The Rolex Datejust was first released in 1945 and is the best-selling collection in the entire Rolex family. Last year, the manufacturer unveiled the new Rolex Datejust 41, sporting a larger 41mm case size, which was previously associated with the Datejust II, but with a number of refinements to improve the timepiece’s proportions.
Effectively, the new model was designed to more closely resemble a larger version of the standard 36mm Datejust and was a hit with fans. However, it was only available in yellow gold, or in yellow ‘Rolesor’, a two-tone combination of yellow gold and stainless steel. This year, however, Rolex have introduced two new versions into the collection.
Here, we take a look at the two new models and explain why they are such a welcome addition to the collection.
New Choice of Affordable Stainless Steel Datejust 41’s
The first thing to explain is that the new releases are not completely new models, but instead represent an expansion of last year’s Datejust 41 family. For the first time, the timepiece is available with a stainless steel case, providing an entry-level option for those with a slightly tighter budget.
In terms of materials, the key difference between the two new releases is the bezel. The first of the models, the Ref. 126300, is made entirely from stainless steel and features a smooth bezel, while the second option, the Ref. 126334, features a steel case with a fluted bezel constructed from 18k white gold.
This technically makes the Ref. 126334 another two-tone Rolesor model, although unlike last year’s Rolesor releases, the central links on the bracelet are not constructed from gold and only the bezel is. Indeed, to the casual observer, both models would likely be classed as stainless steel models.
New Dial Colors & improved in-house Movement
Aside from the case materials, both new models are available with a variety of dial colors. The all-steel model is available with either a dark rhodium or white dial, while the steel and white gold version is available with silver or blue dials. Meanwhile, two more extravagant versions of the steel and white gold option feature either a black or white dial, with the dial markers being replaced with mother of pearl diamonds.
Like all Datejust models, the two new releases feature a date display window at the 3 o’clock position, with a Cyclops lens enhancing its legibility. Their Oyster cases guarantee water resistance for up to 100 meters, or 330 feet below the surface and there are a choice of bracelets.
Finally, the movement utilized in the models is the in-house Calibre 3235, which was introduced alongside the first Rolex 41 models last year. This movement is Superlative Chronometer certified and its precision after casing is of the order of -2/+2 seconds per day, which is twice the level of precision of an official chronometer.
The new all-steel Rolex Datejust 41 has a retail price of around $6,300, while the steel and white gold model starts at approximately $9,350, with the diamond set models being more expensive.
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