The dial is often known as the face of the watch. At Rolex, dials shine with spirit and vitality, springing to life as light falls across their surface. But it is not only light that brings out the character in the new dials; they are imbued with other sources of unique, ancient energy that comes from materials created deep within the Earth. This energy gives soul and personality to Rolex dials, honed thanks to the experience and knowledge of the brand’s artisans.
The new dials on the Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 feature a palm motif, inspired by tropical forests, or a fluted motif that incorporates one of Rolex’s signature aesthetic styles.
Introduced in olive green, silver or golden, the dials are made from age-old materials such as copper, zinc, nickel, chromium, titanium and silicon, combined with cutting-edge technology to create deep, vibrant metallic colours.
The Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36: thin, laser etched motifs are applied to a traditional sunray finish on the dial to create a design inspired by tropical forests
The palm motif can be seen on three of the new watches. On the first, in Oystersteel and equipped with an Oyster bracelet, the pattern is present on an olive green dial. It also decorates the golden dial of the second watch, a yellow Rolesor version (combining Oystersteel and 18 ct yellow gold) fitted with an Oyster bracelet, and the silver dial of the third watch, an Everose Rolesor version (combining Oystersteel and 18 ct Everose gold) on a Jubilee bracelet.
Close-up view of an Oyster Perpetual 36 dial after PVD colouring
Meanwhile, the fluted motif bears a design found on a range of Rolex bezels that has become one of the brand’s signature styles. As with the palm motif, the fluted motif can be found in three colour variations – golden, silver and bright blue. The first golden dial is fitted with a yellow Rolesor case and a Jubilee bracelet. The second is bright blue, with an Oystersteel case and an Oyster bracelet, while the third model is in silver, with an Everose Rolesor case and Oyster bracelet.
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The fluted motif on the new Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 dial showcases the pattern found on a range of Rolex bezels that has become one of the brand’s signature aesthetic styles.
This fluted aesthetic first took form on the bezel and case back of early Oyster cases, screwing down onto the case to play a critical role in ensuring the waterproofness of Rolex watches. With Rolex’s advancements made in watchmaking, the fluted design has, over time, evolved into an aesthetic element that is synonymous with the brand. Today the fluted bezel is a mark of distinction, as is the new Datejust 36.
The Datejust has always been popular for being a canvas for playful and fun dials. Take for instance the floral motif dial launched back in 2009. A delightfully feminine timepiece, the watch was an instant hit with the ladies.
Setting up the appliques on the fluted motif dial of the Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36
Today, these six 2021 novelties are, just like every Rolex watch before them, a paragon of robustness and elegance. Rolex’s Datejust is the archetype of the classic watch, thanks to its classic form and function that will never go out of fashion. Launched in 1945, it was the first self-winding waterproof chronometer wristwatch to display the date in a window at 3 o’clock on the dial, and consolidated all the major innovations that the brand had contributed to the modern wristwatch until then. The Datejust has spanned eras while retaining the enduring characteristics that make it so instantly recognisable.
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Guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet), its middle case is crafted from a solid block of Oystersteel, a particularly corrosion-resistant alloy. The case back is then edged with fine fluting and hermetically screwed down with a special tool that allows only Rolex watchmakers to access the movement. The Twinlock winding crown, fitted with a double waterproofness system, screws down securely against the case.
The Cyclops lens on the new Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 — a signature Rolex feature
The sapphire crystal is virtually scratchproof and is fitted with a Cyclops lens at 3 o’clock for easy reading of the date. The waterproof Oyster case provides optimum protection for the watch’s movement.
These newer versions of the Datejust 36 are equipped with calibre 3235, a movement at the forefront of watchmaking technology, developed and manufactured by Rolex.
Calibre 3235 ensures that the Oyster Perpetual Datejust models function with efficiency and dependability
Calibre 3235 incorporates the Chronergy escapement patented by Rolex, which combines high energy efficiency with great dependability. Made of nickel-phosphorus, it is also insensitive to magnetic fields. The movement is fitted with an optimised blue Parachrom hairspring, manufactured by Rolex in a paramagnetic alloy that makes it up to 10 times more precise than a traditional hairspring in case of shocks. The blue Parachrom hairspring is equipped with a Rolex overcoil, ensuring the calibre’s regularity in any position. The oscillator is fitted on the Rolex-designed and -patented high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers, increasing the movement’s shock resistance.
Calibre 3235 is equipped with a self-winding module via a Perpetual rotor. Thanks to its barrel architecture and the escapement’s superior efficiency, the power reserve of calibre 3235 extends to approximately 70 hours.
Like all Rolex watches, the Datejust 36 carries the Superlative Chronometer certification, which ensures excellent performance on the wrist.
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