Professional Advice on Buying Your First Rolex Date-Just

Professional Advice on Buying Your First Rolex Date-Just

The Rolex Date-Just is just simply one of those watches that are either very desirable or could be passed up for a more intricate watch, however if you've clicked on this article then maybe perhaps it's for you! We are here discussing the ins/outs, and the differences in the Rolex Date-Just watch models in hopes to provide you all with expertise knowledge and advice for those who are considering purchasing a Rolex watch! We get asked a plentiful of questions everyday regarding Rolex watches and what to buy? Which model etc. If you’ve read our previous article you might already be familiar with the Rolex Submariner, so in today’s blog post we are going to be discussing the Rolex Date-Just models; considered by many as one of their most simple, and timeless designs with a plethora of colorful dials, and sleek bracelets. 
    
One of the best ways to assess these watches is to analyze the pros and the cons between the older models and the newer models. In this case the pros and cons can also vary because one might have a different personal preference depending on the model of watch. First we can assess the physical differences between the watches. The older watches and the newer watches have many things in common which are precisely what Rolex is known for; consistency. In this case, the same design, oyster perpetual movement, and general look of the watch is the same for the older models and the newer models.
(Rolex Date-Just ca. 1970s) 
There are slight differences in the overall look but that is related to the manufacturing and technological advancements which in turn evolve the quality of any material. The older models tend to be thinner, lighter and more ‘flimsy’. The older bracelets for the watches were also never manufactured in-house as Rolex typically manufactures most all of their products in house. The bracelets were typically paid to be manufactured in various factories in the United States or other continents like South America for example. You will notice on the older models they are stamped U.S.A etc. versus the  ‘Swiss made’ stamp that is more commonly found on the bracelets today.  Speaking of the bracelet there is also a very noticeable difference in thickness of the bracelet compared to the newer Date-Just models. The glass or commonly referred to as ‘crystal’ used to be made out of acrylic plastic, which would frequently chip and scratch and need constant repair, however now, the glass is constructed out of a synthetic sapphire which is sharp and clean, does not scratch and typically does not scuff, and in most cases, it is extremely difficult to chip. Watches that are equipped with this crystal tend to last much longer without enduring damage to the dial. The crystal typically costs upwards of $500 versus the plastic crystal which is $100-$125. Below is a clear example of the latest Rolex Date-Just model with the new and improved glass covering the bezel and markers. 
    
(Rolex Date-Just ca. 2020) 
 Aesthetically, the only major differences are the crystal and the bracelet. The newer Date-Just model cases are also made slightly thicker than the original. The new bracelet is stronger and thicker and will eventually wear much better over time than that of the original Date-Just bracelet. Being that I am a collector of antique items, I tend to lean more towards that of the older versions. Ultimately it depends on your preferences and what you like in a watch. The Rolex Date-Just will always have amazing models to choose from and the differences vary only slightly.
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