Just like the last rays of the sun piercing the horizon at nightfall, the dial of the new Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31 presents a communion of light and shade.The red ombré dial displays a subtle transition between the fire at its centre and a deep darkness at its edge – a chiaroscuro enhanced by the sparkling diamonds set on the bezel and dial.
Since the reintroduction of the ombré design to the brand’s catalogue in 2019, it is the first time that such a dial has taken on this fiery hue. Obtained as of that year via the process of PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition), and originally reserved for the Day-Date, ombré dials are distinctive for their concentric gradient, progressing from a coloured centre to a deep black around the edge.
On the watch presented, the red ombré dial is adorned with ten diamond-set hour markers and showcased by a bezel set with 46 brilliant-cut diamonds, paired with a President bracelet with concealed Crownclasp.
The Datejust 31 is equipped with calibre 2236, a movement at the forefront of watchmaking technology, enabling it to display the date as well as the hours, minutes and seconds.
The Datejust is the archetype of the classic watch according to Rolex, thanks to functions and aesthetics that never go out of fashion. At its launch in 1945, it was the first self-winding waterproof chronometer wristwatch to display the date in a window at 3 o’clock on the dial and included all the major innovations that Rolex had brought to the modern wristwatch of the day. This elegant timepiece has spanned eras, retaining the enduring codes that make it so instantly recognizable, yet continually evolving to take on the brand’s latest technical and aesthetic developments.
A paragon of robustness and elegance, the 31 mm Oyster case of the Datejust 31 is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet). The middle case of the version presented is crafted from a solid block of 18 ct yellow gold. The Twinlock winding crown, fitted with a double waterproofness system, screws down securely against the case. The crystal, which features a Cyclops lens at 3 o’clock for easy reading of the date, is made of virtually scratchproof sapphire and benefits from an anti-reflective coating. The waterproof Oyster case provides optimal protection for the movement it houses.
The Datejust 31 is equipped with calibre 2236, a movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. A distillation of technology, this self-winding mechanical movement delivers outstanding performance, particularly in terms of precision, power reserve, convenience and reliability.
Calibre 2236 is equipped with a self-winding system via a Perpetual rotor and offers a power reserve of approximately 55 hours.
The new version of the Datejust?31, crafted in 18?ct yellow gold, is fitted on a President bracelet. Created specially for the launch of the prestigious Oyster Perpetual Day-Date in 1956, this three-piece link bracelet, made only from 18?ct gold or 950?platinum, is still reserved exclusively for the Day-Date and precious metal versions of the Datejust.
The President bracelet is furnished with an elegant, concealed folding Crownclasp and includes patented ceramic inserts – designed by Rolex – inside the links to enhance its flexibility on the wrist and its longevity.
Like all Rolex watches, the Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31 is covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification redefined by Rolex in 2015. This designation testifies that every watch leaving the brand’s workshops has successfully undergone a series of tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories according to its own criteria, following the official certification of the movements by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). These in-house certification tests apply to the fully assembled watch, after casing the movement, guaranteeing superlative performance on the wrist in terms of precision, power reserve, waterproofness and self-winding. The precision of a Rolex Superlative Chronometer is of the order of ?2 /+2 seconds per day – the rate deviation tolerated by the brand for a finished watch is significantly smaller than that accepted by COSC for official certification of the movement alone.
The Superlative Chronometer status is symbolized by the green seal that comes with every Rolex watch and is coupled with an international five-year guarantee.
