The Rolex Datejust 41 is Exactly the Rolex We Want

At Baselworld 2017, Rolex followed up Baselworld 2016’s debut of the Rolex Datejust 41 collection with two new models. While the first members of the Datejust 41 collection were yellow gold and steel, along with rose gold and steel, this year’s additions are two new white metal versions. And they’re pretty perfect.

The Rolex Datejust 41 collection replaces the previous Rolex Datejust II collection. Although both lines have the same 41mm size, the newer Datejust 41 watches sport a thinner profile, leaner lugs, and a slimmer bezel than its predecessor. It also houses a different movement, the Rolex Caliber 3235, which we’ll go into more detail further below.

A white gold and stainless steel combination for the everyday luxury watch. (Credit: CNN)

With that, let’s delve a little deeper into the new Datejust 41 watches in steel and in steel and white gold.

Rolex Datejust 41 ref. 126334

First up, we have the stunning Datejust 41 in stainless steel and white gold—the ref. 126334. Referred to as white Rolesor—aka the combining of steel and gold on a Rolex model—the Datejust ref. 126334 is actually predominately stainless steel. The only 18k white gold component is the fluted bezel.

The stainless steel 41mm Oyster case sits nice and large on the wrist, yet its slim profile and tapered lugs make for a super comfortable fit. There are several dial options of the white Rolesor Datejust 41 including blue, black, rhodium, silver, and mother-of-pearl. Furthermore, there’s also a choice between luminous stick hour markers and diamond indexes. The new Rolex Datejust 41 ref. 126334 also offers both the sporty Oyster bracelet or the dressier Jubilee bracelet. However, the most photogenic option and the one Rolex used for all its press pictures is definitely the blue dial, stick indexes, and Oyster bracelet model. Beautifully contemporary, yet classically Rolex.

The only 18k white gold component is the fluted bezel. (Credit: Monochrome)

A more affordable option than the first two Everose and yellow gold Rolesor options, the white Rolesor Datejust 41 starts at $9,350.

Rolex Datejust 41 ref. 126300

The other new Datejust model is the full stainless steel version, ref. 126300. Sporting the same 41mm Oyster case, the only bezel option is, of course, a domed one in steel. Dial choices only include black, white, and rhodium—all with stick indexes—for now, but Rolex will most likely expand upon that in the future. And wearers do have a choice between the Oyster and Jubilee bracelet too.

As the entry level Datejust, the full stainless steel option starts at $7,350 at retail.

Rolex Caliber 3235

The Rolex Datejust 41 collection runs on the Rolex Caliber 3235—a movement that made its debut in the Pearlmaster in 2015. Boasting 14 patents, this is the brand’s newest generation of a time and date automatic mechanical movement. It includes a new escapement dubbed the Chronergy escapement for better efficiency. This essentially translates to better power reserve for the wearer. Therefore, the Datejust 41 has a power reserve of around 70 hours, thus the watch can be left unworn for just under three days before running out of juice.

Furthermore, as of 2015, Rolex redefined what it means to have the Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified label. Now, all Rolex watches are accurate to +2/-2 seconds a day, including the new Datejust 41.

The perfect daily luxury dress watch, the new Rolex Datejust 41 in steel or in steel and white gold is exactly the watch we want in our arsenal. Large enough to fit today’s watch trends, yet timeless enough to wear for generations, the Datejust 41 is an instant classic indeed. What do you think of the new Datejust in white metals? Is there one that you prefer?