Description
High quality Japanese Miyota 8215 Movement https://miyotamovement.com/product/8215/
Latest release version from U1 Factory who are the best of the mid tier factories for this watch
Although not typically associated with fetching six-figure amounts at auctions, the Datejust collection from Rolex holds a distinctive significance. Arguably, no other timepiece has contributed as significantly to the enduring success and widespread recognition of the Rolex brand as the humble yet cherished Datejust. Over nearly seventy-five years, the Datejust has stood as a cornerstone within Rolex’s lineup. For countless individuals, owning a Rolex Datejust is more than enough—serving as the quintessential timepiece that meets all their needs.
Unveiled in 1945 to mark Rolex’s 40th anniversary, the Datejust stands as one of the oldest watch collections by Rolex that continues production today. Its original model boasted a 36mm case size. Back then, having a date display on a wristwatch was a novelty, and the Rolex Datejust pioneered this feature—being the world’s inaugural self-winding watch with an automatic date change at midnight. Though commonplace now, this innovation set the standard for date complications on wristwatches.
Distinct from Rolex’s specialized watch lines tailored for specific sports or environments, the Datejust wasn’t crafted for any singular activity. Unlike the Submariner for divers or the Daytona for race enthusiasts, the Datejust embodies a timeless and dependable essence, designed for everyday wear across a spectrum of activities, boasting a versatile and enduring aesthetic.
The Rolex Datejust entered the scene under the reference 4467, initially offered solely in solid 18k yellow gold. It wasn’t until the 1950s, with the introduction of references 5030 and 5031, that stainless steel and Rolesor (two-tone) variants emerged, bearing the “Datejust” designation on the dial.
Upon its debut, the Datejust introduced a novel bracelet style known as the Jubilee, exclusively tailored for this timepiece. Interestingly, the “Jubilee” name was initially intended for the watch itself, commemorating Rolex’s 40th anniversary. However, it eventually became the designation solely for the five-piece metal-link bracelet—an option that has remained available for Rolex Datejust watches ever since.
By the late 1950s, Rolex had introduced the Caliber 1560 movement, signaling a new era embodied by the reference 160x series. At this juncture, the Datejust had settled into its defining characteristics. The moniker “Datejust” had become a permanent fixture on its dial, while elements like the hands, bezel, hour markers, and crystal—with its cyclops magnification lens—established forms that endure in today’s modern Datejust watches crafted by Rolex.
A significant evolution for the Datejust occurred in the late 1970s with the advent of Rolex’s Caliber 3035 movement within the reference 160xx series. This fresh generation of Datejust timepieces introduced the ‘quickset’ date function, allowing wearers to independently adjust the date display without altering the timekeeping hands. Among this range, the reference 16013 emerged as the quintessential Rolesor (stainless steel and yellow gold) version, featuring Rolex’s iconic fluted bezel.
Maintaining the 36mm case diameter of its predecessors, this generation of Datejust watches underwent subtle design refinements alongside the upgraded movement. While the crystals on the 160xx series were still crafted from acrylic, the previous “pie pan” style dial gave way to a completely flat surface, akin to the dials that Rolex continues to employ today.
