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 brands' sports watches. Featuring a stainless steel case with a screw-down crown and caseback, the Datejust packs an impressive punch. 100m of water resistance alongside its consistently capable movements and construction have enabled it to become one of the best-equipped watches for daily wear and tear. Available in several different dial options, 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. The majority of Datejusts' were produced in stainless steel and two-tone, with fewer quantities made in 18k solid gold. Of these solid gold examples, only a handful were produced with stone dials.

I remember when I was young, my father would tell me about the years when he would have to remove the stone dials from watches to replace them with plain ones. "Nobody cares about the stone dials", he would say. How times have changed! The combination of 18k Yellow Gold and Lapis Lazuli is an all time favorite of mine, and this one happens to be in one of the best conditions I've ever seen.