Image courtesy: Rolex
From the Cartier Panthere to the Audemars Piguet Mini Royal Oak, the fashion world has gained a renewed interest in women’s watches. Small and mini dainty timepieces that can double as jewelry are experiencing a major resurgence in popularity right now, and there are a few classic watches that will always remain top-of-mind for seasoned connoisseurs and beginners. Among these is a timepiece that embodies a perfect blend of beauty and performance – the Rolex Lady Datejust.
Image courtesy: @theresalenaforster
Originally designed for men, the Datejust was launched in 1945 to commemorate Rolex’s 40th anniversary. At the time, most men relied on the pocket watch for accurate timekeeping. Rolex challenged that standard and raised the bar with the Datejust.
Featuring a 36mm case size and solid 18k yellow gold, the Datejust was the world’s very first self-winding watch with a date window that automatically changed over at midnight. Unlike successor styles designed to withstand a particular activity (e.g., the Explorer for mountaineering and Submariner for scuba diving), the Datejust was intended to be an everyday, versatile timepiece. The Datejust quickly became a staple in Rolex’s lineup, which led to the eventual introduction of the women’s version: the Lady Datejust.
Image courtesy: Rolex
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In 1957, the Lady Datejust made its debut thanks to the popularity of the Datejust and the growing demand for a version suitable for women’s slender wrists. Simply put, the Lady Datejust offers all the core attributes of the original – self-winding movement, Rolex’s signature date display, and a waterproof Oyster case – in a smaller, more petite case size. Combining elegance with precision, the Lady Datejust is the ultimate classic, feminine watch.
Image courtesy: Rolex
Image courtesy: Rolex
Over the years, Rolex has experimented with countless bezels, bracelets, and dials for the Lady Datejust. With such variety, there is a Lady Datejust for every taste and occasion. You can find a Lady Datejust adorned with diamonds for an extravagant evening out or an all-steel model for a simpler, everyday look. With finishes including Oystersteel, two-tone, Everrose gold, platinum, and yellow gold, there is no shortage of options.
Image courtesy: Rolex
Image courtesy: Rolex
Image courtesy: Rolex
The Lady Datejust has continued to evolve over the decades with varied sizes and iterations, adding modern touches while maintaining its classic charm. While the first model (pictured below) was made with a 24mm case, the commercially available versions initially measured 26mm.
For decades, until the 2010s, women gravitated towards petite watches. By 2015, the trend shifted towards larger watches similar to the men’s sizes, and Rolex discontinued the 26mm version in favor of a 28mm case.
Now, however, with the popularity of dainty watches on the rise, the pre-loved market has seen a surge in searches for the 26mm version. This brings us to our next topic of conversation: the Rolex Certified Pre-Owned (RCPO) program.
Image courtesy: Rolex
As Rolex routinely increases prices at the beginning of every year, its RCPO program has garnered increased attention from new watch lovers looking to start their journey at a more affordable price point and seasoned enthusiasts seeking to add discontinued models to their collections. Each watch that is part of the RCPO program is returned to Rolex’s workshops to undergo the same assessments as newly-purchased watches in Rolex’s after-sales service. Only after being checked, tested, and meticulously evaluated in minute detail are the timepieces certified authentic, fully serviced, and provided a two-year international guarantee. The RCPO program further emphasizes Rolex’s commitment to excellence, durability, and sustainability, and it’s a fantastic testament to the longevity of their watches over decades of wear.
Image courtesy: Rolex
Image courtesy: Rolex
Image courtesy: Rolex
Whether you’re on the hunt for a brand new, custom Lady Datejust or wanting to buy a well-loved timepiece with years of history and wear, it’s clear that the iconic watch will – for the lack of a better term – stand the test of time. An evergreen symbol of class and sophistication, it’s no wonder the Datejust remains Rolex’s best-selling watch.
The Lady Datejust has become a favorite among women who appreciate style and precision. Expect the entire Datejust collection to continue to captivate audiences with its blend of historical significance, elegant adaptability, and sophisticated innovation.
Image courtesy: Rolex
We hope you enjoyed reading about the history of the Datejust collection and Rolex’s RCPO program! Let us know if you’d like to see an in-depth piece about Rolex’s various Lady Datejust models and offerings.
Updated: April 28th, 2025
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