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The Datejust is often referred to as the most Rolex of Rolex watches, It's an absolute classic in the luxury watch space, characterized by its date window at 3 o'clock and accompanying Cyclops bubble-like lens above it. While the Datejust has been a Rolex mainstay since the mid-20th-Century, the larger 41mm option has only been around for a little over a decade. Of all the variations of the Datejust 41, the Rolex 126334 stands out for its handsome looks and effortless elegance.
Read on as we cover the history and evolution of the 126334, as well as review the design and value of this classic Rolex reference.
Introduced in 1945, the Datejust is one of Rolex's oldest watch models still in production today. It's also the brand's most successful collection, available in a wide assortment of sizes, metals, colors, and styles. For over 60 years, the largest Datejust size available was 36mm. However, in 2009, Rolex released the Datejust II collection with never-before-seen 41mm cases. This was a welcome addition to the brand's catalog given the trend toward larger men's watches.
After seven years of production, Rolex discontinued the Datejust II model to make way for the Datejust 41, which features a slightly slimmer profile and new-generation movement.
While the first Datejust 41 watches to launch the then-new collection were two-tone variants, available in yellow or Everose gold and steel, it wasn't long before steel models joined the largest Datejust lineup. In 2017, Rolex unveiled the Datejust 41 126334, which combines a steel case and bracelet with a white gold fluted bezel—a metal combination also known as white Rolesor.
With its steel Oyster case, white gold fluted bezel, and dial featuring its signature date window, the Datejust 126334 is where classic Rolex design meets modern tastes and expectations. Today's luxury watch buyers will be pleased with the contemporary size, new-generation mechanics, modern materials, and cutting-edge engineering of the Rolex 126334, and fans of the brand will no doubt appreciate the reference's faithful adherence to the design codes that have made the Datejust such a success.
Case: 41mm Oystersteel (904L Stainless Steel) Cases with Twinlock Winding Crown
Bezel: 18k White Gold Fluted Bezel
Dial: Multiple Colors, Multiple Index Styles, Date Window at 3
Crystal: Sapphire with Cyclops Date Magnification Lens
Bracelet: Oystersteel (904L Stainless Steel), Three-Link Oyster or Five-Link Jubilee
Clasp: Folding Oysterlock Safety Clasp with Easylink Extension System
Caliber: 3235 Self-Winding Movement with 70-Hour Power Reserve
Water Resistance: 100 Meters (330 Feet)
The Rolex 126334 features a well-proportioned 41mm case, crafted from Oystersteel — a proprietary Rolex 904L stainless steel alloy. On top of the case is a fluted bezel in 18k white gold, which keeps the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal protecting the dial securely in place and adds a discernible decorative element to the face of the 126334 watch. As with all modern Datejust watches, the Rolex 126334 has a Cyclops lens affixed to the exterior of the sapphire crystal to magnify the date.
To match the case, the Datejust 126334 is fitted with a steel bracelet (either Oyster or Jubilee), complete with a sturdy folding Oysterlock clasp with the handy Easylink 5mm extension system. Rolex offers plenty of dial options with the white gold and stainless steel Datejust 41 watch, ranging from minimalist white and black to punchy green and blue.
Inside the current-production Datejust 126334 is the latest time and date Rolex movement, the automatic Caliber 3235 with 70 hours of power reserve.
In addition to being one of the brand's oldest models, the Datejust is also the most versatile—and the Rolex 126334 is no exception to that versatility. Not only is it available with a choice of a three-link Oyster bracelet or five-link Jubilee bracelet, but there are also over a dozen dial styles to choose from with various hour markers, colors, and patterns.
Furthermore, the blue and green dials are also offered with an attractive fluted-motif pattern, which Rolex introduced only a few years back. A particularly stylish Rolex 126334 watch variant is the one furnished with the so-called “Wimbledon dial,” characterized by a slate background and green and black Roman numerals.
So, depending on the specific configuration, a Datejust 126334 can be casual and sporty or dressy and ultra-luxurious.
While it's relatively common knowledge that steel Rolex sports watches are valuable on the secondary market, it may come as a surprise that some classic Rolex watches, such as the Rolex 126334 also command premiums in the pre-owned market.
What makes the Rolex 126334 particularly sought after, therefore valuable, is its generous 41mm case size and mostly stainless steel construction. Plus, the addition of the white gold bezel adds a touch of understated dressiness to the watch.
The price of the Datejust 41 in white Rolesor depends on the bracelet style and whether or not the dial has diamonds. Current Rolex Datejust 41 126334 retail prices are as follows:
Prices for pre-owned Rolex 126334 watches start at around $11,500 for Oyster bracelet variants and non-diamond dials and can go from there for other alternatives.
The 126334 is not Rolex's first 41mm Datejust that combines steel and white gold - the discontinued Datejust II 116334 was. So if we compare 126334 vs. 116334, what are the major differences?
While both models sport 41mm cases, Rolex revamped the Datejust 126334 case to include thinner lugs, a slimmer bezel, and a more slender profile. The resulting effect is that the 126334 features more elegant proportions whereas the 116334 is sportier and beefier in execution. Furthermore, the 116334 is exclusively paired with an Oyster bracelet while the 126334 also offers the option of a Jubilee one.
Finally, the discontinued Datejust II 116334 runs on Caliber 3135 (with 48 hours of power reserve) while Datejust 41 126334 is furnished with Caliber 3235 (with 70 hours of power reserve.)
The Datejust 16013 offers a stylish option for collectors seeking a sleek minimalistic timepiece. Produced from 1977 to 1988, these vintage references include an acrylic crystal, automatic movement, and are Swiss made. Browse additional models by visiting our Rolex Datejust collection.
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