Why We Love It

Solid gold Datejusts are pretty unusual.

Built in very small numbers so as not to compete with the "Big Brother" Day-Date, precious metal clad Datejusts have been around since they were introduced in 1945, but are very scarce on the market today. We jump whenever we find a clean one, but locating an untouched case and dial is easier said than done.

This example, a 'transitional' Reference 16018, is one of the best looking models we've ever offered. Featuring a quickset date mechanism and sapphire crystal, this piece dates to approximately 1984. Fitted inside a nearly-flawless solid yellow gold case with crisp lugs and hallmarks is an uncommon and stunning stark white dial with perfectly aged Tritium luminescent plots and matching hands.

This piece is way more than the sum of its parts - strap it on and you'll see what we mean!

The Story

We've said it over and over again - the Datejust may just be the perfect watch.

Coupling perfect proportions, simple dial layouts, and robust movements, Rolex's most prolific model is an icon of timekeeping that has been in continuous production for decades. Moreover, the Datejust is all the watch that just about any of us really need. 

The beauty of the Datejust is that it is the ultimate do-anything, go-anywhere watch. Equal parts sporty and dressy, the Datejust wears just as well with jeans as it does with a suit, and thanks to the signature Oyster case and tough-as-nails movement, it’s ready for anything that you can throw at it.

In production continuously since 1945, the original Datejust was the world's first wristwatch to incorporate a date disc and aperture at the 3:00 position. The cyclops magnifier over the date window was introduced in 1954, and as we all know has became a signature Rolex design cue.   

Since then, date windows at 3:00 have become commonplace, and the Rolex cyclops magnifier bubble has become a hallmark of the brand. Datejusts have proudly been worn by presidents, athletes and movie stars (and probably your grandfather), in a testament to how timeless and versatile the watch truly is.

Where so many watches can be a little too big here, or a little too small there, the Datejust is just right, embracing the wrist with its thin and tapering 36mm case. And while recent horological trends have favored large wristwatches, the age of the giant watch is behind us (thankfully), making more reasonably sized watches, like the original Datejust, a pleasantly stylish option that fits the bill.

There's a magic to the Datejust's simple design, a timelessness that speaks to how true style never dies.