Buying a Rolex Datejust: 36 or 41, Steel or Rolesor – References and Prices 2026
The Rolex Datejust is the Rolex with the most variations: two men's sizes, steel or Rolesor, smooth or fluted bezel, Oyster or Jubilé bracelet and dozens of dials. If you want to buy a Datejust, the question is therefore less whether it should be a Datejust, but which one. We show you how to tell 36 and 41 millimetres apart, what the reference number reveals and what each version costs at HORANDO.
Key facts at a glance
Two men's sizes: The Datejust 36 is the classic, the Datejust 41 has more presence on the wrist. Technically, both are equipped identically.
One movement for both: Calibre 3235 with around 70 hours of power reserve, chronometer testing by Rolex and water resistance to 100 metres.
Steel or Rolesor: In White Rolesor the fluted bezel is made of white gold; in Yellow Rolesor the bezel, crown and centre links of the bracelet are yellow gold.
Prices at HORANDO: The Datejust 36 in steel starts at €9,890, the Datejust 41 in steel at €10,290 and the Datejust 41 with a white gold bezel at €13,490.
The reference number reveals the version: Size, bezel and material can be read directly from the six digits.
What makes the Datejust special
Rolex introduced the Datejust in 1945. It was the first waterproof self-winding wristwatch with a chronometer certificate and a date in a window at 3 o'clock. In 1953 came the Cyclops lens, which magnifies the date and remains the hallmark of the line to this day. The case is an Oyster case with a screw-down caseback and screw-down crown, just like the Rolex Oyster of 1926.
Little has changed in this basic recipe. The Datejust is neither a sports watch nor a pure dress watch, but an everyday watch that is as much at home in the office as at the weekend. That is exactly why it is the first Rolex for so many people. You can read more about getting started with the brand in our article Rolex for beginners.
Datejust 36 or 41: which size suits you?
The Datejust 36 is the original size. It sits flat, slips under a shirt cuff and also suits slimmer wrists. The Datejust 41 has been available since 2016. It has broader lugs and a larger dial, so it wears with more presence and suits wrists from around 17 centimetres in circumference.
Our rule of thumb: if you are looking for a timeless, rather understated watch or have a wrist under 17 centimetres, choose the 36. If you want a modern size that does not look small next to a Submariner, choose the 41. Ideally, try on both, for example in our showroom in Bamberg.
The Datejust 36 with blue dial (reference 126200-0005) costs €9,990 at HORANDO. The Datejust 36 with white gold bezel and blue dial (reference 126234-0018) is €11,590.
Steel, white gold bezel or yellow gold: the question of material
The all-steel version has a smooth, polished bezel and is the most understated Datejust. The Datejust 41 in steel with grey dial (reference 126300-0007) costs €10,490 at HORANDO, the version with black dial (reference 126300-0011) €10,290.
In the White Rolesor version, the fluted bezel is made of 18 ct white gold. From a distance the watch looks like steel, but the fluting catches considerably more light. This is the most sought-after Datejust. The Datejust 41 with white gold bezel and blue dial (reference 126334-0015) costs €15,690, with silver dial (reference 126334-0003) €13,490.
Yellow Rolesor combines steel with 18 ct yellow gold: the bezel, crown and centre links of the bracelet are gold. This is the classic two-tone Rolex. The Datejust 41 in Yellow Rolesor with champagne-colour dial (reference 126303-0009) costs €15,990 at HORANDO.
Oyster or Jubilé bracelet
The Oyster bracelet has three broad, flat links and looks sporty. The Jubilé bracelet has five narrower links, is more supple and is considered the classic Datejust bracelet. Which bracelet suits you is a matter of taste. You will find an overview of all Rolex bracelets in our article Rolex bracelets.
What the reference number reveals
The six-digit reference of the current Datejust follows a clear logic. The digits 1262 stand for the Datejust 36, 1263 for the Datejust 41. The fifth digit describes the bezel: 0 means smooth, 3 means fluted gold. The sixth digit indicates the material: 0 for steel, 1 for Everose gold, 3 for yellow gold, 4 for white gold. So the 126334 is a Datejust 41 with a fluted white gold bezel, the 126200 a Datejust 36 entirely in steel. The four-digit suffix after the hyphen stands for dial and bracelet. Read more in our article Rolex reference numbers.
All references and prices compared
Prices apply at HORANDO (as of November 2026). The delivery time is shown on each product page.
| Model | Reference | Size / bezel | Material | Dial | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Datejust 36 | 126200-0005 | 36 mm / smooth | Steel | Blue | €9,990 |
| Datejust 36 | 126234-0018 | 36 mm / fluted | White Rolesor | Blue | €11,590 |
| Datejust 41 | 126300-0011 | 41 mm / smooth | Steel | Black | €10,290 |
| Datejust 41 | 126300-0007 | 41 mm / smooth | Steel | Grey | €10,490 |
| Datejust 41 | 126334-0003 | 41 mm / fluted | White Rolesor | Silver | €13,490 |
| Datejust 41 | 126334-0015 | 41 mm / fluted | White Rolesor | Blue | €15,690 |
| Datejust 41 | 126303-0009 | 41 mm / smooth | Yellow Rolesor | Champagne | €15,990 |
Which Datejust should you buy?
The one watch for every day: Datejust 41 in steel. It is the most versatile Datejust and the best way into the line.
For slimmer wrists and lovers of classic proportions: Datejust 36.
For more sparkle without the look of gold: Datejust 41 with white gold bezel (126334).
For the classic two-tone Rolex: Datejust in Yellow Rolesor (126303 or 126233).
How prices of the other Rolex models are developing is shown in our Rolex price check 2026. Whether a Datejust is a good investment you can read in Rolex as an investment. And if you are open to other brands, our article Rolex Datejust alternatives compares six elegant watches.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Rolex Datejust cost?
At HORANDO the Datejust 36 in steel starts at €9,890, the Datejust 41 in steel at €10,290. With a white gold bezel the Datejust 41 starts at €13,490, in Yellow Rolesor at €15,990.
Which size is better, 36 or 41 millimetres?
That depends on your wrist and your taste. Below a circumference of around 17 centimetres the 36 usually looks more balanced, above that the 41. Technically, both sizes are equipped identically.
What is Rolesor?
Rolesor is the Rolex name for the combination of steel and 18 ct gold. In White Rolesor the bezel is white gold; in Yellow and Everose Rolesor the bezel, crown and centre links of the bracelet are gold.
Which movement does the Datejust have?
The current Datejust 36 and 41 are powered by the automatic calibre 3235 with around 70 hours of power reserve. After casing, Rolex tests the precision to −2/+2 seconds per day.
Is the Datejust waterproof?
Yes, the Datejust is waterproof to 100 metres. Swimming is no problem; for diving, a dive watch such as the Submariner is the better choice.
Conclusion
The Datejust is the Rolex with the widest choice, and that is precisely its strength. If you are unsure, start with the Datejust 41 in steel or try on both sizes. If you are torn between two versions, we will be happy to advise you personally in our showroom in Bamberg, by phone or via WhatsApp. You will find all models in our Rolex Datejust selection, sorted by colour for example under Datejust blue and Datejust green.
More from Buyer's Guide
All articles
Buyer's Guide Watches as Christmas gifts 2026: Ideas by budget
Buyer's Guide Buying an Omega Seamaster: Diver 300M, Aqua Terra, Planet Ocean and 300 Compared
Buyer's Guide Buying an IWC Ingenieur: 35 or 40 – References, Movements and Prices Compared
