From SwissWatchExpo… Spotlight on: The larger Rolex Datejust models.
Datejust II vs Datejust 41.
Introduced in 1945, the Rolex Datejust is the longest running production of the brand
and also its best-selling series. It is well-loved for its timeless and versatile aesthetic and
is considered the standard for classic wrist watches.
Through the decades, the diameter of the Datejust remained at 36 millimeters, a size that Rolex
still offers to this day. Due to the demand for larger watches, Rolex finally introduced
in 2009, the Datejust II, a larger 41 millimeter version.
The Datejust II was eventually discontinued and replaced with the slimmer but similarly
sized Datejust 41. The latter remains in the Rolex portfolio, while the Datejust II is
still in demand in the pre-owned market.
How can you tell the difference between the Rolex Datejust II, and the Rolex Datejust
41? Here are three major differences.
First is their appearance. While both are sized 41 millimeters, they do differ when
it comes to looks.
The Datejust II was Rolex’s answer to the large watch trend. Over the decades, men’s
watches increased dramatically in size, and Rolex offered larger sport models like the
44 millimeter Sea-Dweller Deepsea.
With the Datejust II, men who wanted larger dress watches finally had their go-to timepiece.
It had all the classic elements of the Datejust – the Oyster case, the date, and the Cyclops
lens – combined with a thicker bezel and thicker lugs.
The watch was visibly larger on the wrist, and was a very masculine and sporty approach.
Despite its initial success, however, it was discontinued after 6 years.
Thus, the Datejust 41 was introduced in 2016. With a tapered case and thinner profile, it
was, simply put, the traditional Datejust made bigger. Not only did it attract Datejust
fans who desired a bigger watch, but also a younger audience.
Aside from their appearance, the options within the Datejust II and Datejust 41 lines also
determine their specific audiences.
Due to its short production, the Datejust II was only offered in stainless steel and
Rolesor white and yellow gold. It was also only offered with the Oyster bracelet to emphasize
its sportier nature.
Dial colors ranged from silver and champagne to metallic grey, black and blue. A choice
of Arabic, Roman and diamond hour markers also existed in the range.
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The Datejust 41 meanwhile is offered in three Rolesor combinations – yellow gold, white
gold, and Everose gold combined with Oystersteel. A year after, it was also offered in full
Oystersteel.
One can choose between the Oyster and Jubilee bracelets. Additional dial options were also
introduced, such as the chocolate sunburst and mother of pearl dials.
Aesthetics aside, the biggest difference between the Datejust II and Datejust 41 actually lies
on the inside.
The Datejust II is powered by the Calibre 3136 (thirty one thirty six), a movement based
on Rolex’s base movement, the Calibre 3135.
By the time that the Datejust 41 was developed, Rolex was already on to its next generation
of movements, the Calibre 32 series.
The Datejust 41 is equipped with the Calibre 3235 (thirty two thirty five), whose Chronergy
escapement, high-capacity barrel, and greater use of nickel-phosphorus alloy, resulted
in a 70 hour power reserve and improved magnetic resistance.
For a sporty and masculine approach to the dress watch, you can still get the Datejust
II in the pre-owned market.
If you want a larger watch but with the classic proportions of the traditional Datejust, go
for the Datejust 41. Both are highly-sought after versions of Rolex’s all-time classic.
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