By 1945, Rolex had already made a name for itself with its impressive waterproof Oyster watch. To celebrate its anniversary that year, the company brought out the Oyster Perpetual 4467. A variation on the Oyster, the 4467 indicates the date as well as the time on its also newly introduced Jubilee bracelet. Although its original name may be familiar to only the most confirmed watch cognoscenti, the model became quite well-known under its later appellation, Rolex Datejust. In fact, it’s been the maker’s best-selling watch collection for much of its existence, per Robb Report.
In the 80 years since its launch, the Datejust has undergone countless minute adjustments, as well as several more immediately evident transformations. One of the most significant changes was the addition, in 1955, of the Cyclops window, which magnifies the size of the date 2.5 times, increasing functionality while adding dimension to the watch face. As a bonus, if you’re shopping on the resale market, checking the magnification of the Cyclops can help you determine whether the Rolex you’re eyeing is genuine.
Throughout the model’s various transformations, Rolex has paired it with three different bracelets: the original Jubilee, beloved by many for its rounded links and comfortable feel, the Oyster and the President. Whether you’re looking to buy a Rolex for everyday wear or for more formal occasions, the collection comes in varieties to fit every need, one reason it is such a classic.
