News
A Crown Fit for a Queen
News
A Crown Fit for a Queen
While this depth and breadth of knowledge is incredible and does an admirable job of explaining why people love the Crown the way they do, in a very real way, it’s missing the point. For while the professional models and esoteric variations are exciting, the watch that is at the heart of the catalog is the humble Datejust. For decades, this uncomplicated watch has defined the values of Rolex and become an enduring symbol of the Crown — values that are as uncompromising for women as they are for men, as the Lady-Datejust proves.
Origins of the Datejust
The Datejust story begins with its launch in 1945, on the occasion of Rolex’s 40th anniversary. Today, the Datejust is the epitome of an elegant daily watch; at the time of its debut, it was something else — a cutting edge, technological powerhouse. In 1945, the Datejust was a watch that combined all of Rolex’s major innovations in one watch. First of all, the Datejust made good use of the Oyster case, the leader in waterproofness since 1926. On top of that, it was powered by a caliber that boasted chronometric precision and automatic winding — another technology Rolex patented in 1931. Finally, the Datejust boasted its signature move, an instantaneous date display shown at three. It took a little while for the famous cyclops to show up; it wasn’t until 1953 that this visibility- improving bubble was added. Today, the date display is ubiquitous, but back then, it was yet another small step in Rolex’s quest for an enduring, perpetual timekeeper.
Rolex and Women’s Watches
The Datejust was an instant hit, with its classic style quickly becoming a cornerstone in Rolex’s visual identity. In 1957, the modern precision of the 36mm Datejust was resized for a woman’s wrist, and the Lady-Datejust was born.
The Ladies of the Datejust
While Mercedes Gleitze might have been the first woman to don an Oyster case and conquer the world, she wasn’t the last. The Lady Datejust is a watch that has graced the wrists of exceptional women, leaders in their field, from cultural pioneers like New Zealand-born opera singer Dame Kiri Te Kanawa to Yuja Wang, a dynamic and talented pianist who is breathing new life into classical music and winning fans the world over. Both these women, separated by generations, have made the Lady-Datejust and the spirit it embodies, their own. Sportswomen also wear this elegant all-rounder, from legendary figures like golfer Annika Sörenstam, to emerging tennis champs like Coco Gauff. No matter the discipline, Rolex’s petite classic is up to the task.
The watch has its advocates in the field of scientific pioneers as well, perhaps none more famous than the legendary ocean explorer, Dr. Sylvia Earle. It’s fitting that Her Deepness, as she is respectfully known, wears a Crown, usually in the form of a yellow gold Datejust. While some might expect a Submariner, or even a Deepsea might be more suitable for professional diving, Dr. Earle explains that even the dressier Rolex offerings are up to the task.
Moving with the Times
The fundamentals of the Lady-Datejust have been set for decades; the classic style, the instantaneous date and cyclops, the precision caliber, small size and strong water resistance. However, over the years, the watch kept evolving and improving in step with technical advancements, for example, with the addition of Paraflex shock absorbers and Syloxi silicon hairsprings.
Things changed on the outside too. While the overall feel of the model has remained the same, the Lady-Datejust has proven to be versatile and mutable over the years. Mother-of-pearl dials add a soft shimmer, while diamond and other stone-setting add a more definite sparkle to the situation.
From its inception in 1957 through to today, the Lady-Datejust has served not only to uphold Rolex’s enviable reputation for precision, durability and style, but it has also been a faithful companion to explorers, adventurers and artists, supporting and celebrating women across the world.
Tech Specs
Rolex Datejust 31 in White Rolesor Ref 278274
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds and date
CaseL 31mm; White Rolesor; water resistant to 100m
Dial: Azzurro blue floral motif set with 24 diamonds
Strap: Oystersteel bracelet with three-piece links
Price: USD 10,050
Rolex Datejust 31 in Everose Rolesor Ref 278381RBR
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds and date
Case: 31mm; Everose Rolesor; water resistant to 100m
Dial: Silver floral motif set with 24 diamonds
Strap: Everose Rolesor Jubilee bracelet with five-piece links
Price: USD 19,400
Rolex Datejust 31 in Yellow Gold Ref 278288RBR
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds and date
Case: 31mm; 18K yellow gold; water resistant to 100m
Dial: Olive green floral motif set with 24 diamonds
Strap: 18K yellow gold President bracelet with semicircular three-piece links
Price: USD 41,400