About Rolex Datejust II Watches
Introduced in 2009 and featuring a 41mm case, the Datejust II was the largest Rolex Datejust watch option of its time. Rolex only produced the Datejust II for a short period before replacing it with the similarly styled yet slimmed-down Datejust 41 collection. Thanks to its short manufacturing run and robust profile, preowned Datejust II watches are a popular option in the secondhand luxury watch market.
History of Rolex Datejust II Watches
Rolex introduced the Datejust watch in 1945 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the brand. The timepiece takes its name from its signature date window positioned at 3 o’clock. The first Datejust sported a 36mm case, and for the next six decades, that was the largest Datejust watch Rolex made.
In 2009 that all changed when Rolex finally included a larger option in its catalog: the Datejust II. Not only does the Rolex Datejust II feature a generously sized 41mm case but compared with the classic Datejust 36, it also has a broader bezel, fatter lugs, wider bracelet and more prominent dial details to accommodate the larger case diameter. These design modifications all come together to form the sportiest Datejust of them all.
Rolex discontinued the Datejust II in 2016 to make way for the new-generation Datejust 41 lineup.
Datejust II Timeline
- 1945: Rolex debuts the Datejust watch.
- 2009: Rolex releases the Datejust II.
- 2016: Rolex discontinues the Datejust II and replaces it with the Datejust 41.
Though the discontinued Datejust II and the newer Datejust 41 share the same on-paper 41mm case size, the former is noted for its beefier profile and bolder style, while the latter returned to more traditional slender proportions.
Rolex Datejust II Features and Models
Rolex offered three main versions of the Datejust II: a full stainless steel model, a stainless steel model with a white gold bezel and a two-tone stainless steel and yellow gold model. Rolex uses the word “Rolesor” to describe its watches that pair gold and steel. White Rolesor models are stainless steel watches with white gold bezels, whereas yellow Rolesor models marry stainless steel watches with yellow gold bezels, winding crowns and bracelet center links. The three Rolex Datejust II references are as follows:
- Rolex Datejust II Reference 116300: steel case with steel bracelet
- Rolex Datejust II Reference 116334: steel case with white gold fluted bezel, steel bracelet
- Rolex Datejust II Reference 116333: steel case with yellow gold fluted bezel and winding crown, steel and yellow gold bracelet
The Rolesor versions of the Datejust II have fluted bezels, while the steel edition has a smooth bezel. Regardless of the case material or bezel design, all Datejust II watches share the following features:
- 41mm Oyster cases with screw-down winding crowns and screw-down casebacks
- Dials with date window at the 3 o’clock position
- Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with a protruding Cyclops magnification lens over the date window
- Three-link Oyster bracelet with deployant clasp fitted with Easylink 5mm extension system
- Water-resistant to 100 meters (330 feet)
- COSC-certified Caliber 3136 automatic movement
It’s worth noting that although the five-link Jubilee bracelet is the more traditional choice for the Datejust (the Jubilee was created for the 1945 launch of the Datejust,) Rolex opted to fit the Datejust II exclusively with the three-link Oyster bracelet. This design choice to stick to the more robust Oyster bracelet over the dressier Jubilee bracelet emphasizes the sportier nature of the Datejust II collection.
As is customary for Datejust watches, Rolex produced a wide range of dial styles within the Datejust II lineup. In addition to classic choices like champagne, silver, rhodium and black, some notable Datejust II dial designs that proved to be popular were the light blue “azzurro” dial with Roman numerals and the slate gray “Wimbledon” dial with green Roman numerals. Also, Rolex offered the Rolesor Datejust II watches with a choice of gem-set dials, featuring 10 diamonds that serve as hour markers.
Caliber 3136 is the larger version of the Caliber 3135 found in the Datejust 36 watches of that era. It supplies the Datejust II with about 48 hours of power reserve and features a quickset date mechanism to allow the wearer to set the date independently of the timekeeping hands. The movement also comes equipped with both a Parachrom hairspring and high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers for improved resistance to magnetism and shocks.
Rolex Datejust II Price and Collectibility
As the largest version of the Datejust watch at the time of production, it comes as no surprise that the Datejust II was also more expensive than the Datejust 36. The last published retail prices of the now-discontinued Datejust II watches were as follows:
- Rolex Datejust II Reference 116300: $7,150
- Rolex Datejust II Reference 116334: $9,100
- Rolex Datejust II Reference 116333: $11,650
- Rolex Datejust II Reference 116334 with 10 diamond hour markers: $11,050
- Rolex Datejust II Reference 116333 with 10 diamond hour markers: $13,600
Since the Datejust II is a discontinued Rolex model, they can now only be purchased preowned in the secondary market. In 2021, preowned Datejust II prices are as follows:
- Preowned steel Rolex Datejust II Reference 116300: Starting at $6,000
- Preowned steel and white gold Rolex Datejust II Reference 116334: Starting at $8,000
- Preowned steel and yellow gold Datejust II Reference 116333: Starting at $11,200
The demand for Rolex watches with stainless steel cases and matching steel bracelets has surged over the last decade. This trend is not, as it once was, limited to Rolex sports watches; it now also includes the brand’s dressier models like the Datejust. As such, the prices for preowned steel Datejust II watches in 2021 start higher than they once sold at retail, and it’s not uncommon for them to sell for around $10,000. Preowned two-tone Datejust II and white gold bezel Datejust II editions are not that far behind with resale values starting close to their original retail price tags and frequently selling above that level.
Preowned Rolex dress watches such as the Datejust, Day-Date and Oyster Perpetual were once reliably available at prices less than retail. However, given the current collectibility and booming demand of Rolex watches at large, resale values of these non-sports watch models are also on the rise.