Rolex Men’s Steel Datejust 36 Computer Face Dial
Ref. 116200
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.
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.
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.
This brings us to the standard 36mm Datejust of today, the ref. 116200. This is the modern descendent of the classic DJs of the 1950s, like the 6305. There are literally dozens of possible combinations of metals, bracelets, dials, etc., possible today, but 116200 best combines the classic, historical traits with a few modern updates that make for easier wear.
First off, this Datejust here is the classic 36mm size. 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. 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. It’s paid off many times over.
Ref.116200
36mm stainless steel case
Black computer face dial
Roman markers
Oyster bracelet
2014 purchase date, Japan authorized dealer
Appearance is 9.5 out 10. Minor swirl marks and hairline scratches only.
Bracelet will fit a 7.5-inch wrist at most
Watch comes with guarantee card, COSC hang tag, manual, and single Rolex box.
SOLD
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