New Watch! • 02 Sep 2020
Rolex New Watches 2020: Oyster Perpetual Datejust
The Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31 is presented in four new white Rolesor versions (combining Oystersteel and 18 ct white gold) and features dials in a variety of colours, with either index hour markers or Roman numerals made of 18 ct white gold.
ICONIC AESTHETICS
The first watch, featuring a bezel set with 46 brilliant-cut diamonds, has an aubergine, sunray-finish dial that is adorned with a diamond-set Roman VI. The three other versions are fitted respectively with a mint green, sunray-finish dial, white lacquer dial, or dark grey, sunray-finish dial, and a fluted bezel in 18 ct white gold. The hands and index hour markers or Roman numerals on all four watches are in 18 ct white gold. The light reflections on the case sides and lugs highlight the elegant profile of the 31 mm Oyster case.
These new watches are equipped with calibre 2236, a movement at the forefront of watchmaking technology.
TIMELESS STYLE
Rolex’s Datejust is the archetype of the classic watch thanks to functions and aesthetics that never go out of fashion. Launched in 1945, it was the first self-winding waterproof chronometer wristwatch to display the date in a window at 3 o’clock on the dial, and consolidated all the major innovations that Rolex had contributed to the modern wristwatch until then. The Datejust has spanned eras while retaining the enduring aesthetic characteristics that make it so instantly recognizable.
ROLESOR, A MARRIAGE OF GOLD AND OYSTERSTEEL
Rolesor, the combination of 18 ct gold and Oystersteel on a Rolex watch has been a signature feature of the brand since 1933, when the name was registered. It is a meeting of two metals: one, noble and precious, attractive for its lustre and stability; the other, known for its resistance to corrosion, ensures strength and reliability. All of these qualities perfectly mirror the elegance and performance that come together in a Rolex watch.
On the new white Rolesor versions of the Datejust 31, the bezel is made of 18 ct white gold, while the winding crown, middle case, bracelet and clasp are in Oystersteel.
THE OYSTER CASE, SYMBOL OF WATERPROOFNESS
A paragon of robustness and elegance, the Oyster case of the Datejust 31 is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet). Its middle case is crafted from a solid block of Oystersteel, a particularly corrosion-resistant alloy. The case back, edged with fine fluting, is hermetically screwed down with a special tool that allows only Rolex watchmakers to access
the movement. The Twinlock winding crown, fitted with a double waterproofness system, screws down securely against the case. The crystal is made of virtually scratchproof sapphire and is fitted with a Cyclops lens at 3 o’clock for easy reading of the date. The waterproof Oyster case provides optimum protection for the watch’s movement.
PERPETUAL CALIBRE 2236
The new versions of the Datejust 31 are equipped with calibre 2236, a movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. At the forefront of watchmaking technology, this self-winding mechanical movement led to the filing of several patents, and offers fundamental gains in terms of precision, power reserve, resistance to shocks and magnetic fields, convenience and reliability.
Calibre 2236 is fitted with a Syloxi hairspring, patented and produced by Rolex. This silicon hairspring remains up to 10 times more precise than a traditional hairspring in case of shocks, and its patented geometry ensures the calibre’s regularity in any position. The movement also contains a paramagnetic nickel-phosphorus escape wheel. The oscillator is fitted on the Rolex-designed and patented high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers, increasing the movement’s shock resistance.
Calibre 2236 is equipped with a self-winding module via a Perpetual rotor and offers a power reserve of approximately 55 hours.
JUBILEE AND OYSTER BRACELETS
These white Rolesor versions of the Datejust 31 are fitted with an Oyster or Jubilee bracelet. Developed at the end of the 1930s, the three-piece link Oyster bracelet is known for its robustness. Supple and comfortable, the five-piece link Jubilee bracelet was specially created for the launch of the Oyster Perpetual Datejust in 1945.
The Oyster bracelet on the versions with either an aubergine or white lacquer dial is fitted with a folding Oysterclasp and the Easylink comfort extension link, developed by Rolex, that allows the wearer to easily adjust the bracelet length by approximately 5 mm. The Jubilee bracelet on versions with a mint green or dark grey dial is equipped with an elegant concealed folding Crownclasp.
In addition, a concealed attachment system ensures seamless visual continuity between the bracelet and case.
SUPERLATIVE CHRONOMETER CERTIFICATION
Like all Rolex watches, the Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31 is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification redefined by Rolex in 2015. This exclusive designation testifies that every watch leaving the brand’s workshops has successfully undergone a series of tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories according to its own criteria. These certification tests apply to the fully assembled watch, after casing the movement, guaranteeing superlative performance on the wrist in terms of precision, power reserve, waterproofness and self-winding. The precision of a Rolex Superlative Chronometer is of the order of −2/+2 seconds per day, or more than twice that required of an official chronometer.
The Superlative Chronometer status is symbolized by the green seal that comes with every Rolex watch and is coupled with an international five-year guarantee.