Last year, Rolex gave us the new Datejust 41. The name refers to its case size, which is 41mm. Rolex fans might recognize instantly that 41mm is the same as the Datejust II that was introduced way back in 2009. They are right, of course, but the Datejust 41 features subtle refinements that make it look more proportionate, at least to my eyes. Some changes include more refined lugs, slimmer case profile, and a larger aperture of the dial and a thinner bezel. That said, last year’s models (hands-on here) only came in Rolesor, meaning two-tone gold and steel. For Baselworld 2017, Rolex has finally released the model that I think most people will want – the Rolex Datejust 41 in stainless steel.
The new Rolex Datejust 41 in steel has all the refinements that last year’s models have. That means, less beefy lugs, a slimmer case profile, slimmer baton markers, and, of course, a new movement – but more on the movement later. From the press pictures that we’ve been given, the new Rolex Datejust 41 in steel looks pretty awesome. I have said in the past that I very much prefer the look of the new Datejust 41 because of its more elegant case and the same is true here.
There will probably be other variants, but the one that Rolex is showing here comes with a blue dial with a brilliant sunray burst finish and the brand’s signature 18k white gold fluted bezel. The case is polished 904L stainless steel and the crown uses Rolex’s Twinlock system. Water resistance is 100 meters. It is also fitted with a 904L stainless steel Oyster bracelet that comes with a folding Oysterclasp and Rolex’s Easylink extension system.
Like most other Rolex’s watches, the baton markers, hour, minute, and second hands are all made out of 18k white gold and filled with Rolex’s special Chromalight luminescent material. Unlike the luminescent material used by other brands, Chromalight gives off a lovely blue glow in the dark. Rolex also says that it lasts longer than regular Super-LumiNova. The date window is at 3 o’clock and over is is the iconic Rolex Cyclops lens for easy reading of the date.
The new Rolex Datejust 41 in steel will also get Rolex’s new Calibre 3235, which is not just an improved version of the existing Calibre 3135 or 3136. Over 90% of the movement is new. Some major improvements include a new type of escapement called the Chronergy escapement, a more efficient gear train, a longer mainspring, and a more effective self-winding module. For owners, this means a longer power reserve of 70 hours and improved accuracy and precision. Along with Rolex’s new Superlative Chronometer certification, this means that the new Rolex Datejust 41 in stainless steel will be accurate to +2/-2 seconds a day.
The new Rolex Datejust 41 in steel looks great and I would be surprised if it didn’t sell like hotcakes. The Rolex Datejust should always be, first and foremost, an elegant watch, and the new redesigned Datejust 41 case makes the watch look a lot more classy as compared to the Datejust II. In stainless steel, this new Rolex Datejust 41 is a bit more affordable than last year’s two-tone Rolesor models. This version of the Rolex Datejust 41 in steel is priced at $7,450. rolex.com
