By the end of World War II, Rolex was more than ready to unveil another horological invention.
The Swiss watchmaker had previously created the Oyster, the first waterproof wristwatch, in 1926 and patented the ingenious self-winding mechanism with a Perpetual rotor in 1931.
These milestones illustrated the vision of Hans Wilsdorf, who founded his company in 1905.
"We want to be the first... and the Rolex watch should be regarded as the one and only, the best!" he proclaimed in a letter from 1914.
Another first, a date display positioned at 3 o'clock was consolidated along other major innovations for the Oyster Perpetual Datejust launched in 1945. The model, originally designed for men, became an archetype of classic watches, including the smaller Lady-Datejust which premiered in 1957.
The new Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 and Lady-Datejust highlight the brand's artistry and craftsmanship in dial-making and gem-setting that complement its expertise in precision watchmaking.
Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 with the dial featuring a palm motif evoking lush tropical forests.
As a matter of fact Rolex is an independent and truly integrated watchmaker, that designs, develops and produces in-house the majority of components, from the casting of the gold alloys to the machining, crafting, assembly and finishing of the movement, case, dial and bracelet.
Unrivalled industrial facilities at four sites in Geneva, Plan-les-Ouates, Chêne-Bourg and Bienne enable Rolex to fully exercise its creativity and spawn innovations.
Activities related to dial development and production are executed at the Chêne-Bourg site.
The dials of four new Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36s appeal with a palm or fluted motif, whose beauty is enhanced by cutting-edge technology that renders the deep, vibrant metallic colours.
The first version features a palm motif in olive-green hues, recalling lush tropical forests. The mesmerising dial is outlined by the domed bezel of the Oystersteel case fitted with the three-piece link Oyster bracelet.
A fluted motif shimmers on the dial of the yellow Rolesor version of Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 with a Jubilee bracelet.
The same pattern graces the golden dial of the yellow Rolesor version (combining Oystersteel and 18 carat yellow gold) with an Oyster bracelet and the silver dial of the Everose Rolesor version (combining Oystersteel and 18 carat Everose gold) with a Jubilee bracelet.
The supple and comfortable five-piece link Jubilee bracelet made its debut along with the Oyster Perpetual Datejust featuring a fluted bezel in 1945.
Previously appearing on the groundbreaking waterproof Oyster watch, the fluting became one of the brand's signature aesthetic styles.
Rolex has transferred the fluting to beautify the dial. A fluted motif shimmers on the golden dial of the fourth new Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36, a yellow Rolesor version paired with a Jubilee bracelet.
Another Rolex invention and signature feature, the magnifying Cyclops lens at 3 o'clock allows easy reading of the date. Named after one-eyed giants of Greek mythology, it was patented in the early 1950s and firstly incorporated into a Datejust model in 1953.
A fluted motif shimmers on the golden dial of the yellow Rolesor version of Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 with a Jubilee bracelet.
Besides the Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36, Rolex has released a new gem-set version of the Oyster Perpetual Lady-Datejust in a smaller 28mm size. The 18 carat yellow gold watch is adorned with 1,089 diamonds in total.
The case sides and lugs are set with 158 brilliant-cut diamonds and the bezel with 44 brilliant-cut diamonds.
Featuring elegant Roman numerals with a black finish, the dial is paved with 291 diamonds and the three-piece link President bracelet sparkles with a further 596 brilliant-cut diamonds.
The gemmology laboratory and gem-setting workshops are also located within the Chêne-Bourg site while Rolex movements and their components are manufactured at the Bienne site.
The four reinterpretations of the Datejust 36 are equipped with a calibre 3235, and the gem-set Lady-Datejust is powered by a calibre 2236.
Entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex, both self-winding mechanical movements offer outstanding performance in terms of precision, power reserve, resistance to shocks and magnetic fields, convenience and reliability.
Like all Rolex watches, the latest timepieces carry the Superlative Chronometer certification, which ensures excellent performance on the wrist.
Meticulous gem-setting of the Lady-Datejust's bracelet.
Oyster Perpetual Lady-Datejust sparkles with 1,089 diamonds.
