THE AUDACITY OF EXCELLENCE THE LADY-DATEJUST
The Oyster Perpetual Lady-Datejust, Rolex’s most classically feminine watch, occupies a singular place in watchmaking history. Introduced when postwar optimism and the dawn of the leisure lifestyle prompted a new conversation about what women wanted from their timepieces.
Since the beginning, the Lady-Datejust has owed its enduring reputation as a wristwatch for accomplished, independent women to its robust, beautifully proportional build, perfectly suited to active lifestyles. Housed in the famed Oyster case — a more refined version of the waterproof case that English swimmer Mercedes Gleitz famously carried on her history-making swim across the English Channel in 1927 — the model is a paragon of precision engineering. (“It’s called the Oyster because its case is as tight as a clam,” ads once proclaimed.)
“A classic timepiece, designed for a lady.” This is how some may describe the Oyster Perpetual Lady-Datejust. Maybe they’re right. Since the early 20th century, Rolex has designed and crafted watches suited for the wrists of every woman, with the same standard of excellence as all the models that have built its legend. So, if “classic” means always pursuing a higher standard, if it means perpetuating tradition while combining elegance with precision, grace with resistance, beauty with performance… then the Lady-Datejust is, indeed, a classic timepiece designed for a lady.
A KEYSTONE IN THE HISTORY OF ROLEX.
Pioneering women have always been a keystone in the history of Rolex. Since the earliest days of the brand, they have inspired the creation and development of special timepieces that would support their quest for empowerment. The Lady-Datejust is a celebration of those who dare to lead the way. It embodies precision while combining classic elegance and technical performance.
28 MM OYSTER CASE
The Lady-Datejust’s 28 mm Oyster case is a perfect blend of proportion, robustness and elegance. The distinctively shaped middle case is crafted from a solid block of highly corrosion-resistant Oystersteel or 18 kt gold. It is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet).
A SINGULAR LEGACY
Beyond its myriad aesthetic and functional features, the Lady-Datejust stands apart simply on the merits of its remarkable legacy. Its closest sibling within the Rolex pantheon is, of course, the Datejust, which debuted in 1945 as the first automatic watch to feature a date window on the dial (at 3 o’clock, specifically).
The feminine edition of the Datejust shares many of the characteristics that have made its masculine predecessor the timekeeper of choice for some of history’s most influential leaders — including President Dwight Eisenhower and Winston Churchill (the latter famously wore a gold Datejust gifted to him by Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf).
The Lady-Datejust, however, has a history, and fan base, all its own. In fact, the most impressive aspect of the Lady-Datejust may well be the cohort of inspiring women who’ve worn it, from Audrey Hepburn, the embodiment of mid-century Hollywood glamour, to Yuja Wang, a classical pianist from China who summed up her experience with the model in a poignant video testimonial for Rolex:
“This watch is so similar to what I’m striving for in classical music: the elegance, the passion, precision, perfection,” Wang said. “What it signifies has always been my motivation and how I should live my life. Keep going — because the most precious thing in life is time.” Indeed!
VISIT US TO EXPERIENCE FIRST HAND THE LADY-DATEJUST
As an Official Rolex Jeweler, we are the only jewelers allowed to sell Rolex watches. With the necessary skills and technical know-how, we will help you make the choice that will last a lifetime.
