Introduction
Released to celebrate Rolex's 40th anniversary in 1945, the Rolex Datejust has become one of the Genevan Giant's most iconic watches. The world's first wristwatch to display the date via an aperture on the dial, the Datejust revolutionized wristwatch design for decades to follow. With its emblematic Cyclops lens, jubilee bracelet (designed specifically for the model in 1945), and classy fluted precious metal bezel, the Datejust's aesthetic has always been that of pure elegance and class. Perhaps one of Rolex's most recognizable designs, the Datejust has evolved from its dressier roots into a perfectly capable timepiece rivaling the robustness of most brand's sports watches. Featuring a stainless steel case with a screw-down crown and caseback, the Datejust packs an impressive 100m of water resistance alongside its consistently capable movements and construction that have enabled it to become one of the best-equipped watches for daily wear and tear. Available with several different dial options, in a multitude of materials, and across many styles, the Datejust is an inescapable reflection of its owner, with a model out there to suit pretty much everybody's tastes and preferences.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V 8
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$4,000 – $8,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
36mm
Model
Datejust
Movement
Automatic cal. A296
Reference
6305/1
Bracelet
Stainless steel Jubilee bracelet
Year
1954
Condition
Very Good
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Silver
THE DIAL
Featuring a beautifully aged off-white dial with the word 'Datejust' in red alongside applied details such as its hour markers and date aperture border, this example's display is just stunning.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Meaning "big egg" in Italian, the "Ovettone" nickname refers to a small number of early Datejust references that feature a large 36mm case alongside a protruded ‘bubble back’ which was included to provide space for the newly introduced date wheel module on the movement.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in very good overall condition. Case shows signs of moderate wear, with soft lugs. Surface of lugs have developed a shiny finish due to wear over the years. Minor marks are visible along the surfaces. Original fluted bezel has soft teeth but no overt scratches or dings. The original eggshell finish dial is in very good overall condition. There are minor areas of spotting and discoloration visible primarily along the edge of the dial. The watch features a red DATEJUST on the dial as well as a roulette date wheel. Dial is non-luminous, and the watch has matching non-luminous hands. The bracelet is from the 1960s and is later than the watch. It has poorly fitted endpieces, with 21 links total. It shows moderate stretch and fits a 7 1/2" wrist. Please note that the timing machine readout shows poor timekeeping and a service is suggested.
Our Perspective
Blending the Datejust's classy design and the sizing of Rolex's sportier models, the Ovettone reference Datejusts have become brilliantly collectible as they give collectors a sense of truly vintage horology in a package that is not too removed from modern sizing.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
