Rolex Datejust vs Rolex Date: What’s the Difference?

Size – the Date only comes in one size – a slightly smaller 34mm case. Given current watch trends, this size makes it a perfect choice for women, too.

With the same size as the Rolex Air-King, one can think of it as a version of the watch that has a date function and Cyclops window.

Materials – while the Datejust is unmatched in terms of variety, the Date also comes comes with plenty of options. Alongside the stainless steel, Rolesor, and yellow gold models are different bezel options, including domed, fluted, and engine-turned.

The Rolex Datejust and Date models were both updated with the Quickset date function in 1983, beginning with the ref. 16XXX and ref. 15XXX series respectively.

The Quickset function allowed users to independently adjust the date display, without also adjusting the hands displaying the time. This feature came with the updated Caliber 3035, which was again upgraded to the Caliber 3135 by the late 80s.

This movement is to become Rolex’s longest and most widely-used caliber.

In your search for a Rolex calendar watch, you might also encounter the Oysterdate Precision. Introduced in 1950, and discontinued in the 1980s, you’ll still find these models in the pre-owned market.

Just like the Date, it can look like the Datejust at first glance. Here’s what sets the Oysterdate Precision apart:

Size – they most commonly come in a 34mm case, but there are 31mm versions, too.

Cyclops – pre-1953 versions don’t have the Cyclops lens, but later versions do.

Movement – The biggest difference lies in their caliber. The Oysterdate Precision runs on a manually-wound movement, unlike the automatic ones that are used to power the Datejust and Date models.

This is why their dials simply say Precision, instead of the Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified marker found on most Rolex watches today.