Movement-wise, I believe the big jump for the DateJust was in 1977 with calibre 3035 (Ref. 16013), the frequency was increased from 19,800 to 28,800 bph and, I believe, it was the first to have Quick-Set. Here is a link, FWIW:
http://www.chronometrie.com/rolex3135/rolex3135.html