What Makes Rolex Datejust Iconic?

Recently a Quora question came in asking What Makes Rolex Datejust Iconic?

A case could be made that nearly all Rolex models are “iconic”. However, I would probably say that the Datejust is iconic because the name of Rolex is a household name, and the look of the Oyster case is highly recognizable as Rolex luxury.

The Datejust is simple in design. Yet, it has all the components that make a Rolex a Rolex. It doesn’t have all the dials that the Daytona has. It doesn’t have the Day at the 12 o’clock position as the “Presidential Day Date” has. It isn’t a dive watch like the Submariners, or a climb watch like the Explorer.

The Datejust just provides the date, time and the look and feel that lets everyone know you are a true connoisseur of exceptional Swiss-made horology. It looks good at work and at play and can be had at a price that isn’t outrageous. It is iconic because literally everyone knows with a single glance that you are wearing a Rolex.

The Datejust is also one of the oldest models manufactured by the Swiss giant. Although much has been done to improve the manufacturing and quality of the Datejust over the years, the Datejust provides exceptional timekeeping and longevity, making it a shoe-in for an heirloom that can be handed down from father to son, or mother to daughter, generation after generation.

I would like to point out that although most Rolexes are marketed to men, the Datejust appeals to both men and women. The example above shows the Rolesor (dual color design with steel and yellow gold) and exquisite diamond setting in the hour marker positions and all around the bezel. The value of this timepiece can easily be measured by the 52 diamonds and the gold links and case carved from a pure block of yellow gold, but is increased substantially by the Rolex workmanship that built this timepiece with painstaking care.

The Rolex Datejust has been Rolex's most popular model for decades. Although the Rolex Daytona has raised eyebrows recently in the resale market, the Datejust was far more popular than the Daytona for nearly the entire lifespan of the two models' existence. Today you can see that the Datejust has many more dial colors, bezel offerings, band options and hour markers to choose from. Yet in all cases, the Datejust is easily identifiable as a Rolex. This year Rolex tipped their hat to the Datejust and not only redesigned the lugs and sides, but also equipped them with the new calibre 3235, giving the timepiece nearly double the power of older models.