Often mistaken as the same piece, the Rolex Date and Rolex Datejust are two distinct, well-established models, created by the highly regarded Swiss watch giant decades ago. Given their clear similarities, you can probably see why the confusion is quite common.
But what are those similarities, and what is the difference between a Rolex Date and Datejust? If you are looking for a pre-owned Rolex and feel confused or undecided about these two beautiful watches, this short blog post is definitely worth five minutes of your time.
Rolex Date vs. Datejust | Key Points:
- Size Variations: The main difference between Rolex Date and Datejust is the size. The Date has a 34-mm case, while the Datejust is 36mm to 41mm.
- Similarities: Both feature a date function with Cyclops' lens
- Design Options: Datejust has more dials, bezels, bracelets, and metals.
- Movement Technology: Datejust often includes Rolex’s latest movements.
- Collectibility: Datejust tends to be more sought after by collectors.
- Market Availability: Datejust is strong in the pre-owned Rolex market.
- Price Range: Datejust is usually priced higher due to its extensive options.
- Target Audience: With Rolex Date vs. Rolex Datejust, each just appeals to slightly different audiences.
Rolex Datejust vs. Date | History
The current watchmaking era has birthed some breathtaking, ingenious complications. The Perpetual Calendar on an Audemars Piguet, for example, or the Moon Phase on a Patek, are just two of many innovations that are dizzying in their brilliance.
With the level of artistry reached, we might take for granted the less ambitious complications available in luxury Swiss watches, given today's standards. However, there was a time when new innovations like the automatic date change generated a huge buzz in the watchmaking industry.
The Rolex Datejust
With the release of the Datejust in 1945, Rolex became the first watchmaker to engineer and release this particular complication in celebration of Rolex’s 40th anniversary.
That shouldn't come as too much of a surprise; with over 500 patents and a famously huge and immensely talented R&D department, Rolex has been one of the leading innovators over the last century.
But the automatic date change was particularly impressive and way ahead of its time. It was the very first automatic watch to change the date at midnight without any input required by the wearer.
It's a little hard to perceive in this day and age, but at the time, people would behold the new date change feature in the same way that current-era enthusiasts might stare in disbelief at the Vacheron Constantin Celestia, which informs you of the seasons, solstices, equinoxes, and tide levels, to name a few.
Even more remarkable is that Datejust is still popular today, mostly retaining its original design and components, apart from the occasional updates and different movements over the years.
The Rolex Date
Released in the late 1950s, the Rolex Date was designed as a subtle yet sophisticated alternative to the Rolex Datejust.
Extremely similar in appearance and style, the smaller-sized Date appealed to anyone looking for the usual elegance associated with Rolex while remaining practical and day-to-day.
It was conceived to offer the dependable date function in a more discreet form, appealing to a broader audience at a lower price point. It would go on to become a staple for collectors until it was removed from the collection in 2021.
The Main Difference Between Rolex Date and Datejust
The Datejust combined several of Rolex’s pioneering innovations, chief among them being the waterproof Oyster case, the self-winding Perpetual movement, and the instantly recognizable Cyclops lens.
The original Datejust was a modest 36mm yellow gold model with a fluted bezel and a distinctive five-link Jubilee bracelet, all elements that remain popular in today’s collection.
The Rolex Date offered a slightly smaller 34mm case and was positioned as a more understated and practical alternative. It retained the classic date function but favored simpler bezels and three-link Oyster bracelets.
Rolex Date vs. Datejust | Size Options
Over time, both lines expanded their offerings, though the Datejust saw a broader evolution. The Date range included sizes like the 26mm Lady-Date and the 31mm mid-size, both of which were eventually phased out.
Today, the Datejust continues with a range of options, including the Lady-Datejust 28, Datejust 31, and the larger 41mm models. In turn, the Rolex Date series has been discontinued.
| Rolex Datejust Sizes | Rolex Date Sizes |
|---|---|
| Lady-Datejust 26 (discontinued) | Date 26 (discontinued) |
| Lady-Datejust 28 | Date 31 (discontinued) |
| Datejust 31 | Date 34 (discontinued) |
| Datejust 36 | |
| Datejust II (41mm; discontinued) | |
| Datejust 41 |
Rolex Date vs. Datejust | Materials
One striking difference between Rolex Date vs. Datejust is the material and style offerings available. The Datejust offers an impressive range of options and design choices, including its proprietary 904L stainless steel, two-tone steel and gold, and even full gold options. Paired with those choices is an assortment of dials, bezels, and bracelets.
In theme with its more reserved approach, the Date kept the Rolex base materials far more straightforward. Toward the end of its production, it was limited to either full stainless steel or stainless steel with a white gold fluted bezel, all housed in 34mm cases and fitted with the classic Oyster bracelet.
Rolex Date vs. Datejust | Current Production Options
With the Date now discontinued, the current Datejust collection offers the Datejust 36, Datejust 41, and Lady-Datejust 28. The 36mm and 41mm men’s models are available in full steel or two-tone, while the Lady-Datejust 28 offers additional choices, including full gold.
Women’s watches in the range also offer more bracelet options, such as the Oyster, Jubilee, and President, whereas men’s models stick to the Jubilee and Oyster. Either way, each Datejust retains the signature elements: a waterproof Oyster case, self-winding Perpetual movement, and the iconic Cyclops date display at 3 o’clock.
Rolex Date vs. Datejust | Functionality
Both the Datejust and Date share similar features, with self-winding movements and an instantly changing date display. Historically, they often ran on the same calibers, including the switch to quickset date movements in the late 1970s.
However, modern Datejust models, like the 36 and 41mm versions, now use the Caliber 3235, which offers a 70-hour power reserve. In contrast, the last of the Date 34 models was powered by the Caliber 3135, which had a 48-hour reserve.
Datejust vs. Date | Popular References
Rolex Datejust
- Datejust 1601: Vintage model with a fluted bezel and Jubilee bracelet.
- Datejust 126234: Modern stainless steel model with a white gold bezel.
- Datejust 16233: Rolesor (steel and gold) model with a champagne dial.
- Datejust 116233: Two-tone model combining stainless steel and yellow gold.
- Datejust 126300: Contemporary option in full stainless steel with a smooth bezel.
Rolex Date
- Date 1500: Vintage model with a smooth bezel and Oyster bracelet.
- Date 1501: Features an engine-turned bezel with a classic stainless steel look.
- Date 15200: Modern version with a smooth bezel and simple dial.
- Date 15223: Two-tone model in stainless steel and yellow gold.
- Date 115200: Contemporary stainless steel model with a smooth bezel.
New and Pre-Owned Prices | Datejust vs. Date
At the time of writing (October 2024), prices from authorized dealers start around $7,500 for stainless steel pre-owned Datejust models, with two-tone and gold variations ranging up to $15,000 or more. As always, the cost can increase further for models with diamonds or specialty dials.
Before being discontinued, the Rolex Date was priced lower when new due to its simpler build and smaller size. Pre-owned Datejust models generally begin around $5,000, depending on condition and age.
Pre-owned Rolex Date models can be found for around $3,500 to $5,000, offering a more affordable entry point into vintage Rolex collecting, although these prices vary based on rarity and overall condition.
Rolex Date vs. Datejust | Summary
While both the Rolex Date and Datejust share a unique history and timeless Rolex design, they do appeal to slightly different tastes. The Datejust has a wider range of sizes, materials, and styles, appealing to anyone seeking a more customizable Rolex experience. The Date, although far simpler in nature and now discontinued, holds plenty of value in the pre-owned Rolex market as a classic Rolex choice for a reasonable price point.
Click here to view our range of Pre Owned Rolex Datejust watches.
