Exploring the Major Differences
Beyond their shared Rolex craftsmanship, these two models differ significantly in materials, functions, size options, and pricing; and understanding these key distinctions will help you decide which model best suits your needs.
Material Options
The Datejust gives you a few more styling options compared to the Day-Date. It’s available in a mix of materials, from practical stainless steel to luxurious solid gold. You can also get it in Rolesor, which blends stainless steel with yellow, white, or Everose gold. Some rare vintage models also come in platinum.
The Day-Date, on the other hand, sticks exclusively to high-end materials. Every model is crafted from 18k gold (yellow, white, or Everose) or platinum. There are no stainless steel or Rolesor versions, reinforcing its reputation as a statement piece for those who want something unmistakably luxurious.
Yellow, White, Everose
Yellow, White, Everose
Yellow, White, Everose
Limited Vintage Models
Modern & Vintage Models
Functions & Sizes
When it comes to functionality, the main difference between the two models is in their complications. The Datejust keeps things simple, displaying only the date at 3 o’clock, magnified by Rolex’s signature Cyclops lens. The Day-Date takes it a step further by including a full day-of-the-week display at 12 o’clock in addition to the date.
The size range also sets them apart. The Datejust comes in a broader variety of sizes, catering to both men and women. It’s available in 26mm, 28mm, 31mm, 36mm, and 41mm case sizes, making it one of the most versatile Rolex models. The Day-Date, meanwhile, has always been positioned as a more substantial watch, with available sizes including 36mm, 39mm (Masterpiece only), 40mm, and 41mm.
26mm, 28mm, 31mm, 36mm, 41mm
36mm, 39mm (Masterpiece only), 40mm, 41mm
Variations and Customisation
Both the Datejust and Day-Date offer a wide range of customisation options, enabling you to buy an understated, simple design, or one as flashy as you like. Rolex provides an extensive selection of dial colours, materials, and decorations, along with bezel and bracelet choices that further differentiate each model.
Smooth, fluted, diamond-set
Smooth, fluted, diamond-set, bark (vintage only)
Oyster, Jubilee, leather (vintage only), Pearlmaster
President, Oyster, leather, Pearlmaster (Masterpiece only)
Available but more understated
Often more elaborate with extensive gem-setting
Dials: Both models come with a variety of dial options, including classic sunburst, mother-of-pearl, diamond-set, and patterned dials.
Both Datejust and Day-Date have offered a variety of intricate dial designs, including unique dials such as meteorite and malachite dials.
The Datejust is well known for its iconic yellow Rolesor configuration, often paired with a champagne dial, while the Day-Date’s most recognisable variant is the solid 18k yellow gold model with a fluted bezel and champagne dial.
Bezels: The Datejust and Day-Date offer smooth, fluted, and diamond-set bezel options. The Day-Date, however, features some unique vintage variations, including the rare bark-finish bezel.
Bracelets: The Datejust is available with the sporty Oyster bracelet, the dressier Jubilee bracelet, Pearlmaster and vintage leather strap options. The Day-Date, in contrast, is most commonly associated with the luxurious President bracelet, though some models have featured Oyster or leather straps. The now-discontinued Day-Date Masterpiece also featured a Pearlmaster bracelet, adding to its exclusivity.
Gem-Set Options: Both models are available with diamonds or other gemstones on the dial, bezel, or even the bracelet, but the Day-Date tends to feature more elaborate gem-setting options, reinforcing its reputation as a bold, statement-making piece.
Movement & Technical Features
Both the Datejust and Day-Date have evolved through several generations of Rolex’s in-house automatic movements. The most notable change over time has been the introduction of quickset features for easier calendar adjustments.
Early models of both watches required the hands to be rotated through 24-hour cycles to change the date. In the mid-1970s, Rolex introduced quickset date functionality with the Caliber 3035 (Datejust) and Caliber 3055 (Day-Date), allowing wearers to adjust the date independently of the time. However, only the date was quickset on the Day-Date at this stage. It wasn’t until 1988 with the Caliber 3155 that the Day-Date gained a double quickset function, allowing both the day and date to be set separately.
The latest versions of both watches now feature Rolex’s state-of-the-art calibers: the Caliber 3235 in the Datejust and Caliber 3255 in the Day-Date. These movements incorporate the Chronergy escapement for improved energy efficiency, extend the power reserve to 70 hours, and enhance timekeeping accuracy to within -2/+2 seconds per day under Rolex’s Superlative Chronometer certification.
Both models also include Parachrom hairsprings, which improve resistance to shocks and magnetic fields, and robust automatic winding systems that ensure reliable performance.
3235 (Datejust), 3255 (Day-Date)
Introduced in the 1970s; double quickset in Day-Date (1988)
Superlative Chronometer (-2/+2 sec/day)
Date (Datejust), Day & Date (Day-Date)
Pricing
Pricing is another major factor that differentiates the Datejust and the Day-Date. The Datejust, being available in stainless steel and two-tone Rolesor, is generally the more affordable of the two. Entry-level Datejust models in stainless steel typically start at a lower price point compared to the Day-Date, which is exclusively crafted from 18k gold or platinum.
Starting around £6,000 - £8,000 and going up to approximately £45,000
Starting around £4,000+ depending on model and condition
Starting around £35,000 and going up to approximately £130,000 (gold models)
Pre-owned starts at around £8,000+ for vintage references, higher for newer models
Pre-owned prices vary widely but often start around £30,000+
Several factors impact pricing, including:
Material: Solid gold and platinum models are significantly more expensive than stainless steel and two-tone models.
Age & Condition: Vintage pieces, especially rare references, can demand high premiums.
Dial & Customisation: Factory gem-set dials and bezels increase value, particularly on Day-Date models.
Market Trends: Rolex watches tend to hold or even appreciate in value, with Day-Date models often commanding strong resale prices due to their exclusivity.
For buyers, the Datejust represents a more accessible way to own a classic Rolex, while the Day-Date remains the ultimate luxury choice with a higher barrier to entry. However, both models maintain strong resale value.
