In the world of sporty timepieces, the Rolex Datejust 36 is one of the most remarkable products to buy. An absolute classic, this watch has been hugely popular since it was released several decades ago and has remained in production even today.
The mid-range size and spectacular design of this watch make it an ideal unisex watch. While the Datejust 36 can be worn by stylish gentlemen, this timepiece has been most popular with the ladies.
Several factors make the Datejust 36 and many of the other Rolex Datejust watches perfect for women. For one, they’re mostly moderately sized which makes them perfect for smaller wrists. The classic design of these watches also makes it easy to dress them up or down depending on your preferences.
The very first Datejust was released in 1945 as a commemorative timepiece for the brand’s 40th anniversary. Since then, the brand has continued to expand the collection, releasing different case sizes, materials and dial options. In this post, we’ll explore some of the unique attributes of the Datejust 36 and dive into some of the reasons why it is the perfect women’s watch.
The Rolex Datejust 36 is Moderately Sized
One thing that the Datejust 36 has going for it is its size. With a 36mm diameter, this timepiece is a moderately-sized Rolex watch. It sits at a sweet spot in terms of size that allows it to function as a unisex watch. The moderate size of this Datejust wristwatch makes it ideal for the smaller wrist of women. It sits comfortably without overwhelming the wrists. The size of this watch also ensures it doesn’t overwhelm your outfit but rather complements it.
In the past, a 36mm wristwatch would have been undoubtedly categorized as a men’s watch. However, watches have been growing bigger and chunkier in the past few decades, with manufacturers making larger variants of traditionally smaller watches. Consequently, most timepieces for men are expected to be up to 40mm or more. This leaves the smaller and mid-sized watches for the ladies.
Women have also demonstrated a preference for larger watches. While some ladies still prefer smaller timepieces, many women have been buying conventional male watches due to their size. For instance, according to a New York Times Interview, Yeana Ahn, a co-founder of a lifestyle publicity company in New York City decided she preferred her husband’s 36mm watch instead of her own 30mm version. The Datejust 36 works perfectly with the current trend of women wearing slightly oversized watches. It’s an outstanding piece that makes a powerful statement on any woman’s wrist.
Modern Datejust 36 wristwatches are powered by the caliber 3235 movements. This is the same movement found in larger Rolex Datejust watches such as the Datejust 41. Smaller models such as the Lady Datejust and Datejust 31 are fitted with the slightly smaller caliber 2236. This self-winding mechanical movement is one of the most advanced watch calibers, known for its impressive precision and reliability.
Versatile Timepiece
Female dressing is a lot less rigid compared to males. Consequently, watches made for women have to be versatile and adaptable. The Rolex Datejust 36 is one of the most adaptable timepieces out there. It has a timeless design characterized by clean lines and an ever-elegant oyster case. This watch also has one of the most universally recognized and respected watch bracelets in the world – the Jubilee bracelet.
The traditional five-link Jubilee bracelet is so named because it was released for the first time in 1945 (the Jubilee anniversary) on the very first Rolex Datejust wristwatch. The five-link bracelet consists of three delicate polished links flanked by two vertically brushed links by the side. In the bicolor models of the Datejust 36 and other models, the center links are typically made from a different material color (typically rose gold or yellow gold).
Apart from adding to the watch’s elegance, the unique design of the bracelet adds to the watch’s presence on the wrist, making it more prominent. It also gives the timepiece a more contemporary look and feel.
Another impressive attribute of the Datejust 36 is that you can dress it up or down as you please. The versatile build of this watch makes it an ideal ladies’ watch, whether you want it for formal occasions or as everyday wear. It pairs nicely with a casual evening gown and can add a touch of sophistication to a business suit. One of Rolex’s goals in creating the Datejust was to launch a reliable timepiece that could be worn every day. Pieces like the Datejust 36 have helped the brand achieve just that.
Style and Personalization
Women love to have options, and no watch collection gives you more options than the Datejust. The 36mm comes in a wide range of casing, bracelet and dial varieties that you can vary in different ways to create an ideal watch for you.
The current collection of Datejust 36 watches includes both stainless steel and two-tone versions. The two-tone versions are a mix of stainless steel and rose gold or yellow gold. For most models, the case and outer links of the jubilee bracelets are made from a proprietary steel alloy known as Oystersteel. On the other hand, the crown, bezel and middle links of the bracelet can be made from either of the two varieties of gold.
The Datejust 36 collection used to be even more diverse in the past. There were models with a solid gold construction and engine-turned bezel options were available as well. While these have been discontinued, you may still find these rare and elegant options in the secondary vintage watch market. The modern options still include a remarkably diverse range of configurations that you can combine to your preference. For modern Datejust 36 watches, smooth, fluted, or gem-set bezels are the most common.
As far as dial options go, the Rolex Datejust 36 offers quite a diverse wide range of dial options. They include the classic black, white, silver and gold dials. Some models also include rarer colors such as blue, green, red and brown shades. You’ll also get to choose between Roman numerals or diamond indices for the hour markers on the watch dials. These and other personalization options for the Datejust 36 make it an ideal women’s watch. The collection caters to the diverse style preferences and budgets of different buyers.
Perfect Price Point
The Rolex Datejust 36 is a true classic timepiece, with a timeless design that never goes out of style. One of the best things about watches like this is their highly reasonable pricing. This watch has been in production for over half a century. Consequently, it isn’t subject to the hype that surrounds newer Rolex watches. Its reputation as a dress watch rather than a luxury timepiece also helps to keep the retail price at a perfectly reasonable level.
You won’t have to wait for years to get your hands on a brand new Rolex Datejust 36, as the brand maintains a pretty steady supply. You also won’t have to spend a fortune to get one whether you’re buying brand new at retail or as a pre-owned piece.
A mint-condition Rolex Datejust 36 retails for as low as $6500 on the secondary market but can cost up to $ 54,000 for the most expensive options, depending on the specific model and how you choose to customize it. However, if you want the more modern models in Rolex’s current catalog, you can expect to pay $9000 and above for the cheapest options. The good old stainless steel variants remain the most affordable. However, if you want all the glitz and glamor of the diamond-crusted options, then you might have to pay a bit more.
Conclusion
From the impeccable material options to the powerful movement that powers it, the Datejust 36 is one of Rolex’s most remarkable timepieces. This piece of impressive watchmaking is also a perfect ladies’ watch thanks to its moderate size, versatile design and its huge potential for personalization. It’s an impressive timepiece that works for any lifestyle and taste.
The fact that it can be purchased for an incredibly attractive price is a huge plus as well. Whether you’re looking to buy a luxury watch for the ballroom or a casual timepiece to wear to the beach, the Datejust 36 is just ideal for you. Of course, you have to ensure you have the wrist for it. For women with smaller wrists, you may want to look at smaller datejust models like the 31mm or 28mm variants. Regardless, the Rolex Datejust 36 is the ultimate women’s luxury watch, that’s definitely worth buying.