The Rolex Datejust is the flagship product which Rolex is primarily known for.  The standard Oyster shape case is the design that the world has come to love and respect - making a Rolex, well, a Rolex.  It might seem hard to feel excited about the Datejust.  It just has a date aperture after all, right?  It isn't built for climbing like the Explorer, or for multiple time zones like the GMT Master II, or built for deep sea diving like the Submariner series.  It doesn't have the intense complexity of the President's Day Date or the Daytona. 

So, why should we stand up and applaud the new Datejust with a thunderous ovation and praise?  Think of the Datejust as a timeless dedication to perfection.  Just as you would applaud a married couple that announced their 50 year anniversary and dedication to each other, the DateJust and its creaters deserve adoration for their dedication to the perfection of the Datejust line.  The Datejust is fast approaching its 75th year since its first release in 1945.  So many models, enhancements, and options have appeared since the first launch nearly 3/4 a century ago. 

The current Datejusts are available in 28 mm, 31 mm, 34 mm, 36 mm and 41 mm.  There are many bezel options, metal options, and dial options.  Too many to cover in even a dozen articles. 

Today we are going to look at the new Rolex Datejust reference 126200, which is one of the lowest costing new Rolex models made today, starting at a mere $6800.  If you want to start your collection with a solid timepiece with the superior quality of Rolex on your wrist, this is the one to consider. Built from 904L steel, this timepiece is built to last.  It is resistant to corrosion, and can maintain its beauty even in the harshest environments. 

I had a tough decision when deciding on dial options.  Brad Pitt obviously thinks that only black dials are masculine enough to wear out and about.  However, there is something more subtle and demure with the white dial.  Add to that the classic elegance of the Roman numeral hour markers. 

This Rolex Datejust reference 126200 has a domed bezel, an Oystersteel bracelet and all the normal bells and whistles you expect with a Rolex - such as the scratch-resistant sapphire, cyclops lens over the date window and screw-down waterproofness system built into the winding crown. 

The new features of this Datejust include the carefully crafted calibre 3235.  This is a new-generation self-winding movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex, combining 14 patents.  The new Datejust offers improvements in  precision, power reserve, resistance to shocks and magnetic fields, convenience and reliability. It incorporates the new Chronergy escapement patented by Rolex, which combines high energy efficiency with great dependability. Made of nickel-phosphorus, it is also insensitive to magnetic interference. 

The most notable enhancement is the added power reserve.  This new Rolex calibre 3235 can hold a charge for up to 70 hours which allows the owner to remove the timepiece on a Friday night and put it back on on Monday morning without having to set the time.  This is a perfect work timepiece.  It would look fine doing whatever you do - from blue collar work to the board room, you could be proud and secure knowing that the best timepiece in the world is on your wrist at a price tag that almost anyone can afford.