Notes: The very first Datejust model. For many people, the Datejust is Rolex. Debuting in 1945 with the ref. 4467, it was launched to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the company. It has been in constant production ever since. Publicly available since 1945, it is the first wristwatch in the world with a date complication.

Originally, it was only available in yellow gold with a cream dial. It was unveiled in Geneva at an event hosted by Wilsdorf himself and sat on the first in-house bracelet Rolex crafted specifically for the piece. The Jubilee bracelet had its elaborate five link design. This lent an even greater sense of occasion to Rolex’s flagship watches for the last 70 years. Additionally, it gave them a dressier and less sporty look.

Mechanism: The 740 was introduced in 1945 specifically for the 4467 Datejust model. It is the first Rolex movement with a date feature. According to Rolex the first-ever automatic watch with date capability. For sure it was the first automatic watch with an 'instantaneous date change at midnight' capability. It is also know as Calibre A295. The movement features a rhodium-plated, straight-line lever escapement, Superbalance, self-compensating Breguet balance spring, index regulator. The movement lacks a quickset feature. I do not believe it has hacking either. The date window was located on the right edge at 3:00 o’clock because most wearers have their watch on their left arm and the date window can easily peak out from under a shirt sleeve.

These movements are chronometer certified.

Family Notes: The Datejust emerged in 1945, introducing the watch world to the innovative automatically changing date window. This feature made watch history and has since made the Datejust one of Rolex's most successful models. The ladies model that was introduced a few decades later has enjoyed a large amount of success as well, thanks to its functional yet luxurious design. The Rolex Datejust is the modern archetype of the classic watch, thanks to aesthetics and functions that transcend changes in fashion. Aesthetically, the Datejust has spanned eras, while retaining the enduring codes that make it, notably in its traditional versions, one of the most recognised and recognisable of watches.

Originally named the Jubilee Datejust, Rolex Datejust history began in 1945 when Rolex released the model for the company's 40th Anniversary. It was a direct descendant of the Bubbleback and included a date function, which was placed at the 3 o’clock position on the face. The Datejust had a coin-edge bezel, which later became the flutted bezel. It was the first watch to show the date automatically and also the first to change the displayed date at exactly midnight. The Datejust was innovative, unique, and different than any other watch offered at that time.

The history of Rolex Datejust begins with the first Datejust, the Jubilee Datejust Model 4467, which was only available in 18k gold and had a small bubbleback winder with a deeply domed back. In the 1950's, the Oysterdate joined the Datejust family, coming in two sizes. Although the Datejust originally consisted of three case parts, it was quickly updated to just two. Another major update was the addition of the Cyclops lens in 1954. Today this lens is standard to Rolex watches and even part of the brand’s signature. Before 1954, however, no one had used a magnifying bubble on the lens right above the date. Then, in 1957, a new, lighter, slimmer movement, the caliber 1065, allowed for a flattened case back in place of the old domed one. That same year, the Datejust became available in Steelium (stainless steel) in addition to the original gold. Other changes over the years included a flat dial (rather than curved) and the Rapid Date Change (aka quickset) feature.

The fact that Rolex Datejusts are still purchased and worn today is a testament to their enduring respectability and timelessness. To understand the Rolex Datejust history, pictures can be worth a thousand words. Seeing pictures of multiple presidents and other powerful people wearing the Rolex Datejust shows the importance and significance of this watch.