Rolex Datejust 41

The Datejust 41 has been a staple in the Rolex catalog since 2016. This model succeeded the Datejust II from 2009, which also has a case diameter of 41 mm. Other shared features include a sapphire crystal complete with Cyclops lens, and the Twinlock crown, which is the reason the watch offers water resistance to 100 m (10 bar, 328 ft).

That being said, the Datejust 41 has slimmer lugs and a narrower bezel, which lends this timepiece a level of elegance out of the Datejust II's reach. This trend continues on the dial itself, which is more spacious thanks to the thinner baton indices. Rolex offers the Datejust 41 on a Jubilee bracelet or an Oyster bracelet, while the earlier model came exclusively on an Oyster bracelet.

However, the biggest update took place inside the case: the caliber 3235. This movement boasts a blue, anti-magnetic Parachrom hairspring, Paraflex shock protection, Rolex's patented Chronergy escapement, and a 70-hour power reserve. As a matter of course, this Rolex caliber is also certified as a Superlative Chronometer.

The Datejust 41 comes in stainless steel or in a two-tone version. Rolex calls their two-tone design "Rolesor," which is a stainless steel alloy with either rose or yellow gold. When it comes to the dials, you have an array of colors, structures, and hour markers to choose from.

Prices for the Rolex Datejust 41 vary greatly depending on the exact version. Completely stainless steel models with polished bezels are the most affordable option at around 10,000 USD, followed by models with fluted white gold bezels, which demand around 15,000 USD.

You'll need to dig a little deeper into your pockets for the two-tone Datejust 41 models; the bezel, crown, and middle links of the bracelet are crafted from yellow or rose gold. Expect prices for these Rolex watches to come in between 18,000 and 20,000 USD.

In general, you can choose from three basic versions of the Datejust 41: completely stainless steel watches, models with white gold bezels, and two-tone timepieces. If you are interested in a two-tone design, you can decide between watches with yellow or rose gold components, and between a domed, polished or fluted bezel. As for the monochrome models, the domed bezel is reserved for stainless steel watches, while the bezels on white gold bezel variants are fluted.

All models can be paired with the characteristic Datejust President bracelet or the somewhat sportier Oyster bracelet. Both feature a fold-over Oysterclasp with an Easylink extension system. The extension system allows the wearer to lengthen the strap by 5 mm without the need for any additional tools.

Dials to Suit All Tastes

As is usual in the Datejust collection, Rolex also offers a rich choice of dial variants for the Datejust 41. You can choose between luminescent bar indices, applied Roman numerals, and versions on which diamonds serve as hour markers.

The color pallet includes classic black and white, as well as sunburst dials in silver, gold, gray, champagne, blue, and green. Mother-of-pearl dials are also available. In spring 2022, Rolex also introduced new textured dials with patterns inspired by the fluting of the bezel. These dials are available in the same colors as the sunburst variants.

Rolex unveiled the caliber 3235 together with the Datejust 41 in 2016. This movement also powers the Submariner Date, Sea-Dweller, Deepsea, and the Yacht-Master, to name a few.

The blue Parachrom hairspring is the driving force of this caliber. It is made of a zirconium-niobium alloy, which is virtually unaffected by magnetic fields and temperature fluctuations. Rolex's patented Chronergy escapement increases the movement's efficiency by a further 15%. Working together with the newly developed barrel, the watch has a power reserve of 70 hours.

Like all Rolex calibers, the 3235 has chronometer certification from the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). Rolex also subjected the caliber to its internal Superlative Chronometer test. The Swiss watch giant thus guarantees a maximum deviation of +/- 2 seconds per day.

As with almost all Rolex models, the Datejust 41 has performed well in recent years. Price trends had flattened somewhat at the time of writing in spring 2023, but overall performance is still positive. The watch market is known to fluctuate, so although Rolex watches generally hold their value well, there is no guarantee that the value of the Rolex Datejust 41 will increase in the future.