About the brand 

Rolex is a Swiss luxury watch company that has a 116-year history of innovation in both marketing and precision engineering. The company was founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis in London. The name "Rolex" was inspired by Wilsdorf while he was riding on a double-decker bus, as it was a unique combination of letters that could be easily pronounced in any language. In 1910, Rolex became the first wristwatch retailer to receive an independently ratified Chronometric Certification. In 1919, the company moved to Geneva due to a 33% tax on custom imports in England.

In 1944, Wilsdorf founded the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation after the passing of his wife Florence. The foundation works as a private family trust and donates proceeds from Wilsdorf's shares in the company to different charitable causes. In 1960, ownership of the company was passed on to the foundation upon Wilsdorf's death. In 2017, the foundation donated $100 million to HEAD's campus, an applied arts school in Geneva.

Throughout its history, Rolex has made many technical innovations, including the first waterproof watch in 1926, the first automatic winding wristwatch in 1931, and the first self-winding chronometer in 1945. The company has also been associated with many historic events, such as the first submarine to reach the bottom of the Mariana Trench in 1960, and the first moon landing in 1969.

Today, Rolex continues to be a leading luxury watch brand, known for its commitment to quality and innovation. Its watches are recognized worldwide for their precision, elegance, and durability.

The history of the Datejust

No discussion of Rolex's enduring impact on the world of watchmaking is complete without mentioning the iconic Datejust. Despite its crucial position within Rolex's extensive collection, the Datejust doesn't always receive the same degree of attention as some of Rolex's other high-profile models, such as the Daytona, Submariner, or GMT-Master.

Yet, while the Datejust may not command the same sky-high prices at auction as some of its siblings, there's no doubt that this timepiece has played an enormous role in the ongoing success of the Rolex brand. For nearly 80 years, the Datejust has been a cornerstone of Rolex's catalog, with many enthusiasts considering it to be the ultimate wristwatch.

The Datejust has a rich history that spans back to 1945, when it was first introduced as a means of commemorating Rolex's 40th anniversary. At the time, it was the world's first self-winding wristwatch to feature a date window that would change over automatically at midnight. While this functionality is now commonplace in modern timepieces, the Datejust set the standard for how a date complication should work.

Unlike many of Rolex's other watches, the Datejust was not designed for a specific sport or activity. Instead, it is a timeless and versatile timepiece that can be worn every day, no matter what the wearer's schedule may hold. It's a true classic that has stood the test of time.

Over the years, Rolex has made many updates and improvements to the Datejust, while still retaining its iconic design elements. For example, the introduction of the Caliber 3035 movement in the late 1970s brought the 'quickset' date feature, allowing users to adjust the date without affecting the time display. In 2009, Rolex added a 41mm version of the Datejust, called the Datejust II, which satisfied the demand for a larger watch.

Today, the Datejust collection is available in a wide variety of sizes, metal combinations, and aesthetic options, ensuring that there is a perfect Rolex Datejust for every wrist. With its enduring appeal and timeless design, the Datejust remains a true industry icon that has played an enormous role in the ongoing success of the Rolex brand.

In conclusion, the Rolex Datejust is a timeless masterpiece that has stood the test of time and is still an icon in the world of watchmaking. Its classic design and enduring appeal make it a must-have for any true watch enthusiast, and its versatility and reliability make it the ultimate everyday timepiece. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a first-time buyer, the Rolex Datejust is a watch that you simply can't afford to miss. 

About the watch

This model of the reference 126231 from Rolex is a 36mm in Two Tones (Stainless steel and « Everose ») with a Rhodium dial and indexes. It comes as a complete set with a card dated from 2021.

Specifications