Subjective review of my Datejust 126234

[pholtvja]

I have been looking for a Datejust for a long time. I always had a few variations in the Rolex configurator that I liked but they were never perfect, just almost. The previous reference never sat right with me. Broad lugs on an elegant watch like the Datejust felt like a mistake, roulette date wheel is unattractive imo and the concealed clasp was too unbalanced and feminine and removed from the Rolex ethos of making a functional sports watch even if its a dressier and more elegant version.

Enter the 126234.

They really knocked this one out of the park for me.

1) The dial is cleaner, and more open. The railroad track with roman numerals was fine but I much prefer the individual minute markers with slightly bold markers every 5 min, especially compared to the square markers every 5 min on the OP models which look like a weird extension of the battons.

2) The slimmed down lugs makes this watch, once again, supremely elegant and it puts emphasis on the dial and not the entire watch case. Like a beautifully designed sports car there are no bad angles. It’s simply sexy.

3) No hidden clasp! This balances the overall design as well as making it more functional with more adjustment options. Also it now looks more like a modern version of the vintage Datejusts. I am a sucker for “old things” that are made new, if that makes sense.

4) New movement, the icing on the cake. It would make difference to me in my daily life but knowing it is the latest and greatest from the crown itself is reassuring.

I chose the silver dial with jubilee and fluted bezel. The bezel sparkles like diamonds so i am looking forward to the future when that has been dulled down a bit but i have to say that with a sunburst dial the fluted bezel is a no brainer. It is for me a visual continuation of the lines radiating out from the center of the dial. With an enamelled dial i could consider a domed bezel and oster bracelet.

Lastly a few words on the silver dial.
I was worried that it would feel dull and monotone on a steel and white gold watch. Pictures were a mixed bag and i could never see one in person at the AD.
Boy was i wrong.
This thing is so dynamic. Depending on the light it is a warm champagne, icy cool or even a matte cream colour. Also the lighter dial gives the reserved 36mm more presence on the wrist. It goes with all straps, pick on you like and it works.

Feel free to share your opinions on the new Datejust. What did they get right or wrong in your opinion?

Cheers,
Philip