Why We Love It

There are certain watch designs that have become, for lack of a better word, timeless.

The Rolex Datejust, introduced in 1945, has been worn by presidents and luminaries, and there's a good reason why. Its beauty and elegance is regarded as a horological classic, its relentless timekeeping unparalleled, and its versatility makes it at home in both casual and luxury environments. 

While the typical Datejust in steel can be dressed up or dressed down, this particular example, a Reference 16013, is one of the more stunning expressions of the classic line. The two-tone configuration pairs a base stainless steel Oyster case with a fluted gold bezel and crown, making it a decidedly dressier watch. Fitted with a gold-toned linen texture dial with gold hour markers and matching hands, this isn't your average Datejust. 

This transitional era Datejust also features Tritium luminescent material and a quickset date feature making it a perfect neo-vintage model with vintage looks and modern functionality.

The Story

We've said it over and over again - the Datejust may just be the perfect watch.

Coupling perfect proportions, simple dial layouts, and robust movements, Rolex's most prolific model is an icon of timekeeping that has been in continuous production for decades. Moreover, the Datejust is all the watch that just about any of us really need. 

The beauty of the Datejust is that it is the ultimate do-anything, go-anywhere watch. Equal parts sporty and dressy, the Datejust wears just as well with jeans as it does with a suit, and thanks to the signature Oyster case and tough-as-nails movement, it’s ready for anything that you can throw at it.

In production continuously since 1945, the original Datejust was the world's first wristwatch to incorporate a date disc and aperture at the 3:00 position. The cyclops magnifier over the date window was introduced in 1954, and as we all know has became a signature Rolex design cue.   

Since then, date windows at 3:00 have become commonplace, and the Rolex cyclops magnifier bubble has become a hallmark of the brand. Datejusts have proudly been worn by presidents, athletes and movie stars (and probably your grandfather), in a testament to how timeless and versatile the watch truly is.

Where so many watches can be a little too big here, or a little too small there, the Datejust is just right, embracing the wrist with its thin and tapering 36mm case. And while recent horological trends have favored large wristwatches, the age of the giant watch is behind us (thankfully), making more reasonably sized watches, like the original Datejust, a pleasantly stylish option that fits the bill.

There's a magic to the Datejust's simple design, a timelessness that speaks to how true style never dies.