|
Introduced in 1945, the Rolex Datejust marked the 40-year anniversary of Rolex. The original models were thinly disguised versions of the Rolex Bubbleback. The key difference between the Bubbleback and the Datejust was the date function at the 3 position. To accommodate the date wheel, the Rolex Datejust was slightly thicker than the Bubbleback. The date wheel contained alternating red and black date markers. Also, when introduced, the Rolex Datejust was fitted with a coin-edged bezel and a pie-pan dial. During its release, the Datejust was the premium Rolex brand. In the mid-50s, the cyclops feature was first released on the Datejust. Also, as Rolex released the Day-Date or Presidential, Rolex started to allow the Datejust to be sold with different types of bracelets. Also, in the mid-50s, Rolex introduced the Thunderbird model of the Datejust. The only real difference between the 50's Datejust and the Thunderbird was in the bezel. The Thunderbird model contained the Rolex Turn-O-Graph bezel. In the 70's, four key features were released that significantly changed the shape of the Datejust from it's original design. A new movement was built to house the quickset feature. Since the new movement had a smaller profile, a new case and dial were also used (discarding the old pie-pan dial). Finally, the introduction of the sapphire crystal created the now familiar version of the Datejust, relegating the domed plastic crystal to the history books. The 2008 Swiss-made Rolex Datejust replicas are a tribute to the original Datejust. They are modeled after the 2008 Rolex Datejust watches, and the replicas are exact in every way. You really need to open up the watch to tell the difference. 2-tone replicas carry a solid 18k gold band, while the all-gold models are 18k triple-wrapped gold. The Datejust Swiss replicas are extremely popular for those who want a subtle Rolex, instead of the glamarous Presidential replicas. |
