The Rolex Datejust 41 is a modern classic, loved by both new collectors and seasoned watch fans. Rolex made a date of its own in 1945 with the first Datejust, the first to show the date of a day on the dial.
In 2016, the slimmer, sleeker Datejust 41 arrived, offering refined lugs, a Jubilee option, and styles from all-steel to the luxurious Rolesor combination of Oystersteel and gold, that iconic combination of Oystersteel and 18k gold.
In this review, we explore the models, features, and why the Datejust 41 is a timeless choice.
The Evolution of the Rolex Datejust 41
Rolex didn’t get here overnight. The design and tech behind the Datejust 41 took decades to refine. From the moment Rolex made a date of its own in 1945 with the first Rolex Datejust, all the way to the balanced proportions and modern Caliber 3235 movement we see now, it’s been a steady evolution. Let’s walk through that journey.
1945: The Start of It All
This is when Rolex made a date of its own in watch history. The very first Rolex Datejust hit the scene, the first automatic watch to show the date of a day on the dial. Waterproof Oyster case, clean design, instant classic.
1950s–1970s: Getting Smarter
Rolex kept improving the Datejust. Quickset date came in, so you could change the date without touching the time. Sapphire crystal for scratch resistance. Better waterproofing. Solid, everyday upgrades.
2009: The Big Jump
Enter the Datejust II. Bigger case size at 41mm. People loved the presence, but the proportions felt a bit chunky, bezel too thick, dial a bit heavy.
2016: The Sweet Spot
Rolex fixed it with the Rolex Datejust 41. Slimmer lugs, better balance, refined bezel. Added options in 41 mm Oystersteel and gold, including the Rolesor combination of Oystersteel and 18k gold. Inside? The new Caliber 3235 movement. Precise. Efficient. Built to last.
Today: The Modern Standard
Now part of the Oyster Perpetual Collection, the Datejust 41 is the everyday luxury watch. All-steel Oyster 41 mm Oystersteel for understated class, or a combination of Oystersteel and gold for a bit of flash. Either way, you’re wearing a piece of Rolex history with modern performance.
Case, Materials & Craftsmanship
The case size of the Oyster 41 mm Oystersteel Datejust 41 offers a solid wrist presence while staying wearable for daily use. Oystersteel (904L) is Rolex’s corrosion-resistant alloy, used across the Oyster Perpetual collection for its strength and polish.
For two-tone models, Rolex uses the Rolesor combination of Oystersteel and 18k gold, known as the combination of Oystersteel and yellow, white, or Everose gold. This is not outsourced; Rolex makes all its gold alloys in-house. Steel reinforces strength and reliability, while gold adds prestige.
The waterproof Oyster case has a monobloc middle case, a screw down case back, and a Twinlock crown system. It is waterproof to 100 meters, making it safe for swimming and daily wear.
Movement Excellence: Caliber 3235
Every Rolex Datejust 41 is powered by the in-house Caliber 3235. This automatic movement uses the Chronergy escapement for higher efficiency, a blue Parachrom hairspring for resistance to magnetism, and Paraflex shock absorbers for improved durability. It offers a 70-hour power reserve and operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour.
Precision meets the certification Superlative Chronometer standard of -2/+2 seconds per day, meaning the watch is more accurate than standard COSC chronometers. Whether paired with the smooth bezel or the fluted bezel, on an Oyster or Jubilee bracelet, this movement delivers consistent reliability.
Each Datejust 41 comes in a presentation box with the official Rolex guarantee, ensuring you are buying a Rolex built to last. It is the same level of engineering excellence you’d expect from a model you’d proudly add to favourites. The movement’s assembly and finishing apply Rolex’s exacting methods, similar to their dial brushing techniques that perfect the final look of the watch.
Dial, Bezel & Bracelet Options
Dial Choices
The Rolex Datejust 41 offers dial colours from silver, black, and white to blue, green, and champagne. Some include diamond indexes or Roman numerals.
Others use a sunray finish that creates delicate effects — a subtle glow that moves with the position of the wrist. Rolex applies techniques that create grooves running outwards from the centre and finishes certain dials with physical vapour deposition or electroplating.
The rolesor combination of Oystersteel and gold models feature the signature Rolesor has featured in Rolex models since the early 1930s. The dial colour choices are made so steel reinforces strength and reliability, with gold hands and markers for tarnish resistance.
Bezel Options
Bezel types include smooth steel or gold, diamond-set, and fluted 18k gold. The Rolex fluted bezel is more than style, the purpose it served to screw the bezel onto the case in early Oyster designs helped form the case for waterproofness.
Over time, the case helping to seal the watch became a true Rolex signature. The oyster bezel had a functional past, but today the fluted bezel is a mark of distinction and a signature feature of the Datejust.
Bracelet Options
You can choose the three-link Oyster or the five-link Jubilee. The Jubilee bracelet has been part of the Datejust since the early 1930s, offering a dressier look. The Oyster bracelet is sportier, where steel reinforces strength and everyday durability.
Both have an Oysterclasp with a comfort extension link for quick adjustment. Each watch comes with a guarantee card, and the case back which protects the Caliber 3235 is secured by a screw down case back for strength.
Top Rolex Datejust 41 Models
1. Rolex Datejust 41 – Stainless Steel, Silver Dial Ref. 126334
About
The Ref. 126334 in oyster 41mm Oystersteel and white gold is a versatile daily watch. The durable Oyster case pairs with a sunburst silver dial for a clean, professional look. While many Rolex Datejust 41 models come with the Jubilee bracelet, this version features the sportier Oyster bracelet with a folding Oysterclasp and comfort extension link.
Features
Its main ones are a screw-down crown, a date window at 3 o’clock with a Cyclops magnifying lens, water resistance to 100m, hands and hour markers with Chromalight lume, an automatic movement, and a bracelet with a folding Oysterclasp system.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2018
- Case Size: 41mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Sunburst silver dial
- Bracelet – Jubilee bracelet with a folding Oysterclasp and Easylink rapid extension system
- Bezel – Fixed steel fluted bezel (fluted bezel is a mark of distinction)
- Function: Chronometer, Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Mechanism: Self-winding Caliber 3235 movement with 31 jewels, a 70-hour power reserve, and 28,800 BPH. It’s made of nickel-phosphorus and features 14 patents in total, including the Chronergy escapement
Why You Should Invest?
As of July 2025, market value is around S$21,000, reflecting steady appreciation since 2022.
2. Rolex Datejust 41 – Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold, Slate Gray Dial Ref. 126333-0019
About
This rolesor combination of Oystersteel and yellow gold model features the popular Wimbledon dial, a slate gray dial with green Roman numerals. The 18k yellow gold fluted bezel is not just aesthetic; the bezel is a mark of distinction in the Rolex lineup.
Features
Some of the best ones are a stop-seconds feature, a screw-down crown with a Twinlock Double Waterproofness System, a screw-down case back, a date window at 3 o’clock, water resistance to 100m, and an automatic Rolex Caliber 3235 movement.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2018
- Case Size: 41mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Slate gray Wimbledon dial
- Bracelet – Oyster bracelet with 18K Yellow Gold center links and folding Oysterclasp deployment buckle with Easylink 5mm Comfort Extension Link
- Bezel – Fixed fluted 18K Yellow Gold bezel
- Function: Chronometer, Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Mechanism: Self-winding Caliber 3235 movement with 31 jewels, 70-hour power reserve, and 28,800 BPH
Why You Should Invest?
As of July 2025, this reference sells for about S$25,500 on the secondary market, up over 30% since 2022.
3. Rolex Datejust 41 – Stainless Steel, Blue Dial Ref. 126300
About
The Ref. 126300 in oyster 41 mm Oystersteel offers a smooth bezel and Jubilee bracelet, making it a favorite for understated elegance. The blue dial with sunray finish creates a subtle glow that moves with the light, achieved through Rolex’s precise brushing techniques.
Features
They include a water resistance to 100m, a date window at 3 o’clock, a self-winding Caliber 3235 movement, a screw-down crown, a Jubilee bracelet with a folding Oysterclasp, and a screw-down solid case back.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2018
- Case Size: 41mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Sunburst blue dial
- Bracelet – Jubilee
- Bezel – Smooth steel fixed
- Function: Chronometer, Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Mechanism: Automatic Rolex Caliber 3235 movement
Why You Should Invest?
As of July 2025, market value is around S$18,800, reflecting rising demand for all-steel Rolex Datejust models.
4. Rolex Datejust 41 – Stainless Steel and Rose Gold, Chocolate Brown Dial Ref. 126301
About
Another unique piece from the Rolex Datejust 41 collection, this great watch perfectly combines 18K Rose Gold and 904L stainless steel for that playful but masculine look.
Rolex wisely stuck with the Oyster bracelet design for the ultimate sports watch appearance. Its smooth bezel-Oyster bracelet combination is another first that Rolex pulled off nicely.
Features
We’ll start with its 18K Rose Gold-tone index hour markers and hands with Chromalight lume. It also has a steel case that’s water resistant to 100m, Arabic numerals at 5-minute intervals, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, an automatic Caliber 3235 movement with certification Superlative Chronometer, and a screw-down case back.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2018
- Case Size: 41mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Chocolate brown
- Bracelet – Oyster bracelet with 18K Rose Gold center links and Oysterclasp deployment buckle
- Bezel – Fixed smooth 18K Rose Gold bezel
- Function: Chronometer, Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Mechanism: Self-winding Chronometer 3235 movement with a COSC chronometer certification and high-performance paraflex shock absorbers
Why You Should Invest?
July 2025 market value is around S$23,700, driven by demand for Everose gold Rolesor.
5. Rolex Datejust 41 – Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold, Champagne Dial Ref. 126303
About
The Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126303 two tone is a beautiful watch that continues the collection’s pattern of unique-looking timepieces. Its champagne dial is a sure eye-catcher, enough to make any seasoned watch connoisseur’s mouth water.
It also has a fine 904L stainless steel case with a smooth 18K Yellow Gold bezel, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, and a steel Oyster bracelet with 18K Yellow Gold center links.
Features
Some of the main ones are a self-winding Caliber 3235 movement, 18K Yellow Gold-toned hands and index hour markers with Chromalight lume, water resistance to 100m, a date window at 3 o’clock, an instantaneous date with rapid setting, and an 18K Yellow Gold screw-down bezel.
Specifications
- Production Year: 2018
- Case Size: 41mm
- Materials:
- Dial – Champagne, with illuminated index hour markers and hands
- Bracelet – Stainless steel with 18K Yellow Gold center links and Folding Oysterclasp with Easylink 5mm comfort extension system
- Bezel – Fixed smooth 18K Yellow Gold bezel
- Function: Chronometer, Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds
- Mechanism: Self-winding Caliber 3235 movement with a new Chronergy escapement with a better skeletonized form. It operates at 28,800 BPH and has 31 jewels, a 70-hour power reserve, plus the distinction of a Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified.
Why You Should Invest?
As of July 2025, prices average S$24,500, showing consistent value growth since 2022.
Final Word
The Rolex Datejust 41 is the modern face of the Rolex Datejust. It keeps the spirit of Hans Wilsdorf alive with every innovation. Since its debut, it has continued to make a date of a day in watchmaking history.
Key Takeaways
- Datejust in Oystersteel or rolesor combination of Oystersteel and gold, including 41 mm Oystersteel and and white gold models.
- Prices as of July 2025 range from S$18,800 to S$25,500, with the rolex guarantee securing authenticity.
- Slimmer oyster case size offers better comfort while maintaining the presence of the watch.
- The fluted bezel is a mark of distinction and a signature feature in the Oyster Perpetual collection.
- A top choice to add to any serious collection of rolex datejust models.
Looking to buy or sell your luxury watches? Watch Exchange is your one-stop destination for trading Rolex, Patek Philippe, Tissot, Sinn, Zenith, and other luxury timepieces. Find your next watch today or list your item for free!
