Quill & Pad
  • Home
  • Articles
  • About
  • Glossary
  • Contact
  • Click to open the search input field Click to open the search input field Search
  • Menu Menu

Two faces, Two dials, Two identities

High performance escapement with
“triple pare-chute” protection

Limited edition of 10 pieces

Rolex Datejust 36 Reference 126234: A Crowning Achievement In ‘Dating’ – Reprise

by Saad Chaudhry

Starting at Baselworld 2018, Rolex has subtly been revisiting its 36 mm Datejust models. The two stainless steel/white gold models revealed at Baselworld 2019 were the last of these, and I am pleased to now delve into the details of this important modern wristwatch.

Up until the year 1945, when someone wondered what the date was, they looked it up on a calendar. In 1945, Rolex changed that with the introduction of the Datejust, which has the honor of being the first wristwatch to display the date in a window.

While calendar watches existed throughout timekeeping history, some with extraordinary astronomical complications in addition to perpetual and complete calendars, Rolex lays claim to introducing the first watch displaying “just” the date in a window.

Rolex Datejust 36 Reference 126234

Rolex Datejust Oyster case: the emperor’s new clothes

Rolex doesn’t mess with its formula for success, preferring instead to introduce subtle improvements such as those seen at Baselworld 2019.

We’re not talking New Coke here: the 36 mm Rolex Datejust is still wonderfully classic. It’s the real thing!

The Coke-bottle shape of the Oyster case has seen little redesign throughout its history, having remained in its essential form for a very long time. It fits nearly any wrist and suits nearly any occasion.

Rolex Datejust 36 Reference 126234

Rolex Datejust 36 Reference 126234

For 2019, the Oystersteel (Rolex speak for 904L stainless steel) case is now a bit more streamlined with a profile that recalls the lines of elegant sailboats; the toned contours simultaneously present a more sporting and professional air. The case lines are sharp and defined in their planar changes.

The case sides are now more perpendicular than they have ever been, although still not as abrupt as those of Rolex’s professional models, with a generous radius defining their convexity. One can feel the tension of the defined surface. It is a structured statement of the consolidation of visual attenuation.

Think (Rolex ambassador) Lindsey Vonn in her ski suit rather than in a swimsuit. And just like Vonn’s skiing style, the case is fully polished.

Rolex Datejust 36 Reference 126234

Rolex Datejust 36 Reference 126234

The Twinlock crown in tandem with the solid screw-down case back ensure the Oyster case is water resistant to 100 meters, comfortably able to withstand a weekend at the water park before returning to desk duty.

The Jubilee bracelet has also seen a slight revision, most evidently in the end links. The center links are now more robust than ever and designed to integrate better with the roundness of the case flank.

The bracelet, with its brushed outer links and high-polished center links, makes the Datejust positively glitter like a gentle afternoon sea when paired with the sparkling, white gold, fluted bezel.

Its Oysterlock clasp features a 5 mm Easylink extension, while the underside of the bracelet features broad channels between the brushed surface of the links to liberally aerate the wrist when worn. This, to me, is the height of comfort.

Rolex Datejust 36 dial: the furniture palace

This model’s dials have also been updated. Gone is the railroad track, replaced with simple index markers, which opens up the dial space quite a bit, creating larger and more open margins between the flange and hour indices.

The dial is available with applied Roman numerals, gem-set hour markers, or applied hour indices that have been enlarged slightly, gaining more Chromalight lume in the process. The hour hand now reaches even closer to the hour indices, closing the gap even further.

The white gold, five-pointed coronet at the top of the dial – marking its territory at 12 o’clock – is finished with the same high polish as the rest of the hour indices, but its form is gentler and rounder, a hallmark of the brand’s stature. In contrast, the white gold hour markers are chunky like a chocolate wafer candy bar.

'Swiss Made' dial detail on the Rolex Datejust 36 Reference 126234

‘Swiss Made’ dial detail on the Rolex Datejust 36 Reference 126234

Some configurations of the dials also feature a radially brushed metallic sunray finish that wasn’t available before. The surface – as is the case with everything Rolex does – is seemingly flawless. These new metallic sunray dials entertain without intermission.

The break – or plunge – from the edge of the hands to the dial is enhanced even more by the prominent, faceted edges of the baton shapes. White gold and gleaming, the longitudinally bisected hour and minute hands exude permanence. The second hand is an ever more persistent reminder of the stability of Rolex clockwork: its confident and even drift never disturbs or trivializes the supreme legibility of the dial and handset.

Rolex Datejust 36 Reference 126234

Rolex Datejust 36 Reference 126234

The athleticism of the case also influences the dial with its now less decorative and, for lack of a better word, sportier composition.

This applies to a dial base that feels more confident than ever in its identity. The quality, fit, and finish are outstanding, allowing the dial to be surveyed at any pace you like: stare or scan.

Rolex Datejust 36: the empirical cyclops and the royal motivator

Legibility is where the Datejust has always remained excellent. And ever since the date magnifier appeared on its crystal, reading the date has been the easiest task in the world.

Rolex 'Cyclops' lens fitted to the sapphire crystal to magnify the date

The Rolex ‘Cyclops’ lens fitted to the sapphire crystal to magnify the date

The so-called Cyclops defines this model’s purpose and defends its name, magnifying the date to an unmistakable degree. Placed toward the edge of the sapphire crystal, the Cyclops proves to be an adequate loupe through which to admire the perfectly cut execution of the date window.

Rolex Datejust 36 Reference 126234

Rolex Datejust 36 Reference 126234

The Cyclops comes with a double layer of anti-reflective coating while the rest of the crystal does not. In this reference’s configuration, the crystal is surrounded by a faceted, angular, high polished white gold bezel. The Rolesor (Rolex’s name for its combination of white gold and steel, a signature element of the brand since 1933) effect is powerful and instantly recognizable from a country mile.

Caliber 3235 is a new generation of Rolex movements that has been gently introduced throughout the Datejust family. It offers an accuracy of +/- 2 seconds per day by way of a paramagnetic Parachrom hairspring, a Paraflex shock absorber, and the new Chronergy escapement.

Rolex Chronergy escapement

Rolex Chronergy escapement

This is what Rolex is best at: gradual progress of watch design and technical accomplishment whose aim is prolonging user satisfaction by offering improved products that retain the same core values that drew consumers’ interest in the first place.

The Datejust 36, now available in steel and Rolesor versions, stands as an improved offering that remains attractive, accomplished, and even more certain that the brand’s future is going to be built on the success of this accessible and abundant core model line – just like its past.

While the modern Rolex sports and professional models pay homage to their predecessors, the Datejust doesn’t have to. Its glory lies not atop the world’s highest mountain but at the top of the sales chart.

Rolex Datejust 36 Reference 126234

Rolex Datejust 36 Reference 126234

For me to call the Rolex Datejust one of Baselworld 2019’s most significant releases would not be an exaggeration, either from the point of view of the industry or the brand. I saw the crowds it attracted at the prominent green booth, and the fair was awash with attendees wearing all manner of Datejust, vintage and new.

All it needs to do is be transported from storefront window to wrist for its expertly proportioned, handsomely classic, tastefully reimagined presence to shine. The Rolex Datejust will prove to be stylish and competent no matter where you take it from there.

For more information please visit www.rolex.com/watches/new-watches/new-datejust-36.

Quick Facts Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust Reference 126234
Case: 36 mm, stainless steel body and white gold bezel (known as Rolesor in Rolex parlance), water resistant to 100 meters
Movement: automatic Caliber 3235, 31 jewels, 70 hours power reserve, 4 Hz/28,800 vph, officially certified chronometer
Functions: hours, minutes, seconds; instantaneous date
Price: €7,500/$8,200
Remark: five-year international guarantee

* This article was first published on April 20, 2019 at 2019 Rolex Datejust 36 Reference 126234: A Crowning Achievement In ‘Dating.’

You may also enjoy:

Always Expect The Unexpected: Rolex Surprises Yet Again With The Oyster Perpetual Datejust Pearlmaster 34

Why I Bought It: Rolex Sky-Dweller In Stainless Steel Rolesor

Give Me Five! A Radiant Rolex Rainbow At Baselworld 2015

8 replies
  1. Tam O' Banter
    Tam O' Banter says:
    May 24, 2021 at 5:05 pm

    Jesus Christ. I hope you got paid a fortune for this article, because your journalistic integrity has gone out the window.

    Reply
    • Elizabeth Doerr
      Elizabeth Doerr says:
      May 25, 2021 at 9:25 am

      And you really think that a) Rolex pays for advertorial and b) we do advertorial? Is it possible that writers sometimes just enjoy the heck out of watches they own and/or write about?

      Reply
  2. Tam O' Banter
    Tam O' Banter says:
    May 25, 2021 at 12:19 pm

    I think the editor should have rejected this article immediately.
    But I sdo incerely respect the decision not to delete my comment.
    Look, it is a lovely watch. It’s probably not an overstatement to say that The Datejust is the backbone of the luxury watch industry. But the purple prose on show here is both unnecessary and embarrassing. The key component of any review is objectivity.

    Reply
    • Elizabeth Doerr
      Elizabeth Doerr says:
      May 25, 2021 at 3:12 pm

      Show me an entirely objective review and I’ll show you a lot of made-up words. Writers always feel some way about any objects they review, and under normal circumstances I know no one who wastes time reviewing something they hate. In this case, it’s obvious from the get-go that the writer loves this watch. His (clear) feelings aside, there is a lot of good information here.

      Reply
      • Vik
        Vik says:
        May 25, 2021 at 7:16 pm

        Elizabeth,

        While I agree that no watch review is entirely impartial (although Gary G’s reviews are often close), I think that this article is problematic and ill-fitted to Q&P.
        For a publication that frequently introduces collectors to Romain Gauthier and Laurent Ferrier, having an article that describes a Datejust as “immaculate” and “flawless” is misleading. In the resurgence of the watch industry, describing a Datejust as the most significant release of Baselworld is unbecoming of your publication.
        We all understand and recognize Rolex’s position and importance to the industry, but this viewpoint perpetuates the tunnel vision of “Rolex is the best because it is better than Omega” that a lot of beginners fall into. This is similar to some publications that described the upsizing to 41mm of the Submariner as “exercise in restraint”.

        Reply
        • Elizabeth Doerr
          Elizabeth Doerr says:
          May 26, 2021 at 10:13 am

          Your comments have been noted. I thank you for your opinion.

          Reply
      • Ray
        Ray says:
        May 26, 2021 at 5:00 am

        I pick on things, but he hates everything thing you do, why come here ?

        Reply
  3. Miskey Hollis
    Miskey Hollis says:
    October 1, 2021 at 3:45 pm

    I purchased the datejust 36mm ref 126234 rolsor last year. It was the only rolex my A D had in stock. I have owned the explorer 1 , op 36 and subs. The datejust is the greatest sports watch of all.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Want to join the discussion?
Feel free to contribute!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Categories

  • Watch Brands & Horology
    • New for 2025
    • New for 2024
    • New for 2023
    • Affordable Luxury
      • Swatch
      • Ball Watch
      • Louis Erard
      • Gorilla Fastback
      • Ikepod
      • Oris
      • Reservoir
    • Auctions
    • Behind the Lens
    • Boutiques
    • Collectors and Collecting
    • Events, Fairs & Exhibitions
    • Give Me Five!
    • History
    • Quill & Pad
    • Round Table
    • The Naked Watchmaker
    • Thoughts & Opinion
    • Video
    • WatchCharts
    • Wrist Watching
    • A. Lange & Söhne
    • AHCI
    • Akrivia
    • Andersen Genève
    • Alexandre Meerson
    • Andreas Strehler
    • Angelus
    • Antoine Martin
    • Antoine Preziuso
    • Armin Strom
    • Arnold & Son
    • Audemars Piguet
      • Royal Oak Offshore
    • Bélier
    • Bell & Ross
    • Blancpain
    • Bovet
    • Breguet
    • Bremont
    • Breitling
    • Bulgari
    • Carl F. Bucherer
    • Cartier
    • Chanel
    • Chopard
    • Christiaan Van Der Klaauw
    • Christophe Claret
    • Chronoswiss
    • Clocks
    • Corum
    • Cyrus
    • Czapek & Cie
    • De Bethune
    • de Grisogono
    • Derek Pratt
    • Dior
    • Divers' Watches
    • Eberhard
    • Emmanuel Bouchet
    • Fabergé
    • Ferdinand Berthoud
    • Fiona Krüger
    • F.P. Journe
    • Franck Muller
    • Garrick
    • Gérald Genta
    • Girard-Perregaux
    • Glashütte Original
    • GoS
    • Graff
    • Graham
    • Greubel Forsey
    • Grieb & Benzinger
    • Grönefeld
    • H. Moser & Cie
    • Habring2
    • Hajime Asaoka
    • Harry Winston
    • Hautlence
    • Hermès
    • Hublot
    • HYT
    • Independents
    • IWC
    • Jaeger-LeCoultre
    • Jaquet Droz
    • Jean Daniel Nicolas
    • Jean Dunand
    • Kari Voutilainen
    • Kees Engelbarts
    • Kobold
    • Konstantin Chaykin
    • Kudoke
    • Ladies watches
    • Lang & Heyne
    • Laurent Ferrier
    • Linde Werdelin
    • Louis Moinet
    • Louis Vuitton
    • Ludovic Ballouard
    • Manufacture Royale
    • Maurice Lacroix
    • MB&F
    • McGonigle
    • Ming Watches
    • Montblanc
    • Moritz Grossmann
    • Nomos Glashütte
    • Ochs und Junior
    • Officine Panerai
    • Omega
    • Parmigiani
    • Patek Philippe
    • Paul Gerber
    • Philippe Dufour
    • Piaget
    • Pocket watches
    • Rebellion
    • Ressence
    • RGM
    • Richard Mille
    • Roger Dubuis
    • Roger W Smith
    • Roland Iten
    • Rolex
    • Romain Gauthier
    • Romain Jerome
    • Sarpaneva
    • Schwarz-Etienne
    • Seiko
    • Silberstein
    • Singer Reimagined
    • Soviet / Eastern Europe watches
    • Speake-Marin
    • Struthers
    • Tag Heuer
    • Tudor
    • Tutima
    • Ulysse Nardin
    • Urban Jürgensen
    • Urwerk
    • Vacheron Constantin
    • Van Cleef & Arpels
    • Vianney Halter
    • Vintage
    • Wempe Glashütte
    • Zenith
  • Luxury, Experiences, Science & Nature
    • Arts
    • Book reviews
    • Cars
      • Porsche
    • Fashion & Grooming
    • Jewelry
    • Nature
    • Photo Captions
    • Photography
    • Science
    • Shoes
    • Sports
    • Technology
    • Travel
    • Wining, Dining and Cigars
    • Writing instruments
      • Caran d’Ache
      • Grayson Tighe
      • Montblanc
      • Montegrappa
  • General
    • Featured
    • Highlights
© Copyright - Quill & Pad - Enfold Theme by Kriesi
Scroll to top Scroll to top Scroll to top
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT