Rolex Lady-Datejust

This is a TTTTDJ! A teeny-tiny two tone Datejust aka the first Rolex I've ever owned aka a CERTIFIED CLASSIC (this is a nicer reference of my watch though, with the solid, filled Jubilee bracelet complete with the classic Rolex crown). Its automatically changing date window (get it? DATEjust) was revolutionary tech when it initially dropped in the '40s, and it remains ever-relevant today (even though the 26mm size has been discontinued by Rolex… booooooooo!! Bring back the TT!). Hodinkee advisor Cara Barrett tells me that she stans the Datejust: “To me, it is the perfect watch,” she declares. “If anyone ever asks me what watch they should buy, I suggest the Datejust 99 percent of the time. It’s clean, classic, can be dressed up, dressed down, and it will last for-literally-ever.” Can't argue with that! 

THE BASICS: 

DATE OF BIRTH: 2004

MATERIAL: Stainless Steel & 18k Yellow Gold

SIZE: 26mm

MOVEMENT: Automatic Caliber 2235

CONDITION: Very Good. 

BOX/PAPERS: No/No

THE NITTY GRITTY: 

The icon of the line up in the Rolex collection? Quite possibly! Also, being that this is no longer in the current collection, does this just make this watch even more desirable? We think so… Not to mention this is a watch that resides in Ms. Wallner’s aka Dimepiece’s collection. Therefore, it’s a “must have”!

This is an early 2000’s version, so this features a sapphire crystal, which makes these just a little more durable and water resistant than their earlier plastic/acrylic siblings.  These models also went through a number of other quite extensive upgrades during this time. Being two tone, it can be paired with a Tiffany sterling necklace and the gold hardware on the Chanel bag. Versatile! Basically it will work with anything, any time.

The dial colour is the more the classic champagne with the applied 18k baton markers.  The serif printing of the text and hash marker minute ring, which runs along the edge of the dial is all in black, which sits well with the dial background. One of the upgrades that Rolex introduced by this point is a new luminous material. Out went the “T Swiss T” marking at the base of the dial for Tritium, and in came the “Swiss Made” Super Luminova dials. A better, more stable material which also retains its luminosity much better over time. 

This watch is all original, remaining untouched and in excellent condition featuring all lume plots intact that are at their factory white colour. This is a handsome dial as these smaller, more proportionally correct hour markers were soon replaced by much thicker, more stubby, and white painted versions. The classic gold, lume filled baton hands are present. This overall look harks back to the classic dials on the original 1970’s watches.

The case is in good overall condition throughout and appears to be unpolished. This is a “no holes” case, meaning that the lug holes are not drilled and exposed from the sides of the case, making for a cleaner finish. Another improvement made. 

The final big change to this watch is to the jubilee link bracelet. There is a new “hidden” deployant buckle which is taken from the top of the line Day Date model. This is opened vial using a nail on the Rolex coronet. The end links going into this watch are also solid. The overall feel is much better than the bracelet that preceded it. It is in excellent condition throughout with no sag or heavy scratching to the bracelet. This watch really is a fine example of clean and classic Rolex aesthetics all bundled up in a beautiful small package.