Day-Date or Datejust: which Rolex to choose in 2025?

Two Icons of Watchmaking

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The Day-Date and the Datejust are two cornerstones of the Rolex maison. They share the same silhouette and elegance, yet possess very different personalities. Created in 1956, the Day-Date was the first self-winding, waterproof watch to simultaneously display both the date and the day of the week written out in full.

Introduced in 1945, the Datejust made history as the first self-winding, waterproof wristwatch equipped with a date window. More than seven decades later, these models remain absolute benchmarks for luxury watch enthusiasts. Which version should you choose in 2025? Let’s find out.

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Histoiry and identity

Datejust: the first watch to display the date

Launched in 1945 to celebrate Rolex’s 40th anniversary, the Datejust was the first waterproof, self-winding watch to feature a date window. It quickly appeared in stainless steel, gold, and above all in Rolesor — Rolex’s iconic combination of steel and gold. This range of materials and sizes (from 28 mm to 41 mm) made it a versatile timepiece, equally at home in the office or on the weekend. Its visual signature: the Cyclops lens, a magnifier over the date.

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Day-Date: the pinnacle of luxury and precision

Eleven years later, in 1956, Rolex introduced the Day-Date. A true technical achievement, it displayed both the date and the day of the week written out in full in two separate windows. The Day-Date has never been produced in steel: it is crafted exclusively in precious metals — yellow gold, white gold, Everose gold, or platinum — and is worn on the President bracelet, designed specifically for this model. Its nickname, the “President’s watch,” comes from the fact that it has graced the wrists of numerous world leaders and celebrities. More expensive and rarer, it embodies prestige in its purest form.

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Fonctionnalités et mouvements

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The Datejust focuses on the essentials: displaying the time and date, with a Cyclops lens for perfect legibility. Sizes range from 31 mm to 41 mm, and the women’s models are equipped with the Calibre 2236 movement. The 36 mm and 41 mm versions use the Calibre 3235, offering around 70 hours of power reserve. The dial options are extensive—solid colors, floral or sunray motifs, Roman numerals, or baguette indexes. A new red ombré dial introduced in 2025 on the Datejust 31 (reference 278288RBR) features a gradient from red to black, achieved through the application of black lacquer, enhancing its elegant look.

By contrast, the Day-Date displays both the date and the day of the week written in full. This sophisticated mechanism is powered by the Calibre 3255, combining precision and reliability. The historical sizes are 36 mm and 40 mm (the 41 mm “Day-Date II” having been discontinued). Dial options include classic colors, diamond-paved versions, mother-of-pearl, and hard stone. The Day-Date also offers multilingual versions for the day display, reflecting the model’s international character.

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Materials and Design

• Datejust: Available in Oystersteel, Rolesor (steel and gold), yellow gold, white gold, Everose gold, and platinum (for select women’s models). It comes with three bracelet options: the sporty Oyster, the elegant Jubilee, and occasionally the President for smaller sizes. The choice of bezel—fluted, smooth, or diamond-set—adds a personal touch and allows each wearer to express their individuality.
• Day-Date: Crafted exclusively from gold or platinum, the Day-Date is a symbol of pure prestige. Its bezel options include fluted, smooth, diamond-set, or the vintage-inspired “bark” finish. The iconic President bracelet, with its three semi-circular links, is inseparable from this model and embodies its unmistakable presence.Day‑Date : exclusivement en or ou en platine. La lunette peut être cannelée, lisse, sertie de diamants ou “bark” (vieille édition. Le bracelet President à trois maillons semi‑circulaires est indissociable de ce modèle.

New Releases and Trends for 2025

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In 2025, the Datejust 31 stands out with its red ombré dial featuring a striking gradient effect. This design evokes the style of the 1980s while incorporating modern black lacquer deposition technology. Other variations continue the trend of colorful dials and floral motifs.

The Day-Date, meanwhile, maintains its signature character with unique dials crafted from lapis lazuli, opal, or turquoise, and brilliant gem-set designs, though the collection itself remains largely unchanged.

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How to Choose Between the Day-Date and the Datejust

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• Complications: If you only want the date, the Datejust is perfectly suited for you. If you enjoy seeing the day of the week written out and appreciate the symmetry of two windows, the Day-Date is unmatched.
• Budget: The Day-Date is significantly more expensive, as it is crafted from precious metals and powered by a more complex movement. The Datejust, available in steel, offers a more accessible price point and serves as an ideal entry into the Rolex universe.
• Style and Use: The Datejust comes in a wide range of sizes and colors, making it suitable for both everyday wear and formal occasions. The Day-Date, on the other hand, is a statement of success—eye-catching and often reserved for special events.
• Investment: The Day-Date generally maintains a high value thanks to its prestige and noble materials. The Datejust, being more common, remains a reliable choice due to its versatility and consistent demand.

In 2025, choosing between the Day-Date and the Datejust will depend on your budget, your appreciation for complications, and your lifestyle. Looking for versatility and a wide range of configurations? Choose the Datejust, especially with the new dial options like the red ombré. Prefer prestige, precious metals, and the day/date complication? The Day-Date is made for you—the ultimate symbol of success and elegance.

Watch Me Win gives you the chance to wear these luxury timepieces! Pick your favorite model, buy your tickets, and let yourself be carried away by the Rolex dream.