What’s the Difference Between Rolex Day-Date and Datejust?

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Thinking about getting a Rolex, but can’t decide between the Rolex Day-Date and the Rolex Datejust No worries, you’re not alone in this! These two watches are among Rolex’s most iconic models, and there is no doubt that both have their own unique appeal. But what sets them apart, really?

If you’ve got your heart set on one of these two masterpieces, or you’re just curious about what makes them different, this guide’s got you covered. We’re going to break it all down—from the history to the materials, to the design and, of course, the price—so you can get a clear idea of which watch might be the best fit for you.

Without further adieu, let’s jump in!

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The Legacy

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty details, let’s quickly touch on how these two legends came to be. Let’s compare which one of these timepieces has a more impressive story to tell: Datejust or Day-Date?

A Watch for the Elite

The year was 1962 when Marilyn sang, “Happy birthday, Mr. President,” at Madison Square Garden. This event would notoriously go down in history as a private affair, most definitely publicly confirmed by the steamy performance and the scandalous birthday present – the Rolex Day-Date and the love poem. Famously, the 18k yellow gold Day-Date was inscribed on the back with, ‘Jack, With love as always from Marilyn.’ Reportedly, JFK told his aide to get rid of the watch and the note — and it successfully stayed out of the public eye for more than four decades before hitting the auction block in 2005 and sold for $120,000.

Introduced in 1956, the Rolex Day-Date, also known as the “President”, was the first wristwatch to display both the full day of the week and the date. It didn’t take long for this watch to become a favorite of world leaders, celebrities, and people who enjoy the finer things in life. The name “President” is tied to its wearers – many U.S. Presidents, such as Lyndon B. Johnson, Gerald Ford And Dwight D. Eisenhower.  Its luxurious appeal is pretty obvious—it’s only available in precious metals like gold or platinum, so if you’re wearing a Day-Date, everybody around knows you’re making a serious statement.

The Timeless Classic

The Datejust, on the other hand, made its debut in 1945 to mark Rolex’s 40th anniversary. This watch was the first automatic wristwatch to feature a date window on the dial, which was revolutionary at the time. Unlike the Day-Date, which is more exclusive due to its materials, the Datejust comes in a variety of options, making it accessible for a broader audience. Whether you want a sporty look or something more refined, the Datejust delivers.

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Gold, Gems and Jewels

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Let’s start with one of the biggest differences between these two: the materials.

The Day-Date is only available in 18k gold (yellow, white, or Everose) or platinum. So, no steel models here! This exclusivity adds to its prestige. When you’re rocking that Day-Date, it’s like wearing a VIP pass on your wrist. Something so powerful that it can open many doors for you. It’s luxurious, bold, and built for those who want their watch to reflect success.

If you’re looking for a watch that screams “I’ve made it,” then the Day-Date’s precious metal construction is right up your alley. It’s not just a watch on your wrist — it’s a status symbol.

The Datejust offers way more flexibility in terms of materials. You’ve got Oystersteel for a durable, everyday look, Rolesor (a mix of steel and gold) if you want a bit more flash, or even full 18k gold options for those who want to turn heads. This versatility is what makes the Datejust such a hit with a wide range of buyers.

With Datejust, you’re not limited by budget or style—you can choose a configuration that fits your lifestyle, whether you’re wearing it to the office, out to dinner, or anywhere in between. The datejust can provide that uniqueness to your timepiece.

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Grab Your Measuring Tape

Now let’s talk about what you’ll see every time you glance down at your wrist—the dial.

The Day and Date Combo

The Day-Date is all about the day and date display. The full day of the week is displayed at the 12 o’clock position, while the date is in its familiar spot at 3 o’clock. This feature makes the Day-Date more than just a timekeeper—it’s like a mini personal assistant on your wrist, reminding you not only of the date but also what day it is (super handy when life gets busy).

Just to be in the know; the day display can be set in 26 different languages! So, no matter where you are in the world, there’s likely a Day-Date that’ll speak your language.

Keeping It Simple

The Datejust keeps things simple and elegant with just the date window at 3 o’clock. It might seem less fancy, but that’s part of its charm. As you know, sometimes perfection is in fact in simplicity.  The Datejust is all about timeless, understated elegance. Plus, the iconic Cyclops lens above the date magnifies it for easy reading.

Whether you’re at a business meeting or grabbing coffee with friends, the Datejust’s clean look fits in seamlessly.

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President vs. Oyster and Jubilee

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The bracelet you choose can totally change the vibe of your watch, and both models come with their own iconic options.

The Day-Date comes exclusively with the President bracelet. This bracelet features semi-circular, three-piece links that are as comfortable as they are luxurious. It’s part of the Day-Date’s charm—it always gives you something extra to look at.

The President bracelet is so iconic that it’s become a symbol in itself. Only the Day-Date gets this bracelet, so if you’re after exclusivity, this is another reason to go for the Day-Date.

With the Datejust, you’ve got two fantastic bracelet options: the Oyster bracelet and the Jubilee bracelet. The Oyster bracelet is sporty and robust, making it great for everyday wear. On the flip side, the Jubilee bracelet offers a more refined, polished look with its five-piece links.

Both bracelets come with Rolex’s Easylink extension system, so you can adjust the fit as your wrist changes throughout the day. Whether you’re running errands or running for presidency, the Datejust has a bracelet to match your style.

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In The Heart

When it comes to what’s ticking inside these watches, both are powered by Rolex’s top-of-the-line automatic movements. But there’s a slight difference here to note.

The Day-Date is powered by the Calibre 3255, which is known for its precision and reliability. It has a 70-hour power reservemeaning it’ll keep ticking for almost three days without needing to be wound. Plus, it comes with Rolex’s Chronergy escapement, which boosts both efficiency and accuracy.

Basically, this movement is built to last—and perform at the highest level.

The Datejust runs on the Calibre 3235, another powerhouse of a movement. Like the 3255, it also has a 70-hour power reserve and the Chronergy escapement. You’re getting top-notch timekeeping technology with both watches, so you don’t have to worry about which one is more accurate—they’re both incredibly reliable.

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Money Talks

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And now, for the part everyone’s curious about—the price.

The Day-Date’s exclusive use of precious metals means it comes with a hefty price tag. Prices start around $37,000 for the 36mm yellow gold model and go up from there, especially if you’re looking at platinum versions.

But, what you need to remember here is that, this isn’t just a watch, it’s an investment piece that screams luxury and success. If you’re after something that’s going to turn heads and hold its value over time, the Day-Date is a solid choice.

The Datejust, with its wider variety of materials, comes in at a more accessible as well as versatile price point. You can find stainless steel models starting around $7,000, making it a great entry point into the world of Rolex. If you want to add some gold or opt for a fancier version, the price will go up and up, but overall, the Datejust gives you more flexibility in terms of budget.

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Now, It’s Your Turn

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In the end, it all comes down to what you want in a watch.

If you’re looking for something that’s all about prestige, exclusivity, and pure luxury, the Day-Date is the watch for you. Its precious metals, full day and date display, impressive history and President bracelet make it a top-tier choice.

But if you want something that truly represents you, and versatility and timeless elegance are more your style, the Datejust offers a lot more options in terms of size, materials, and configurations. It’s perfect for those who want a luxury watch that can go from casual to formal with ease.

Both are iconic Rolex watches that will stand the test of time, so you can’t go wrong with either. It’s all about choosing the one that speaks to you the most, or maybe both?