The Rolex Datejust II is the latest update to the long serving Datejust range, and this is arguably the most radical interpretation of the classic date watch that Rolex have ever done. It has a large size increase over the standard gent's Rolex Datejust, and is certainly a striking piece to look at. As such, the watch has divided opinion, with some arguing that it is simply too big to be a dress watch. On the other hand, it has turned what many perceive as a watch for the older man into very much a younger man's watch, and is certainly an interesting addition to the big watch parade.

This example of a Rolex Datejust 16233 is from 1990, a E Serial. This watch spent the first 5 years of its life pretty much in a safe only worn for special occasions as I was too young at the time. My family already knew then what I learned later on in my watch collecting career which is that a Rolex Datejust will always be worth its weight in gold (not literally of course, but it will always hold its value at the very least) I see it more and more now that parents are buying fine timepieces to give to their kids when they get older and I believe I will do the same one day when I have a child. Afterall 15-20 years from now after 15-20 price hikes a $4700 Rolex Sea Dweller today won't seem so expensive right?

Now this watch started getting some real wrist time about 10 years ago and it has been to hell and back. The Rolex Datejust watch saw a lot of extracurricular activities that would have been the death of other makes. It has hit brack walls while doing garden work, it has hit exhaust pipes, fallen from top shelves onto tile and concrete, it was basically put through the torture tests you see on tv for timex and glad garbage bags The only thing that the watch has had to visit Rolex for other than for regular scheduled maintenance is for a crystal when I hit the edge on a door. Other than that it has been one tough SOB.

Now on to the Rolex Datejust watch itself

Technical Features

*Model number: Rolex Datejust 166334

*904 L steel case and bracelet

*18ct White Gold Fluted bezel

*Case Diameter: 41mm

*Choice of dials, model reviewed - Black baton dial, w/ luminous hands and markers, arabics around the circumference

*Twinlock crown

*Sapphire crystal w/ cyclops date magnifier (Antireflective coating on underside of cyclops)

*Oyster bracelet with Oysterclasp

*Waterproof 100m/330Ft

The Movement

*Cal. 3136 (exclusive to the Rolex Datejust II)

*28.8k BPH

*Self-winding, chronometer rated

*Quickset date complication

*Parachrom blue hairspring, Paraflex shock absorbers

The movement is the bread and butter movement from Rolex the 3135. It is the date movement found in many watches in Rolex's stable such as current Rolex Datejust, Rolex Submariner, Rolex Yacht Master, and Rolex Sea Dweller. I can pretty much say it is the most shock proof movement I have ever owned since I put my Rolex Datejust watches through a lot in my day to day life.

The Dial

The stick marker dial is again another classic trait of the DJ line, clean and simple to read with no BS. However I am also a fan of the Romans and would pick either one if I were to buy this watch again.

The only issue I have had with this watch and dial is that its difficult to read in the dark as the luminous dots on the ends of the stick markers have pretty much had their day. Even though the lume is gone on this dial I still prefer it over the Rolex Datejust 116233 dial with the big lume markers as I feel the new ones are too sport watch like for the DJ.

The Case

The case is your typical oyster, water resistant to 100m or 330ft. The caseback and crown is of the screw down type (pretty much standard these days for watches that are water resistant)

The Bracelet

The bracelet on this model is the jubilee one in SS and 18k YG. I cant say that this Rolex Datejust watch scratches easily (something that ppl say happens to the gold portion) since the scratches are all my fault I cant really blame the design or material used for the signs of typical daily wear. Some complain about this bracelet design being noisey, but I dont find that the case and it has never been an issue with me.

Conclusion

I have to admit, this Rolex Datejust watch isn't for me - just a bit too big for my wrists. However, I can appreciate and understand what Rolex are aiming for with this watch. The oversized watch market is big business at the moment, and, for me, the Rolex Datejust II fills a nice niche, and is certainly a lot dressier and practical than a lot of other large watches. It's helped to revitalise a staple of the Rolex range, and I really hope this introduces a new generation to the brand, and shakes off the "old man" image that Rolex seem to have developed recently.