brand's 40th year. It was the first self-winding wrist chronometer to show the date in a window on the dial, and it arrived on the five-piece Jubilee bracelet made for it. The Cyclops lens that magnifies the date came a few years later and has been part of the look ever since. The fluted bezel, once a functional seal, is now the detail most buyers ask for by name.

Sizes and case options

The core sizes today are 36mm and 41mm, with 28mm and 31mm for smaller wrists. Between 2009 and 2016 Rolex also made the 41mm Datejust II, a broader case with thicker lugs and a wider bezel. Cases come in Oystersteel, Rolesor (steel with a yellow, white or Everose gold bezel and center links) and full gold. Bezels are smooth, fluted or diamond set, and dials range from silver and blue to Wimbledon slate, fluted motif, palm motif and diamond indexes.

References to know

In 36mm, the 126200 is steel with a smooth bezel, the 126234 pairs steel with a white gold fluted bezel, and the 126233 is yellow Rolesor. In 41mm, look at the 126300 in steel, the 126334 with a white gold fluted bezel and the 126333 in yellow Rolesor. These current models use the calibre 3235 with about 70 hours of power reserve. The Datejust II references 116300 and 116334 use the calibre 3136. For smaller wrists, the 279174 and 279173 are the Lady-Datejust 28, and the 278274 and 278273 are the Datejust 31. Earlier five-digit pieces such as the 16234 and 16233 run on the calibre 3135.

What to look for when buying

Check the bracelet first. Older five-digit Jubilee bracelets have hollow end links and stretch with wear, while current versions use solid links and a concealed Crownclasp. Confirm the dial matches the reference and the papers, since dials are easy to swap. The Datejust is the Rolex most often fitted with aftermarket diamond bezels, dials and bracelets. Custom pieces here are marked as custom, and you should expect the same from any seller. Ask when the watch was last serviced and whether the box and Rolex card are present.

Prices are listed on every watch. Call or text to see Datejust pieces in person by appointment in the Diamond District in Midtown Manhattan.

Questions

Rolex Datejust questions

Should I choose a Datejust 36 or 41?

The 36mm is the classic size and wears well on wrists up to about seven inches, especially on a Jubilee. The 41mm suits larger wrists or anyone who wants more dial. In current form both use the calibre 3235, so the choice is mostly about fit. Try both on if you can, because the fluted bezel makes either size look a little larger than the number suggests.

What is the difference between the Datejust II and the Datejust 41?

Both measure 41mm, but the Datejust II (116300, 116334) has a wider bezel, thicker lugs and broader hour markers, and it uses the calibre 3136. The Datejust 41 that replaced it in 2016 has slimmer lugs and proportions closer to the 36mm, plus the calibre 3235 with a longer power reserve. Some buyers prefer the bolder look of the II, others the more balanced 41.

How much do box and papers matter on a Datejust?

They matter more for resale than for daily wear. A full set with the original box and the dated Rolex card is easier to sell later and tends to bring more. Papers also let you match the serial number to the watch. A Datejust without papers can still be a sound buy if the serial, movement and parts check out, and the price should reflect the missing set.

Is Rolesor a good middle ground between steel and gold?

For many buyers it is. Rolesor puts gold on the bezel and center bracelet links, where it shows most, and keeps steel on the case and outer links. A white gold fluted bezel looks close to steel and is a quiet way to add precious metal. Yellow Rolesor reads warmer and more traditional. Full gold Datejusts exist, but most buyers who want all gold move up to the Day-Date.

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