rolex datejust vs yachtmaster

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Rolex Comparison Guide - Submariner, Datejust, Daytona & Yacht-Master

Rolex Comparison Guide Submariner, Datejust, Daytona & Yacht-Master

Perhaps you are feeling a bit overwhelmed by Rolex's huge range of different watches, and because of this, you don't know which to choose. To help you find the perfect watch, we have crafted a detailed guide which compares popular Rolex models including the Submariner, the Datejust, the Daytona, and the Yacht-Master.

Rolex Submariner vs Rolex Datejust

Submariner overview.

Introduced in 1953, the Submariner was dubbed 'The Diver's Watch' and is still one of the most in-demand watch models today. Its ingenious design consists of strong resistance against water, self-winding mechanisms, and a handy chromalight display.

Key details:

Datejust overview

Created in 1945, only a decade before the Submariner, the Datejust is best known for its iconic feature, the Cyclops, a date-magnifying lens. The Datejust is a truly beautiful design embezzled with high-quality crystals and an overall aesthetically pleasing look.

Similarities and Differences

The Submariner and Datejust are alike in various ways. They are both incredibly sturdy and reliable models and are both members of Rolex's iconic Oyster Perpetual range, meaning they are designed with a perpetual self-winding rotor. The Submariner and Datejust are popular and consistently in-demand. ‍ The main differences between the two models are the typical applications and design attributes. The Submariner was designed for underwater diving, whilst the Datejust was only made for everyday usage, because of this the Submariner has a more complex design. This model possesses extra features such as greater water-resistance, a brighter display, a stronger grip to the wearer's wrist and a rotating bezel. ‍ However, the purpose of the Datejust was for it to be the only watch the wearer should need. This makes a fitting accessory for any formal or informal occasion. There are more options to choose from in the Datejust collection; various dial, metal, bracelet combinations to choose from, as opposed to the Submariner.

Rolex Daytona vs Rolex Yacht-Master

Daytona overview.

The Daytona is another iconic Rolex creation and is undoubtedly the most popular and sought after model in the range. First manufactured in 1963 and reinvented with a new in-house movement in 2000, the Daytona is a model beloved by many Rolex fanatics.

Yacht-Master overview

'The Watch of the Open Seas' aka the Yacht-Master was specially crafted to embody the spirit of a sailor. Having been released in the 1950s, it is today regarded as the perfect combination of style and function.

The two models have similar abilities concerning water-resistance. Buyers have more colour options with the Daytona as the model comes in many different colours, metals and precious stone settings whilst the Yacht-Master's colour options are limited. Those looking for a big, bold watch that will draw attention should choose the Yacht-Master, and those looking for something more elegant and classic should opt for the Daytona. ‍ The Daytona utilises Calibre 4130, as opposed to the Yacht-Master which makes use of Calibre 4161. The Yacht-Master's Calibre 4161 is, functionally speaking, more multiplexed than the Daytona's Calibre 4130. Interestingly, Rolex states that Calibre 4161 took 35,000 hours to manufacture. Overall, these models live up to Rolex's reputation of producing high-quality, efficient watches - but if you enjoy the open seas and sailing is important to you opt for the Yacht-Master, and if having a timing masterpiece that is elegant with gorgeous colour combination is more important to you, opt for the Daytona.

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Datejust vs Yachtmaster....I need a date!!

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Hey Rolex addicts, I currently have an explorer 1 (214270) and love the versatility and class of the watch. HOWEVER, as much as I pretend it does not matter, I really miss the date feature. As a doc, I write the date on some useless requisition at least twenty times a day 😞 The sub is of course a classic option, but I would like to stick with a watch that is a tad bit dressier. Hence my question...what are the thoughts of a datejust on oyster as an every day, do anything watch, vs a steel/platinum yachtmaster? I don’t expect to swim much with this, but I really don’t want to worry about it while it sits on my wrist. Cheers and thanks, GV  

Attachments

Have to look into the upgrades of the new 36mm! What appeals you about this one?  

Never used to like this model but it grew on me when I saw one in the flesh so to speak. Yachtmasters my choice.  

I am really a fan of YMs. Are you keeping the Explorer and just adding to it, or selling it to fund this new watch? I think that makes a difference. If I were keeping the Explorer I'd absolutely 100% go for the YM. If I was selling the Explorer I'd probably lean more towards a DJ as my "one watch".  

mak1277 said: I am really a fan of YMs. Are you keeping the Explorer and just adding to it, or selling it to fund this new watch? I think that makes a difference. If I were keeping the Explorer I'd absolutely 100% go for the YM. If I was selling the Explorer I'd probably lean more towards a DJ as my "one watch". Click to expand...

That blue dial Datejust, no contest  

+1. jubilee bracelet is a killer.  

Good to see a fellow doc! Not sure if you're a medic or an academic but either way good to see you! I'm a nanotechnologist and I know what you mean, you probably do the same as I but I log everything down. date, time everything. I couldn't get the Milgauss in its current form because it doesn't have the date function (despite it being the Rolex designed for us). I looked at the Datejust and the Yachtmaster 40 as well and either is good for your needs I think, I was very tempted by both and seeing it in the flesh it was even better. It depends on your work schedule (so if you work odd hours and don't always have Saturday and Sunday off or work 7 days a week like me) I found that having a day function to be appealing, so Day-Date is worth considering as well I think. It's on the list of to buy for me because of both those functions.  

Hey Man! I'm a medical doc, so the magnetic fields are not as much an issue. A watch that is easy to clean, now that is a must ? Probably ok without the daydate, largely due to the budget !  

Both watches are unique and beautiful in there different ways, I think the DJ is more of a standard watch compared to the YM. It all depends on what you are comfortable with.  

WatchBri said: I know I'm in the minority, but I love my Yachtmaster 40. I spent quite a bit of time looking at the blue dial and rhodium dial DJ 41's. The YM40 just ticks all the boxes for me. It's like a combination of my favorite Rolex's. I love the rhodium dial on the DJ. The YM's got it too. I get my hint of blue with the seconds hand and lettering. Instead of the white gold fluted bezel, it's got a platinum "dive" bezel. I don't use it for timing, but love how it looks. I like the Mercedes hands better and I can read them easier than the sticks. I like the contrast of the polished center links and how they flash in the sun. I don't generally bump my wrists into stuff, so I have zero worry of them scratching. I'm wearing a different watch when I go fishing in the ocean. The curved polished case feels great on my wrist. The Sub has always been my favorite design of all watches. The YM40 is my special color fancier Sub. Pics in two different lighting: View attachment 14094909 View attachment 14094921 Click to expand...

I think a 36mm DJ would be very tasteful. I’d trust a physician with a DJ over one wearing a YM. YMs seem to say you might be in it for the money.  

LINVS said: I think a 36mm DJ would be very tasteful. I'd trust a physician with a DJ over one wearing a YM. YMs seem to say you might be in it for the money. Click to expand...

Blue dial datejust with jubilee like previously mentioned.. by far the best choice. The blue will compliment the black dial of the explorer (which i personally find a bit dull)  

Blue dial DJ41, smooth bezel on jubilee would be my choice. Likely this will be my next Rolex. I wouldn't replace the Explorer (currently have the same model as you do) as it has too many merits to mention and in my opinion it is one the classics to own.  

Fellow doc here. This was my choice as well. The explorer will be my retirement watch when I don't need the date. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk  

The blue DJ41 is extremely popular. But there are waiting lists here.  

It's difficult to know if you are my 'type'. :think: Buy me a drink and we'll see what develops. ;-)  

My vote would be for something else. I think the fluted bezel on the DJ is a bit too blingy and the steel/grey dial on the Yachtmaster lacks contrast from the rest of the watch. I like the Yachtmaster in photos, but in the metal it just does not have much pop. What about an OP or Milgauss? The grey dial OP looks better than the Yachtmaster IMO.  

WatchingYou77 said: My vote would be for something else. I think the fluted bezel on the DJ is a bit too blingy and the steel/grey dial on the Yachtmaster lacks contrast from the rest of the watch. I like the Yachtmaster in photos, but in the metal it just does not have much pop. What about an OP or Milgauss? The grey dial OP looks better than the Yachtmaster IMO. Click to expand...

The Datejust would be great or, if you have the wrist for it, a Sky-Dweller.  

I don't have the wallet for one ?  

Say no to YM... Sub is a great watch, you won't regret it if you go with that. Both DJs and Sub Dates are excellent daily wearers. DJs are great dailies. Datejust, fluted bezel, on Jubilee. But as a doc, if you prefer to remain under the radar with your watch, go with the smooth bezel on oyster. If you decide to go with the older DJ 36mms, choice of jubilee vs Oyster also depends on what dial you have (romans vs sticks). I'm a pharmacist and I keep track of my patients' med administration times 100 times a day so having a date is important to me as well. My Rolex 16610 Sub Date keeps me informed of the date with the biggest date window you've ever seen.  

My usual routine is a proud look at my Explorer for an accurate time, followed by a sheepish glance at my phone for the date 😛  

YM or DJ41 ?  

I would get the Yachtmaster. It conveys calm, cool, authority. So would match your profession rather well.  

It seems there is concern with the wallet. Rolex with dates come at a higher price, but one exception is the older datejust 36mm's. They can be quite budget-friendly as long as you buy from a reputable seller. Honestly I wouldn't even bother with the new 2019 Baselworld Datejust 36mm, that will net you $8200 plus tax plus AD annoyances/waitlists. I would go ahead a pull the trigger on an older Datejust 36mm of your choosing. Or a Sub.  

If you don’t own a YM it’s no comparison, buy a YM. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk  

If you want a date, get the classic of the classic watch with a date. The dj41 will suit u well. Love to see the date just jump at 12. This is the watch and model that first did that. Owning history is how I feel when I wear my dj41 silver on regular bezel and oyster. Very versatile. Goes great with a suit. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk  

franksf said: If you want a date, get the classic of the classic watch with a date. The dj41 will suit u well. Love to see the date just jump at 12. This is the watch and model that first did that. Owning history is how I feel when I wear my dj41 silver on regular bezel and oyster. Very versatile. Goes great with a suit. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Click to expand...

I am partial to the DJ41 with black stick dial, 18KWG fluted bezel and Jubilee bracelet, even on my flat 6.75" wrist. Just my personal preference ...  

Pic? My wrist is pretty much the same size!  

Panerol Forte said: Have you considered this one ? View attachment 14102327 Click to expand...

Yachtmaster is a little more unusual, and if you need to time something, the rotating bezel is there. I think these are underloved and underappreciated. Doctor with a datejust is almost cliche.  

Definitely! You can't go to BestBuy in Dallas and not see the guy behind the counter wearing a DJ. I have a YM and love that you don't see one everyday.  

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Best Rolex 2023: how to choose the perfect Rolex to suit your lifestyle

No matter what you do on your weekends, the Geneva watchmaker has you covered

To the casual observer, it is easy to think a Rolex is a Rolex, is a Rolex. Catch a rush-hour Tube on certain London Underground lines and you’ll see near-identical Rolex on the wrists of the suited and booted. 

But dig a little deeper into the Geneva firm’s range, and you’ll discover a broad portfolio of timepieces. We can’t possibly say there is a Rolex for every budget, because you’re never going to get much change from seven or eight thousand, but there’s much more to the brand than classy wristwear to show off in meetings or at dinner.

• T3's guide to the best watches for men
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As well as the classics, Rolex offers a ‘professional’ range, which includes timepieces developed for specific careers and hobbies, like yachting, diving, driving and flying.

Here then, is the T3 guide to the best Rolex to suit your lifestyle.

For the traveller: Rolex GMT Master II

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Launched in the mid-1950s and originally designed for airline pilots, the GMT-Master - as its name might well suggest - is a GMT watch. This means that, as well as the regular hour, minute and second hands, it has another hand for telling the time at GMT - that is, Greenwich Meantime, as observed by the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London. 

This extra hand rotates around a 24-hour bezel. That way, you can always tell what time it is in your current location, and GMT/UTC - handy when travelling for business or pleasure.

That 24-hour bezel, by the way, is made from extremely hard ceramic, and its blue and red finish gives the GMT Master the nickname of the ‘Pepsi Rolex’. At 40mm, the GMT-Master II is a surprisingly compact timepiece for its design.

• Buy the Rolex GMT Master II at Chronext

For the diver: Rolex Submariner

The Submariner may look similar to the GMT-Master at first glance, but this is an altogether tougher timepiece, capable of being submerged up to 300 metres (1,000 feet). This is a significant improvement on the original Submariner, which was the first watch to be water resistant to a depth of 100 metres when it launched back in 1953.

Being a true diving watch, the Submariner meets the ISO 6425 standard, which means it is not only water resistant to great depths, but is also unfazed by salty seawater, condensation, magnetism, and rapid changes in pressure and temperature.

The watch features a unidirectional, 60-minute rotating bezel to help divers accurately and safely measure how long they have been underwater. The bezel is made from Cerachrom, the same Rolex-developed, corrosion-resistant, ceramic material as on the GMT-Master.

The Submariner has a 41mm diameter case, with a screw-down winding crown, magnified date complication at three o’clock, and an automatic 3235 calibre movement with approximately 70 hours of power reserve.

• Buy the Rolex Submariner at Chronext

For the racing driver: Rolex Cosmograph Daytona

Watch just five minutes of the Daytona or Le Mans 24-hour motor races on television, and you’ll no doubt see an advert for the Rolex Daytona. Widely considered the motorsport timepiece, the Cosmograph Daytona has been with us since 1963 and has appeared on the wrists of some of the world’s most successful drivers.

Being a wristwatch intended for motorsport and time-keeping, the Rolex Daytona features a second hand which displays an accurate reading to one-eighth of a second, plus two dials showing elapsed time in hours and minutes.

Additionally, the 40mm non-rotating bezel can be used as a tachymeter, indicating the units per hour of any moving object you care to time. Say you want to work out the average speed of a land-speed record car as it passes through the measured mile (as we are sure all T3 readers do of a weekend). Click the button at two o’clock to start the second hand, then again to stop the hand once the car passes the mile marker; the number pointed at on the bezel is the car’s average speed in miles per hour.

The Rolex Daytona is water resistant to 100 metres and has a long power reserve of approximately 72 hours.

• Buy the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona at Chronext

For the adventurer: Rolex Explorer

The Rolex Explorer is the brand’s most understated steel sports watch, but, for that reason, it's one of our favourites. The Explorer has a rich history, which begins with a Perpetual Oyster that Sir Edmund Hillary's pioneering ascent to Mount Everest in 1953. To commemorate his (and the watch's) achievement, Rolex released the Oyster Perpetual Explorer that same year.

Today, Rolex offers two Explorer models, a 39mm Explorer, and 42mm Explorer II (pictured above). They may looks completely different, but both are designed for extreme environments.

The Explorer's design remains very true to the original, with a black dial, large, legible numerals, and a durable Oyster case.

The Explorer II is an evolution of the original model, growing a few millimeters in diameter and adding a GMT-function, so the wearer can keep track of multiple timezones.

• Buy the Rolex Explorer at Chronext

For the pilot: Rolex Air-King

If flying is your pastime of choice, then the Air-King is the Rolex for you. The watch offers a simple and classically attractive look, with a compact 40mm case, Oyster bracelet and domed bezel. 

To the casual observer, the Air-King looks similar in design to classic Rolex like the Datejust and Day-Date, but there are enough nods to aviation to make it stand out from the corporate-gift and graduation-present crowd.

The watch, which harks back to Rolex’s connection with aviation of the 1930s, features a distinctive black bezel with oversize hour numerals at three, six and nine, separated by smaller minute numerals used for navigational time reading.

The Air-King’s 3131 calibre self-winding mechanical movement has a power reserve of approximately 48 hours, and water resistance is 100 metres.

• Buy the Rolex Air-King at Chronext

For the sailor: Rolex Yacht-Master II

For a Rolex, there’s an awful lot going on here. Described by the Swiss company as a watch appealing to experienced sailors, the Yacht-Master II features a programmable countdown timer with mechanical memory and on-the-fly synchronisation.

What this means, is that skippers can programme the watch to automatically start a countdown of a certain duration, from between one and 10 minutes. That way, they can precisely time and follow the official starting procedure of a boat race. The minutes count down using a fourth hand which sweeps down from a maximum of 10 minutes at seven o’clock, to zero at five o’clock.

Where a watch’s bezel is not normally mechanically linked to its internal mechanism, the Yacht-Master II’s is. This means the wearer can rotate the bezel to set the countdown timer, counting down to the start time of the race.

The Yacht-Master II is a large timepiece (for a Rolex) at 44mm and offers up to 100 metres of water resistance, while the power reserve of its self-winding movement is approximately 72 hours.

• Buy the Rolex Yacht-Master II at Chronext

For the horological connoisseur: Rolex Cellini Moonphase

A member of Rolex’s classic watch collection, the Cellini Moonphase is for those who take their watches seriously, but want a classic look which strays away from shouting about your flying, racing or yachting escapades. Instead, this 18ct rose gold timepiece offers a simple white dial sat inside a subtle 39mm case.

But beneath this simplicity is a brilliantly complex 3295 calibre movement with a moonphase complication which Rolex claims will remain astrologically accurate for 122 years before it requires adjustment.

Appropriately, the full moon present on the face of the Cellini is made from a real piece of meteorite, which moves gradually around the complication as each day of the month passes by. This watch can’t calculate the average speed of your flying mile, or help you keep tabs on your oxygen tanks 1,000 feet below, but it makes up for a lack of features with a hearty dose of elegance and horological sophistication.

• Buy the Rolex Cellini Moonphase at Chronext

For the CEO: Rolex Day-Date

Nothing says you’ve made it more than an all-gold Rolex Day-Date on a matching ‘president’ bracelet. Yes, it’s a bit flashy and perhaps even ostentatious in the wrong company - and we know we knocked corporate Rolex earlier in this article - but it somehow retains more class than other watches in its price bracket.

Even in a less look-at-me spec, the Day-Date is a classically good-looking watch which will never go out of fashion, and will look right at home when poking out from underneath your shirt cuff during that important meeting.

Back in 1956, the Day-Date was a world-first, boasting the ability to show both the day and date (see what they did there?). The day written in full across the 12 o’clock position is a striking but functional complication which for many buyers will feel altogether more useful than a moonphase complication.

Wear a Day-Date, and you’re in some rather high-calibre company. Previous owners include US Presidents Reagan, Nixon, Roosevelt, Ford and Kennedy, along with Roger Federer, Jay-Z, Ellen DeGeneres and Victoria Beckham.

The current model measures a compact 36mm, is water resistant to 100 metres, and has a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. 

• Buy the Rolex Day-Date at Chronext

For everyday: Rolex Datejust

The idea of an everyday Rolex perhaps feels like an oxymoron, but we reckon the Datejust fits the bill perfectly. Arguably the quintessential Rolex, the Datejust is the model you are most likely to see out and about. It is highly customisable, with Rolex offering different case sizes and materials, a choice of straps and bezels, and a range of face colours, materials and decoration (by which we mean diamonds, of course).

Case sizes range from 28mm to 41mm, while materials include steel, white gold, yellow gold, or a mixture; dial colours include white, silver, gold, blue, black and pink, and there’s a choice of two bracelet designs and two bezels. All this means the Datejust can be configured to look as at home with your weekend wear, as your business attire, wedding suit, or Sunday best.

First launched in 1945 as the Oyster, the Datejust (which got its current name in 1985) has changed very little over the years. However, in 1955 the mechanism was updated so the date would change instantaneously at midnight instead of slowly changing over several hours beforehand. That year also saw the addition of the famous Cyclops magnification lens over the date complication, which has since become a hallmark of Rolex watch design.

Today’s Datejust is water resistant to 100 metres, features a 3235 calibre, self-winding automatic movement, and has a power reserve of approximately 70 hours.

• Buy the Rolex Datejust at Chronext

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Alistair is a freelance automotive and technology journalist. He has bylines on esteemed sites such as the BBC, Forbes, TechRadar, and of best of all, T3, where he covers topics ranging from classic cars and men's lifestyle, to smart home technology, phones, electric cars, autonomy, Swiss watches, and much more besides. He is an experienced journalist, writing news, features, interviews and product reviews. If that didn't make him busy enough, he is also the co-host of the AutoChat podcast.

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Ask any watch guy about Rolex, and chances are you'll get regaled with stories about rare vintage Daytonas or the high-tech, bi-color Cerachrome bezels on the new GMT. Few collectors and enthusiasts will immediately jump to talking about the Datejust – and that might be a mistake. One of the more understated members of the Rolex family, the Datejust has an amazing combination of real history, versatile style, and quality watchmaking that should get everyone from the casual watch wearer to the die-hard enthusiast excited. Here we take the modern 36mm Datejust for a spin while also giving you an in-depth look at where this watch comes from and why it's one of the greatest watches of all time.

Original Rolex Manufacture - © Rolex 

There is no question that Rolex is the best known watch manufacture on the planet, not to mention one of the best-known brands in general, world-wide. It would be easy to assume that this is the result of extravagant marketing budgets and other less-tangible qualities – and these things surely play a part – but to dismiss the history of the company and its products would be to do the story a great disservice. The Datejust is one of the earliest models that survives today and provides a perfect lens through which to examine why Rolex is, well, Rolex.

Hans Wilsdorf – © Rolex

Rolex was founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf, though it was originally located in the United Kingdom and called Wilsdorf & Davis. The name would transition to Rolex SA in 1920 when Wilsdorf relocated to Switzerland where his suppliers were located, giving us the company we have today. There are little insights from the very early days that give us a lot of insight into how Rolex has become what it is, such as Wilsdorf's insistence that his brand's name be easy to pronounce in any language and that it remain short and easy to place elegantly on the dial of his watches. These are little decisions that have had huge ramifications down the line.

The First Datejust – © Rolex

Now to the Datejust itself. The very first Datejust was released in 1945 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Rolex corporation. It was unveiled at a jubilee celebration (hence the name of the new bracelet that accompanied the watch from day-one) held at the Hotel des Bergues in Geneva by Wilsdorf himself (now the Four Seasons and the site of such legendary Christie's sales as Rolex Daytona: Lesson One ). It was the very first automatic wristwatch with an automatically changing date window. This is a feature that anyone with a watch takes completely for granted today, but in the 40s it was game-changing.

The First Oyster Watch, 1926 – © Rolex

The Datejust of course was housed in an Oyster case, another great Rolex innovation. In 1926, the Oyster case became the very first waterproof wristwatch case to be produced serially and it was also the first fully-integrated waterproof case overall. Previously, any waterproof cases were tedious affairs that involved an outer case being snapped over the main case. 

We also had the Perpetual rotor that would automatically wind the movement, one of the few innovations not achieved first by Rolex. Harwood beat them to market by 3 years, offering up the first automatic movements in 1928. The Datejust also had the new bracelet mentioned before, the Jubilee bracelet. Originally, Jubilee was considered for the name of the watch itself, but it ended up just on the fine-linked bracelet that we still have today. 

A Later Datejust Ref. 4467 © John Goldberger

The first Datejust was the reference 4467 and it was only available in yellow gold with the corresponding yellow gold Jubilee bracelet. It has an open creamy white dial with applied gold batons to mark the hours and a "roulette" date window that showed even days in red and odd days in black. There was no cyclops magnifier in the crystal at this time – that would be another Rolex first, introduced on the Datejust in 1955. You'll notice that the name Datejust doesn't actually appear on the dial anywhere; instead we have a "Rolex / Oyster Perpetual" signature at 12 o'clock and the "Chronometre" indication at 6 o'clock. The bezel was lightly fluted, a feature that became more emphasized in the 1960s.

Datejust Ref. 5031 – © John Goldberger

Over the following years, countless variations of the Datejust emerged. There were two-tone steel and pink gold varations, entirely steel models, and watches featuring everything from stone dials to diamond bezels. The name Datejust began to appear sporadically on the ref. 5030 and 5031 but wouldn't become a permanent fixture until the later 6074 and 6075. To detail every variation of the Datejust might be an impossible task, though there are some very serious collectors who pursue it as far as they can, nonetheless.

Datejust II – © Rolex

Today there is the 16200 family of Datejusts, the 36mm decedents of the original, unchanged in many ways, which is the what we'll be looking at in-depth here. But it's worth noting that in 2009 Rolex also introduced the Datejust II in an updated 41mm size. It still has the same styling and the variety of dials and details – everything from gold to diamonds to arabic numerals – but in a size that appeals to those who think a 36mm watch is too small. Luckily Rolex added this to the line-up, allowing the classic to live on alongside the Datejust II.

While we certainly can't even show you a significant portion of the Datejust's extensive history here, we can show you a few examples of exemplary Datejusts that demonstrate just how important this watch is to the history of the watch industry and the watch's place in popular culture.

While the Day-Date gets a lot of the attention when it comes to famous wearers (with its bracelet even being named "The President"), more than a few luminaries wore Datejusts. Just last week we showed you US President Dwight D. Eisenhower's personal Datejust, which is coming up for sale in September 2014. He wore the solid gold ref. 6305 on the cover of Life magazine, giving it a solid place in pop-culture watch history. You can learn more about this Datejust here .

One of the archetypal Datejust references is the 6305 from the mid-1950s. When it comes to vintage DJs, this is one that even the most serious Daytona collectors will go crazy for. They were solid steel with one of the earliest examples of the fluted bezel that resembles the bezel we have today, and they came with either creamy white or almost greyish black dials, the latter being much more desirable and collectable. Both had a honeycomb texture, making them even more elegant. You can see more shots of this stunning black-dial 6305 from Watches In Rome here .

While in some ways not strictly a Rolex watch, this modified Datejusts is truly interesting. Sure, it might look like a run-of-the-mill ref. 16220 Datejust from the late 1980s or early 90s, but it in fact houses a movement modified with a co-axial escapement by none other than George Daniels himself. Before he sold the technology to Omega, Daniels modified a number of existing watches with his invention and shopped the idea around. This is almost certainly one of a kind. We told you the full, if slightly murky story of this watch, here . 

Ok, this one might not be historically significant outside collector circles, but it's indisputably awesome. This ref. 6604 dates to 1957 and is solid platinum with an original woven platinum bracelet. That alone would get us excited, but then add the black honeycomb dial with gilt printing and in-tact lume plots and our hearts start racing. It's unclear as to how many watches like this were made, but we'd be shocked if it was more than a handful or two. This example is also from Watches In Rome and you can see more photos here . 

Rolex Datejust 36mm ref. 116200

This brings us to the standard 36mm Datejust of today, the ref. 116200 (116234 in this configuration). This is the modern descendent of the classic DJs of the 1950s, like the 6305 referenced above. There are literally dozens of possible combinations of metals, bracelets, dials, etc., possible today, but we chose to go with a watch that we think best combines the classic, historical traits with a few modern updates that make for easier wear.

First off, the Datejust we have here is the classic 36mm size, not the 41mm Datejust II. While some think 36mm is too small, we certainly do not and believe this watch offers the benefits of a smaller, more vintage-looking size with all the up-sides of modern technology. Next, we chose the stainless steel case. Rolex uses 904L steel, which is a low-carbon alloy that is more resistant to corrosion and damage. But this comes at a cost; 904L is much harder to machine and in the early 2000s Rolex had to invest in new infrastructure to allow them to work with the alloy. We think it's paid off many times over.

Rolex Oyster Bracelet

The Jubilee bracelet is of course the most classic option with a Datejust, but we opted for the Oyster bracelet instead. Sure, the Jubilee was introduced on the DJ, but today it feels a bit dressier and is much shinier, making it a little less suited to every day wear. The Oyster bracelet gives the watch a sporty edge that allows it to work in almost any setting. We balanced this out by opting for the traditional fluted white gold bezel instead of the more sober and modern flat bezel.

Champagne Dial With Luminous Hands And Batons

Finally there are the dial options. Again, trying to capture the spirit of the classic Datejusts, we chose the sunburst champagne color with simple stick markers and hands. The hour markers are luminous, as are the hands, and the subtle texture on the dial is nearly identical to the sunburst found on 1960s Datejusts. There is a cyclops crystal, magnifying the date at 3 o'clock, something you'll find on all modern Datejusts across the two ranges.

Caliber 3135 – © Rolex

This watch definitely inherits a lot from its ancestors, but, as with any Rolex, it's built to extremely high contemporary standards. Inside is the caliber 3135 movement, which has been at the core of Rolex's arsenal since 1988. It's a COSC-certified chronometer automatic movement with about 50 hours of power reserve and 31 jewels. The balance contains a proprietary Parachrom hairspring that is more resistant to shocks and is amagnetic – that it is manufactured entirely in-house makes it all the more impressive. The caliber is nicely, if not ornately finished, and it's as robust and functional a movement as you'll find anywhere. Sure, it's just over 25 years old, but it's still a calibre to be reckoned with when it comes to doing its job and doing it well. It should be noted that at the the 2014 BaselWorld, Rolex quietly introduced its first caliber with a silicon balance spring – they're calling it Syloxi – though it's only found in a 34mm ladies Pearlmaster . There is no word when or if other models such as the Datejust will receive this update.

If you look closely, you'll notice all the little details that set a modern Rolex apart from nearly any other watch in the marketplace. Looking at the bottom of the crystal and around the inside bezel flange you'll see Rolex trademarks, making it a little easier to spots fakes. Also, everything on the dial, from the luminous markers to the coronet at 12 o'clock is applied by hand, something many people wrongly assume Rolex does by machine. All in all, creating this relatively simple dial takes over 60 individual operations. 

Under the cyclops, the date is bright and extremely easy to read. Datejust is certainly a fitting name here. 

Twinlock Crown

The Oyster case is resistant to 100m (330ft) and features the patented Twinlock screw-down crown. It's easy to screw and unscrew, but when it's locked down you really get a sense of security.

Closed Oysterclasp

Open Oysterclasp

Rolex bracelets are known for being some of the best out there (some say THE best) and it's easy to see why. The links are heavy and sturdy – nothing like the thin-but-charming folded links you'll find on vintage Rolexes – and the clasp is an incredible piece of engineering. The Oysterclasp uses a small lever to open and close, making it almost impossible for the bracelet to pop open accidentally. There is also a micro-adjustment mechanism, letting you fine-tune the fit.

From top to bottom, this is an impressive watch on paper and in the metal. But what's it like on the wrist?

Datejust 36mm On The Wrist

When I first picked up this Datejust and had the Rolex watchmaker size it to my wrist, I wasn't exactly sure what to think. I'd worn vintage Datejusts before and even some vintage Day-Dates, and a vintage GMT Master is one of my favorite watches, but I'd never really spent any time with a modern Rolex. At least not in a serious or thoughtful way, and I was a little skeptical going into this test.

I'll avoid burying the lede here and tell you I was extremely impressed. The Datejust, though it bears the same 36mm designation as its 1960s predecessors, is a very different watch. The shoulders of the case are much broader and the case itself is thicker, giving the watch a less delicate and buttoned-up feel. On the wrist it's solid and lets you know it's there. While I wouldn't describe it as heavy, I would say "substantial" does a pretty good job summing up the experience, especially with the Oyster bracelet.

The dial is about as legible as it gets, in both light and dark conditions. The sunburst patterns adds just enough texture to the dial that you want to keep looking at it, without being loud or flashy. The printing is all inky and legible and the applied markers and coronet are cleanly fixed to the dial with a level of precision that explains why many wrongly think this must be handled by machines. The proportions of the hands, markers, and dial are all delicately balanced, with each element fitting perfectly with the rest. It's really a case study in simple design.

My biggest complaint is one that most vintage enthusiasts can sympathize with: the polished links on the bracelet. While older Oyster bracelets were brushed all over – a fitting finish for a tool watch bracelet – the modern Oysters have highly polished center links with brushed links on either size. These center links reflect a lot of light and collect dirt and scratches like its going out of style. Sure, the 904L steel is as resistant to this as you're going to find, but it's just the nature of polished surfaces to show dirt and marks. 

I really enjoyed my time with the 36mm Datejust and giving it back to Rolex was tough. As you might expect, I have multiple watches and enjoy rotating them for different conditions and occasions. For others in the same situation, the Datejust could easily find a spot in your collection, getting a lot of wear on those days where you need to transition between casual and dressier occasions. It was easy to wear in meetings during the day and to a bar with friends in the evening. No need to swap.

But where the Datejust really shines if for people who wear the same watch every day. Let's admit it, not everyone can or wants to amass a collection of different watches for different situations. For those people, the Datejust is an incredible choice. It's solidly built, will (quite literally) outlast you, can be worn in any situation, and be relied upon to work under any conditions. The Datejust is a watch you can be proud to wear any where, any time. It doesn't get much better than that for an every-day watch. There's a reason why the two-tone Datejust is Rolex's best seller.

As we have it configured here, the Datejust 36mm is priced at $7,850, meaning that while it's not exactly a budget buy, it still comes in significantly under the all-important $10,000 mark. With a polished steel bezel instead of the fluted white gold bezel, the 36mm Datejust starts at $6,600. Two-tone versions start just over the $10,00 mark while solid gold versions can exceed $30,000. There are definitely reliable time and date watches out there for less, but you are still getting a lot for your money here. But, as always, if you think this watch is for you, there are still some other options to consider, so let's take a look at what else might fit the bill.

As you might expect, the biggest comparison we need to make here is between this Datejust and its vintage predecessors. It would be a mistake to think that the two watches are interchangeable, though they do share a lot of traits. If you're looking for an all-purpose watch that can take anything you can throw at it, I would shy away from the more delicate vintage Datejusts, but if you want a dressier watch that captures that mid-century vibe, the vintage DJ will serve you well. Price is a big factor here too – a standard 1960s or 1970s Datejust will set you back about $2,000 to $4,000 depending on condition, bracelet, dial color, etc. More desirable models and rare versions from the 1950s can fetch upwards of $20,000, with some even breaking the $50,000 mark, but we can set those aside for now.

Staying in the family, there is the new Tudor Style . It comes in 4 sizes (28mm, 34mm, 38mm, and 41mm) in a variety of dial colors, with all steel or two-tone construction, and on either a bracelet or a strap. The best analog here would be the stainless steel Style on a matching bracelet in the 38mm size. You still have an incredibly robust case, though in a slightly more modern style than the Datejust's, and inside is an ETA 2892 movement, a solid workhorse. At $2,300 in this configuration, the price is only about 1/3 that of the Datejust, making this a really appealing alternative if you're willing to make some compromises. 

Omega is another usual suspect worth looking to for an all-purpose watch that packs a lot of punch. The best comparison is the Seamaster Aqua Terra 150 M Master Co-Axial . The looks are a little sportier than those of the Datejust, especially with the broad-arrow hand and textured black dial, but the 38.5mm size is still restrained by today's standards and the bracelet a three-link with polished center links. Powering the Aqua Terra is caliber 8500, a truly technology-packed movement. It's anti-magnetic (indicated by the "Master" designation), has a co-axial escapement, is chronometer certified, has a 60-hour power reserve, and can even be seen through a transparent caseback.

At $6,000, the Aqua Terra is nearly $2,000 less expensive than the Rolex we have here, but only $600 less than the 36mm steel DJ without the white gold bezel, which makes this a more serious comparison than it might be otherwise.

Is the 36mm Datejust the least expensive time and date watch out there? No. Is it even the least expensive time and date watch with a solidly built steel case, a sturdy bracelet to match, a technologically advanced movement inside, and a beautiful, classic dial? No, it's not that either. But it is a Rolex Datejust. You're buying into the history and the future of one of the most iconic watches of all time, and there is something to be said for that. If you really want the Datejust, there is probably no other watch that will tick all the boxes for you.

As a vintage Rolex lover, I was a little skeptical when I started this review. Modern Rolex and vintage Rolex are typically two very separate worlds with little overlap, but the 36mm Datejust is an amazing watch that nicely bridges the gap between the two, carrying over many of the things we love about vintage Rolex while offering the niceties of a modern Rolex at the same time. It's a watch that recalls the watches of the mid-20th century without being a tribute or a throwback.

On the wrist, there is no doubt that the 36mm Datejust is a solid machine that will serve you well forever. It's solid, well constructed, and has a number of little details that make you smile as you notice them. If you have a number of watches, it has enough interesting about it that you'll still be captivated, while if you're a one-watch person, you'd be hard pressed to find a better daily-wearer.

The modern Datejust, while not the most popular Rolex amongst watch enthusiasts, is a restrained and straightforward reminder of why Rolex wears the crown.

For more on the Rolex Datejust 36mm, visit Rolex online .

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Rolex Yacht-Master VS Yacht-Master II.

A detailed comparison on these two luxurious Rolex sport watches.

The Yachtmaster II and Yachtmaster 40mm are both great sports watches especially with professional sailors and yacht racers. They both are classy and sporty at the same time. But what are the key differences and what makes these two watches special in their own way? Have a look below at a detailed description of the differences.

Rolex Yacht-Master VS Yacht-Master II

Let's take a look at one of the latest and most spoken about Rolex Yachtmaster watches, the 116655. This watch is a special watch for many reasons. Namely, this is a historical landmark for Rolex since it is the first Rolex watch to ever use a rubber strap. Most people wouldn't bat an eye at the idea of a Rolex with a rubber strap so why the fuss? This is not any typical rubber strap. Rolex has been raving about this new rubber Oysterflex bracelet which is not only very comfortable to wear, it is also hypoallergenic.

The research and development team at Rolex has engineered a bracelet that is as easy to wear as a rubber bracelet but also holds its shape like a metal bracelet. They do this by using nickel-and-titanium inserts inside the band. They also instituted a patented shape on the inside of the bracelet which has a cushioning system built-in to it which allows the bracelet to take the natural shape of a wrist making the Oysterflex possible the most comfortable rubber watch band. An Oysterlock safety clasp keeps the watch from opening and looks stunning in 18ct Everose gold. Everose gold is a patented 18kt pink gold alloy that is unique to Rolex watches and has been used with all their pink gold oyster cases since 2005.

You'll also find a black matte Cerachrom dial which is a hardened ceramic material that is a tough and highly scratch resistant material that has anticorrosive properties and is impervious to discoloration from exposure to Ultra Violet rays. Perfect for spending your days relaxing on the deck of a luxury yacht.

The dial on the Rolex Yacht-Master 116655 with its cyclops date magnifier could be passed as that of a Submariner if it weren't for all the Everose gold used. You can find this material used on the rims of the index hour markers, the Rolex logo, and luminous filled hands. You won't find rose gold on the dial of any watch in the Submariner series (yet?). The combination of black and Everose gold is a real eye-grabber giving this the look of a really luxurious watch.

What's running inside this stunning watch? The Yacht-Master 40mm runs off an automatic Rolex perpetual movement, the Rolex caliber 3135. This 31 jewel movement beats at 28,800 vph and has a power reserve of about 50 hours.

Rolex Yachtmaster II

At a glance, this watch is an impressive piece of eye-candy with a polished case and two-tone rose gold and stainless steel bracelet. The design used vibrant colors from the blue Cerachrom bezel to the rose gold pushers and patented Triplock crown. The white dial is equally full of harmonic colors with blue steel hour, minute and subdial seconds hands and rose gold and red chronograph hands. A rose gold rimmed sub-dial and applied rose gold rimmed index hour markers tie it all together.

A unique feature of the Yachtmaster II is the regatta chronograph and features the world's first mechanical programmable countdown with a memory. You can accurately sync the watch with the starting sequence of a yacht race.

Unlike most bezels which don't operate as a component of the movement, the easy-to-use and bi-directional Ring Command bezel on the Yachtmaster II operates in conjunction with the regatta chronograph as an integral component of the movement. This bezel is the method in which you can synchronize the countdown timer to the start times of a race. Each time you press the button you can adjust the timer by one-minute increments for up to a 10-minute countdown timer. When you adjust the rotating bezel back to its default middle position, it resets the chronograph back to its main function.

This COSC certified Swiss chronometer is the self-winding caliber 4161 automatic movement beats at 28,800 vph and is completely manufactured by Rolex. This movement features the Rolex antimagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring. After receiving a COSC certified chronometer certification, the movement the goes through a thorough in-house chronometric testing once installed into a watch case. Once the watch achieves a precision of -2/+2 seconds per day in the case, it gets a Rolex Superlative Chronometer designation. Even with all these mechanical features, the 31 jewel caliber 4161 movement holds its power for 72 hours.

Rolex Yacht-Master VS Yacht-Master II - Side By Side Comparison

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• Comparisons

Oyster Perpetual

Yacht-Master

Stay the course, mapping invisible routes.

For those at sea, staying the course is a constant challenge. Defying the laws of logic, bearings can be lost suddenly in difficult conditions, thus requiring adaptability and the capacity to react quickly. Since 1992, the Yacht-Master – equipped with a bidirectional rotatable bezel – has become the established watch of masterful sailors who know how to react in order to keep their heading, in any situation.

Technical and elegant, the Yacht-Master is a reliable nautical instrument.

Bidirectional rotatable bezel

The Yacht-Master’s bidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel is made entirely from precious metal (gold or platinum) or fitted with a Cerachrom insert in high-technology ceramic. The raised polished numerals and graduations stand out clearly against a matt background. This functional bezel – which allows the wearer to calculate, for example, the sailing time between two buoys – is also a key component in the model’s distinctive visual identity.

Oysterflex bracelet

This technical bracelet, developed by Rolex and patented, singularly combines the robustness and reliability of a metal bracelet with the suppleness, comfort and aesthetics of an elastomer strap.

Yacht-Master 42

Oyster, 42 mm, yellow gold.

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Which One Should You Get? Old Rolex Datejust II vs. New Datejust 41

Introduction Founded by Gabrielle Chanel in 1910, Chanel watch is one of the most revered haute-couture houses in the world. With its operational headquarters in London and creative hub in Paris, the company specializes in women’s ready-to-wear, lifestyle accessories, perfumes and luxury watches. The brand launched its first watch collection in 1987. Named PREMIÈRE, this series was a tribute to the brand’s best-selling N°5 perfume. In 1990, the MADEMOISELLE watch was introduced. In 2012, the Chanel J12 collection was launched. Chanel is one of a few fashion houses to have a fullfledged watchmaking facility in Switzerland. The successful acquisition of Chaux-de-Fonds based G&F Châtelain manufacture in 1993 was a significant leap in the watchmaking history of Chanel watch. This company has been specialized in various manufacturing processes related to fine horology and jewellery. As on date, the flagship chanel watch collections are Boy-Friend, J12, Code Coco, Monsieur and Première. Produced in its own manufacture in Switzerland, the brand’s watches proudly carry the prestigious Swiss Made label. Some of its wristwatch models are equipped with in-house movements. Chanel PREMIÈRE Image Source: chanel.com/ The French fashion house’s most iconic product is its No. 5 perfume. It was formulated by the Russian-born French perfumer Ernest Beaux for Chanel watch in 1921. Since its launch, this best-selling fragrance has been a key pillar of the luxury brand’s product portfolio. Introduced in 1987, the chanel premiere watch series draws its design inspiration from the No. 5 perfume bottle. Presently, this magnificent collection offers models like Chain, Rock, Velvet, Ceramic, Mini and Camélia Skeleton. Depending upon the version, these timepieces feature quartz or mechanical movements with time-only display. The Chanel Première series is composed of stainless steel and gold case timepieces as well as top of the range gem-set editions adorned with brilliant or baguette cut diamonds. Image Source: chanel.com/ The chanel chain watch models from the Première family are fitted on straps inspired by the gold-colour or metal-and-leather chains of the famous hand-bags made by the Parisian high fashion house since the 1950s. Evoking the distinct shape of the No. 5 perfume bottle, Première watches feature black, white, mother-of-pearl, diamond-set or skeleton dial. The chanel watch singapore price range of this emblematic ladies’ series is S$6,000 to S$200,000. Chanel J12 CHANEL J12 H6185 Launched in 2000, J12 is the best-selling wristwatch collection from Chanel. It is also the first sports watch from the iconic brand. The debut model from this series featured black ceramic exteriors. In 2003, the brand expanded this family by introducing the new J12 chanel white watch model in ceramic. Presently, J12 is one of the most extensive Chanel watch collections. The chanel j12 watch is available in various sizes, ranging from 19mm to 41mm. The signature feature of this series is the highly resistant case and bracelet made with ceramic components. Depending upon the version, the watch case is mounted with a rotating or fixed bezel. The brand also incorporates other materials (steel, gold, diamonds or other gemstones) with these robust ceramic watches for aesthetic or functional purposes. Powered by quartz or mechanical (manual-wound or automatic) movements, these timepieces come with time-only three configurations or with complications like chronograph, GMT or tourbillon. CHANEL J12 H2569 The chronograph and GMT models feature 41mm diameter cases and self-winding movements. From the J12 family, the brand additionally offers automatic “three-hand” watches with 33 mm and 38mm sizes. The Maison has recently enhanced this line-up by adding new versions equipped with the self-winding calibers produced by Kenissi, a Swiss manufacture co-founded by Chanel. The Chanel J12 tourbillon watches are available with 38mm diameter case and manual-wound mechanical movements. The quartz watch models are offered in 19mm, 29mm and 33mm sizes. The smallest specimen in this comprehensive collection is the J12-XS with a 19mm case. Chanel also creates bezel-set and fully paved versions of its J12 timepieces. The approximate selling price of this popular collection starts at SGD 5,500. The retail value of high-end (diamond-set or tourbillon) models can fetch above S$100,000. Chanel Boy-Friend Image Source: chanel.com/ Introduced in 2015, this radically graceful series highlights pure lines, harmonious proportions, and perfected contours. The chanel boyfriend watch collection offers quartz and mechanical wristwatches featuring facetted rectangular cases made of stainless steel, beige gold or white gold. They usually come with straps in calfskin with a quilted pattern, tweed or alligator leather or with a matching metal bracelet. The line-up is traditionally comprised of minimalistic two-hand time-only models and versions featuring date or small seconds. The brand also offers skeleton models and diamond-set watches from this series. Offered in small, medium and large sizes, Boy-Friend watches retail in the S$4,000 to S$150,000 price range. Chanel Coco Code Image Source: chanel.com/ Introduced in 2017, Coco Code is a fashionable chanel watch women collection featuring embossed straps. This series is a tribute to the iconic 2.55 Flap Bag created by Gabrielle Chanel in 1955. The watch case evokes the distinctive design of the famous Mademoiselle Turn Lock of the Chanel 2.55 Flap Bag. Available in steel, ceramic and beige gold versions as well as in two case sizes (small and medium) this two-hand quartz wristwatch comes with an embossed strap/bracelet. The calfskin strap features a distinctive pattern inspired by the legendry quilted leather hand bag. Depending upon the version, the pixel-styled bracelet features links in steel, ceramic or beige gold. The brand also offers diamond-set Coco Code watches. In Singapore, the approximate selling price range of this collection is S$7,800 to S$130,000. Chanel Monsieur Image Source: chanel.com/ Introduced in 2016, Monsieur is a high-end watch collection dedicated to men. Available in gold, ceramic and platinum case versions, these masculine timekeepers are powered by in-house mechanical movements produced by the Chanel Manufacture in Switzerland. At present, this distinguished series is comprised of a number of wristwatch models featuring a retrograde minute hand, small seconds and jumping hour display. The Lion edition models feature a gold sculpture of lion instead of small seconds function. Equipped with a hand-wound mechanical movement, each Chanel Monsieur watch comes with a classic round case. It is available in black marble, matte-black guilloche, navy blue, white opaline, black grand feu enamel and diamond-paved dial versions. The approximate chanel watch price singapore of the Monsieur collection ranges from S$53,000 to S$300,000. Other watch models The other remarkable watch collections created by the French high-fashion empire are Mademoiselle, Camellia, 1932 and Chocolate. These timepieces are no more available in the brand’s latest catalogues. Each of these chanel vintage watch families has its distinct style and charisma.

Rolex Datejust is the longest continuously-running watch collection in its history. It was launched in 1945, and embodied all of the innovations Rolex had developed up to that time. The Datejust series as a whole (including the Lady-Datejust , mid-size, Rolex Datejust 41, is the best selling Rolex collection of the brand. 

Among them, the Rolex Datejust 41 and the Rolex Datejust II are the most mentioned models as they shared a lot of similarities. They are some of the most classy and popular dress watches in the luxury market. If you’re looking for a classy watch for everyday wear, one that you can wear to the office and play golf with, the Datejust 41mm and Rolex Datejust 2 must be some of the great choices.

Let us compare these two watches and see which of these may suit better on you.

What You Should Know About Rolex Datejust

History of rolex datejust.

Introduced in 1945, the Rolex Datejust is the longest continuing collection of the brand. The Datejust was the first self-winding chronometer wristwatch to display the date on the dial in a window at 3 o’clock and switch it automatically at midnight. The watch was also the first Rolex model introduced in a waterproof case. 

Since the beginning, the case of the Datejust has remained at 36mm, a size that Rolex continues to offer to now. A new Rolex Datejust 36 was introduced in 2018. 

Yet as larger watches had been gaining popularity, Rolex introduced the Datejust II in 2009, a larger 41mm model which had been the biggest shake up in the Datejust line. 

In 2016, the Datejust II was finally discontinued and replaced with the updated version Datejust 41 which remains in the Rolex portfolio up to this day. Although the Datejust II is discontinued, this watch is still in high demand in the pre-owned market.

Why is Rolex Datejust so Popular?

As Rolex’s best selling collection, the Datejust is well-loved for its timeless and elegant look. This watch has long been exemplified by its sweeping lines and classy understatement. It is considered the standard for classic luxury watches. Considering its classic look, history and comparably affordable prices, it is said to be one of the best Rolex entry watches. The Rolex Datejust provides a perfect lens through which to examine why Rolex is Rolex.

Produced for decades, its main draw is its vast availability and the variation of options: materials, bezel styles, and dial designs. Although the collection has been through many updates over the decades, the fundamental design remains true to the original. That’s what makes it such a recognisable watch. Well-balanced. Nicely proportioned. It is the perfect everyday watch enough to appeal without causing a scene.

Smaller model: Rolex Datejust 36

There are two sizes currently available for the Rolex Datejust collection – the traditional 36mm and the larger Datejust 41. Until the launch of Datejust II, the Rolex Datejust was offered only in a 36mm Oyster case. It has been the most popular size in the men’s range for long. It is also a great choice for the ladies who favour large watches.

At Baselworld 2018, the modified Datejust 36 version was introduced with Rolex’s new in-house time and date movement – the Calibre 3235. The 36mm Datejust watch has always kept up its position in the Rolex family.

New Datejust 41 vs. Old Datejust II

In 2016, Rolex discontinued the Rolex Datejust II and replaced it with the new Rolex Datejust 41. Both The Datejust 41 and Datejust II are amazing dress watches but let’s take a look on both of them to see the differences.

Both Rolex Datejust II and Datejust 41 have a 41mm case, however there are still some slight differences. 

The Rolex Datejust II features all the classic elements which are the Oyster case, the date, and the Cyclops lens, while combined with a thicker bezel and thicker lugs. To meet the large watch trends at the time, the watch was visibly larger on the wrist with a more masculine and sporty style.

Despite being 41mm in size also, the Oyster case of Rolex Datejust 41 comes with a slimmer profile and thinner lugs. The design proportions of this new 41mm watch were closer to the Datejust 36. It is perfect in meeting today’s larger watch trends, without feeling too heavy and dumb.

There are Datejust 41 models available with a Jubilee bracelet. The jubilee bracelet contains more links than the oyster bracelet which seemingly creates a more comforting fit. However, there is no option of Jubilee bracelet for Datejust II.

Due to its short period of production, the Rolex Datejust II was only offered in stainless steel, Rolesor white and yellow gold. The Datejust 41 watches are available in three Rolesor variations – yellow gold, white gold, and Everose gold combined with Oystersteel. A full Oystersteel Datejust 41 version has also been available a year after its first launch.

One of the characteristics of the Datejust collection is its versatile variation. The Rolex Datejust II had a few options that the Rolex Datejust 41mm doesn’t inherit such as the option of Solid Roman numbers, Slate Roman numbers, and Arabic hour markers in addition to standard luminescent indexes. 

While for Rolex Datejust 41, there is a choice between a domed and fluted bezel, luminous baton markers and diamond indexes. It also offers a huge variation of dial options – black, rhodium, blue, silver, chocolate sundust, and mother of pearl.

Actually both Rolex Datejust uses their own in-house COSC certified Caliber movement. It is the highest designation attributed for precision and accuracy of -2/+2 seconds per day after casings by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). 

The Datejust 41 housed the Rolex Caliber 3235 movement while the Datejust II used the Caliber 3136 movement.

The Calibre 3136 that Datejust II housed is a movement based on Rolex ’s base movement, the Calibre 3135. It features a larger mainplate to accommodate the larger date wheel and the addition of Paraflex shock absorbers. The movement supports a 48 hour power reserve.

On the other hand, the Datejust 41 is equipped with Rolex new movement Calibre 3235, which can run with a better performance: Chronergy escapement, high-capacity barrel, and greater use of nickel-phosphorus alloy, resulted in a power reserve of 70 hours and improvement on magnetic resistance. 

The most noticeable improvement of this caliber is its interface for making manual adjustments. The date can be reset manually and quickly whenever you want. By just simply pulling the crown out to its middle position and turning it counterclockwise, the date advances smoothly and accurately.

A luxury watch is said to be the only jewelry that a person can wear to work each day. All in all, if you prefer a bolder and more masculine approach to the everyday watch, you can get the Rolex Datejust II in the pre-owned market. 

If you’re after a large watch with the classic proportions of the traditional Datejust, go for the Datejust 41. The Rolex Datejust 41 actually embodies Rolex’s latest technology that still sticks to the Datejust’s classic elements. Both Datejust watches are one of the best versions of Rolex’s all-time classic that are definitely worth being part of your collection.

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Rolex Submariner was one of the very first luxury dive watches and it quickly became the most iconic. If someone asks “What is the most important watch of all time?”, the Rolex Submariner would be the answer to some of us.  The Rolex Submariner was introduced in 1953, it has not only defined the dive […]

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Rolex Chronographs: Daytona vs. Yacht-Master II

The Daytona is, without a doubt, Rolex’s most famous chronograph model. However, it is sometimes overlooked that a Rolex does, in fact, manufacture another chronograph collection – the Yacht-Master II. While both are technically chronograph watches, they are actually very different timepieces, both inside and out. Today we will be comparing the brand’s duo of contemporary chronograph models, the Rolex Daytona vs. Yacht-Master II.

So, how do these two Rolex chronograph watches differ when it comes to their designs and functionality? Let’s find out as we review these stylish used Rolex watch models .

Origins: Daytona vs. Yacht-Master II

Rolex first unleashed the Cosmograph Daytona in 1963 as a chronograph dedicated to motorsports. However, as manually-wound models with 38mm cases, vintage Daytona watches are significantly different from the versions of today. It was only in 2000 that we saw the first iterations of today’s Daytona models; that is to say, 40mm watches that run on in-house automatic chronograph movements.

These editions of the Rolex Daytona collection carry six-digit reference numbers and are powered by the Caliber 4130. Prior to this generation, there were the five-digit Daytona models fitted with Rolex-modified, Zenith El Primero automatic movements, which were produced from 1988 until 2000.

In total, the Daytona utilizes three different generations of movements. First was the hand-wound generation, followed by the automatic Zenith generation, and then the automatic in-house Rolex caliber 4130. The collection has one of the most intriguing histories on the market, spanning decades and producing countless design variations, and even the famous Paul Newman Daytona that fetched one of the highest sums on the secondary market of nearly $18 million.

On the other hand, the Yacht-Master II is a relatively new Rolex model, having made its debut in 2007. What’s more, when it was released, the Yacht-Master II was Rolex’s largest watch, sporting a 44mm case. As its name implies, the Rolex Yacht-Master II was developed for the sailing crowd, rather than the automobile racing crew. In addition to its over-the-top case size and design, the Yacht-Master II was also the brand’s most complex watch (until the introduction of the Sky-Dweller in 2012), equipped with a regatta chronograph, complete with mechanical memory and fly-back functionality for facilitated synchronization.

Design: Daytona vs. Yacht-Master II

The Daytona’s 40mm case comes fitted with a pair of screw-down chronograph pushers flanking its screw-down winding crown. This is to keep any moisture out of the watch, ensuring its 100-meter water resistance. The fixed bezels of the Daytona watches – crafted from either metal or Cerachrom (ceramic) – are engraved with a tachymeter scale (except for the gem-set bezel editions), while the dials house a trio of subsidiary registers.

In true Rolex fashion, there are plenty of different dial colors and index styles to choose from. Material options within the six-digit Daytona family include stainless steel, yellow gold, white gold, Everose gold, two-tone steel and yellow gold, and platinum. Most Daytona models come with metal Oyster bracelets however, there are some gold Daytona watches that are presented on black rubber Oysterflex bracelets as well. Rolex previously manufactured leather-strap versions but they are no longer in production.

In direct contrast to the Daytona’s classic looks and restrained proportions, the Yacht-Master II is proudly big, bold, and badass. Its bezel – either in bright blue Cerachrom (ceramic) or platinum – sits on the 44mm case and is emblazoned with the “YACHT-MASTER II” name, along with numbers 1 – 10. The white dial with red and blue accents offers three distinct areas for three readings: the center hands, the 10-minute countdown display, and the running seconds sub-dial.

Early editions of the Yacht-Master II included straight hour and minute hands until around 2017, while current versions have the familiar Mercedes-style hands. The hour markers received a small upgrade from blue to white gold surrounds to match the hands. Additionally, Rolex replaced the square hour marker at 12 o’clock with an inverted triangle and the marker at 6 o’clock with a slightly elongated baton hour marker. Material choices of the Yacht-Master II include yellow gold, white gold (with a platinum bezel), stainless steel, and two-tone Everose gold and steel. Additionally, all Yacht-Master II watches come with matching metal Oyster bracelets.

Calibers and Functionality: Daytona vs. Yacht-Master II

Manufactured entirely in-house, the Daytona’s Caliber 4130 has been heralded by many watch enthusiasts as one of the most reliable and robust automatic chronograph movements on the market. One of its defining features is the use of a vertical (rather than lateral) clutch to activate the chronograph. This not only permits the chronograph hand to run smoothly without any signs of “jittering,” but also allows the chronograph function to run for a long time with no influence on the Daytona’s precision. Thanks to Caliber 4130, the Daytona features a chronograph hand accurate to within 1/8 of a second, a 30-minute counter at 3, a 12-hour counter at 9, a small seconds register at 6, and a power reserve of 72 hours.

When Rolex launched the Yacht-Master II in 2007, inside the watch was the Caliber 4160, which was then upgraded to Caliber 4161 in 2013. While these in-house chronograph calibers are based on the Caliber 4130, they are much more complex in terms of functionality. Rolex maintains that the Caliber 4160/4161 was the result of over 35,000 hours of development.

Most intriguing, the bezel on the Yacht-Master II is not just for show. Instead, turning it allows the user to flip through what functions of the watch to set. And one of these functions includes a programmable countdown timer (from 1 – 10 minutes), which also memorizes the desired setting t when you reset the timer. So, if you love a seven-minute jammy egg or a four-minute brew, then your Yacht-Master II is there for you.

The central chronograph hand also has flyback functionality, which means that you can reset it back to zero with the press of a single button while it is in motion. Additionally, just like its base caliber, the Cal. 4160/4161 also has a 72-hour power reserve.

While both chronographs have countless everyday applications, they cater to two totally different niches. The Daytona, with its motorsport roots, was initially developed to help the wearer record various stats while driving, such as speed, distance traveled, and elapsed time. On the other hand, the Yacht-Master II was inspired by regatta and features a race countdown mechanism.

How to Use The Bezels on Daytona vs. Yacht-Master II

The Daytona bezel is fixed, so its primary function relies on the chronograph movement. To activate the chronograph, press the top pusher above the crown. The chronograph seconds hand will start to race around the dial. The top pusher will also stop the chronograph while the bottom pusher resets it to zero. For example, to measure speed, simply activate the chronograph by pressing the top pusher. Once you’ve driven a mile, stop the chronograph by pressing the top pusher again. The chronograph hand will point to the corresponding speed on the Tachymeter bezel.

The Yacht-Master II bezel is connected to the movement and it is often referred to as a “Ring Command Bezel.” To use the programmable regatta countdown, you first need to unscrew the crown and rotate the bezel counterclockwise 90 degrees. Then, press the bottom pusher and turn the crown clockwise to move the arrow hand to the desired 10-minute count-down increment. Once the bezel is rotated back to its original position and the crown is screwed back into the case, you can press the top pusher to start or stop the countdown. The chronograph seconds hand will begin to move around the dial, once every minute. The famous flyback and fly-forward functionality is engaged by pressing the bottom pusher, sending the arrow hand backwards or forwards to the nearest minute in the countdown.

Side-by-side, these two Rolex chronographs look nothing alike. The Daytona offers traditional chronograph styling and functionality, while the Yacht-Master II is more aggressively designed and offers a niche complication in the form of a regatta chronograph. So, which one would be your pick?

About Paul Altieri

Paul Altieri is a vintage and pre-owned Rolex specialist, entrepreneur, and the founder and CEO of BobsWatches.com. - the largest and most trusted name in luxury watches. He is widely considered a pioneer in the industry for bringing transparency and innovation to a once-considered stagnant industry. His experience spans over 35 years and he has been published in numerous publications including Forbes, The NY Times, WatchPro, and Fortune Magazine. Paul is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest research and developments in the watch industry and e-commerce, and regularly engages with other professionals in the industry. He is a member of the IWJG, the AWCI and a graduate of the GIA. Alongside running the premier retailer of pre-owned Rolex watches, Paul is a prominent Rolex watch collector himself amassing one of the largest private collections of rare timepieces. In an interview with the WSJ lifestyle/fashion editor Christina Binkley, Paul opened his vault to display his extensive collection of vintage Rolex Submariners and Daytonas. Paul Altieri is a trusted and recognized authority in the watch industry with a proven track record of expertise, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.

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