Rolex is more than just a watch brand. It’s a name that has become synonymous with status, prestige, and luxury – that represents the finest timepieces in the world.
Since its formation and launch way back in 1905, Rolex has paved the way for luxury watch producers – creating stylish timepieces, backed by innovative technology and timeless aesthetic features.
But while the brand as a whole commands its own degree of attention, it is only when you dive deeper into some of the watch collections and individual models that you start to see the intricate details and features that elevate Rolex watches above so much of the market.
Rolex’s Commitment to Timeless Innovation
‘Timeless’ and ‘innovation’ are two words that don’t always go together. While ‘timeless’ speaks to the unchanged look of a Rolex, that defies trends and changing styles, innovation can be seen deep within each timepiece. It’s innovation that allows every Rolex release and new model to be better than the last, with more automated features, more accurate mechanisms, and enhanced aesthetic attributes. Meanwhile, the timeless design flair is what makes every Rolex recognisable – something that buyers of all walks of life value.
These values are seen throughout the Rolex timeline, tracing the release of new collections and innovative new designs, from the professional models to the everyday watches.
In this blog, we’re looking at two of the most popular ranges from Rolex, each released more than 70 years ago, but with very different underlying design traits and priorities.
The Launch of the Oyster Perpetual: Features to Note
The Oyster Perpetual is iconic in the history of Rolex, as it represents the brand’s innovation and step towards the forefront of the luxury market; a label and position it has held onto ever since.
This is a watch that combines the oyster case with the perpetual internal movement, creating an accurate self-winding watch housed in a waterproof case. The benefits of this watch’s release in 1931 are well documented. The two innovative features, impressive on their own but revolutionary when combined, connected the lifestyle side of the Rolex brand with its commitment to adventure.
From an aesthetic perspective, meanwhile, the Oyster Perpetual is considered the simplest of all Rolex’s watches. Many refer to it as the purest expression of Rolex design, as it encompasses two industry-changing features in a watch that is overwhelmingly easy to wear and style. It’s versatile, diverse in its materials and colour palettes, and prioritises timekeeping – pure and simple.
Why Is the Datejust Such an Iconic Rolex?
Moving on then to the Datejust, how does this differ from the Oyster Perpetual – and what does that mean for buyer types?
The Rolex Datejust was introduced in 1945 and, immediately on looking at images of this popular timepiece, you can see a few key differences. The Datejust gets its name from the date window, which is positioned at 3 o’clock, with its release coinciding with the self-winding mechanism present in the Oyster Perpetual, which allows the date to tick over at midnight and ensures an accurate reading.
In short, the Datejust uses the innovation first launched in the Oyster Perpetual, taking it to the next level by adding a date to the existing timekeeping function of the watch.
Other iconic features and design traits of the Datejust include the launch of the Jubilee bracelet (now a hallmark of Rolex design), the use of a fluted bezel, and the larger watch face. Over the years since its release, the Datejust has undergone countless changes in terms of its design – leaning into trends and sought-after colour palettes and material blends, while maintaining its core silhouette.
What Are the Key Differences Separating These Two Models?
The Oyster Perpetual and the Datejust are both considered innovative Rolex models, with one being released more than a decade before the other – meaning that the technology and approach to mechanics is different.
Having said that, the different dates of release actually underpin and highlight the best way to truly recognise and identify the differences.
Consider the Datejust as a development on the earlier Oyster Perpetual. The Datejust takes the innovative self-winding feature of the Oyster Perpetual and gives it even more use, adding a date window and a more complex outward design. It taps into the growing demand at the time for luxury watches that were showy and that really embraced the status and prestige they represented – leaving the Oyster Perpetual as the simpler model.
Over time, both have been superseded by later models in terms of updates, and in fact are now both heralded for their simpler, vintage styles. While new versions of the Datejust and Oyster Perpetual exist, the older models get just as much attention on the market as the newer pieces.
Which Rolex Is Right for Me?
Many of the clients who visit us know exactly what they want. However, for those who are more open to exploring different models, we encourage them to consider material, the size of the watch and its look, as well as the features.
The Datejust is an undeniably useful model if you want to be able to read the date as well as tell the time. The Oyster Perpetual, meanwhile, is an effortless reflection of style – heralding two of Rolex’s most iconic and industry-changing features, with a timepiece that is a direct expression of Rolex’s history and cultural significance.
The two are both comfortable on the wrist and can be styled for day or night, with both watches considered sought after and valuable on the market.
And with availability changing on a daily basis, and the limited status of authentic Rolex timepieces meaning that every model has a waitlist, sometimes the perfect Rolex will become available just as you start looking for it. The best place to start is by booking a consultation at our boutique London store.
