The Origins of the Datejust
Elevate the experience of your Datejust with our revolutionary caseback–a true edge-to-edge viewing experience, so you can see your entire movement.
Few timepieces carry the history and meaning of the Rolex Datejust. It was first introduced in 1945 in commemoration of Rolex’s 40th anniversary, and was the world’s first self-winding chronometer wristwatch to display the date in a small window on the dial that automatically changed at midnight — what at first seemed like a simple feature later became a defining characteristic that inspired the rest of the industry.
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The model has since become the blueprint for a traditional wristwatch — the classic luxury timepiece that you’ve likely seen countless times without even realizing it, nodding to its understated timelessness. The Datejust is versatile: easily dressed up or down, worn by prominent politicians or passed down as a graduation gift. It doesn’t scream for attention, but it always garners a second glance — a staple, not a statement. While it may not generate the same attention as flashier, sportier models like the Submariner or Daytona, the Datejust’s ultimate appeal lies in its elegant design, robust performance, and adaptable ability to seamlessly blend in — or stand out — depending on the wearer’s intent.
Vintage Datejust Advert 1966 (thenostalgiashop.co.uk)
Datejusts have iconically been housed in Oyster cases since their release. These Oyster cases were just as impactful on the industry as the Datejusts themselves —they were the first ever waterproof wristwatch cases that were durable and mass-produced. Prior to the Oyster case’s introduction in 1926, earlier waterproof cases were bulky, impractical, and inelegant, typically taking the form of a separate, “secondary” case to be snapped on top of the main case.
A classic mainstay of the Rolex collection, the Datejust has not evolved much following its introduction 80 years ago, however minor additions and refinements have since been implemented, making room for newer models with features such as increased accuracy and a quick-set feature. The most notable changes surround the movement of the watch — for instance, the iconic Caliber 3035 movement increased the Datejust’s beatrate, drastically improving the timepiece’s accuracy.
However, one of the drawbacks that has always followed the Datejust is that its owner is never able to see the movement. This is a shame, as there is much history to be found in observance of the design and finishing of the various Rolex calibres housed in the Datejust. From the calibre 740 to today’s 3235, various horological innovations were fielded to enhance the durability and chronometric performance of the Datejust. Our exhibition caseback presents an innovative work-around for enthusiasts and collectors while still preserving the timeless appearance and the durable hermetic protection of the watch. The transparent caseback not only enables the user to view the interior mechanisms of the timepiece, but also to admire the evolution of watchmaking, whether a Datejust from today or yesterday. ​​
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If you wish to examine the distinct, teflon-coated wheels of the automatic winding mechanism introduced by the calibre 1570, the microstella balance screws added to the calibre 3035, or the complete balance bridge brought in by the 3135, all this and more is visible with this customization. While watch customization has typically been limited
to switching out the straps or selecting a different color, our caseback makes for a unique and meaningful modification — the modern change that allows for the preservation of the Datejust’s iconic design while also giving insight into its mechanical core.
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The Rolex Datejust is a treasure that holds significant history and impact on the watchmaking industry. It is the manifestation of years of refinement, understated luxury, and timeless beauty whose inner workings should be visible to any user.
Rolex Datejust (rolex.com)