Rolex Datejust: Prices, Sizes & Complete Buyer's Guide 2026
The Rolex Datejust is the most popular Rolex ever made and the watch most people picture when they hear the word "Rolex." Introduced in 1945 as the first wristwatch with an automatically changing date display, the Datejust has been in continuous production for over 80 years. It comes in more configurations than any other Rolex — two sizes, three bezels, two bracelets, and dozens of dial colors — which means finding the right one requires knowing what you're looking for. Pre-owned Datejusts sell for 15-35% below retail on eBay.
Rolex Datejust Prices by Model
| Model | Material | eBay Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Datejust 36 (126200) | Steel | $6,000 - $9,000 | Retail $7,650; most accessible current model |
| Datejust 36 (126233) | Two-Tone Rolesor | $9,000 - $13,000 | Steel/yellow gold; retail $11,600 |
| Datejust 36 (128238) | Yellow Gold | $18,000 - $28,000 | Full 18k; retail $33,150 |
| Datejust 41 (126300) | Steel | $8,000 - $12,000 | Retail $8,450; modern sizing |
| Datejust 41 (126333) | Two-Tone Rolesor | $10,000 - $15,000 | Steel/yellow gold; retail $13,000 |
| Datejust 41 (126334) | White Gold Bezel | $11,000 - $16,000 | Steel case, fluted WG bezel; retail $13,500 |
| Datejust 41 Gold | Yellow/Rose Gold | $22,000 - $32,000 | Full 18k; retail $36,550 |
| Vintage (1601/16013/16233) | Various | $3,500 - $8,000 | Classic references; prices vary widely |
| Datejust II (116300/116334) | Steel/WG Bezel | $7,000 - $10,000 | Discontinued 41mm predecessor |
Prices reflect completed eBay sales (2025-2026) for watches in good to excellent condition. Blue and green dial variants command 10-20% premiums. All prices USD.
Datejust 36 vs 41: Size Guide
The 36mm is the heritage size that defined the Datejust for decades. The 41mm is the modern option introduced in 2009. Both are excellent — the right choice depends on your wrist and your style.
| Spec | Datejust 36 | Datejust 41 |
|---|---|---|
| Case Diameter | 36mm | 41mm |
| Lug-to-Lug | 44.6mm | 48.7mm |
| Thickness | 11.8mm | 12.3mm |
| Best Wrist Size | 6.0" - 7.0" | 7.0" - 8.0" |
| Weight (Steel/Jubilee) | ~120g | ~135g |
| Movement | Cal. 3235 | Cal. 3235 |
| Power Reserve | 70 hours | 70 hours |
| Vibe | Classic, elegant, understated | Modern, bold, sporty |
| Retail (Steel) | $7,650 | $8,450 |
| Pre-Owned (Steel) | $6,000-$9,000 | $8,000-$12,000 |
The short answer: the 36mm is the "proper" Datejust — the size worn by presidents, executives, and watch collectors for 80 years. The 41mm suits buyers who want more wrist presence and a contemporary look. Blue dial + fluted bezel + Jubilee bracelet in either size is the configuration with the strongest resale demand.
Jubilee vs Oyster Bracelet
| Feature | Jubilee | Oyster |
|---|---|---|
| Link Style | Five links per row | Three links per row |
| Aesthetic | Dressy, refined | Sporty, robust |
| Clasp | Concealed Crownclasp | Oysterclasp with Easylink |
| Comfort | Flexible, drapes on wrist | Stiffer, more structured |
| Resale Premium | +$500 - $1,000 vs Oyster | Baseline |
| Best Paired With | Fluted bezel, dress wear | Smooth bezel, casual wear |
The classic Datejust pairing is a Jubilee bracelet with fluted bezel — this is the configuration most collectors consider the definitive Datejust look. However, the Oyster bracelet with smooth bezel has surged in popularity among buyers who want a more understated, everyday aesthetic.
Fluted vs Smooth vs Diamond Bezel
- Fluted Bezel (18K White Gold)
The iconic Datejust look. Even on steel models, the fluted bezel is made from 18K white gold — there's genuine precious metal in every fluted Datejust. Catches light beautifully. Commands a $1,000-$2,000 premium over smooth.
- Smooth/Domed Bezel (Steel)
Clean, sporty, understated. Made from stainless steel. The more modern, casual option that pairs best with the Oyster bracelet. Lower entry price.
- Diamond-Set Bezel (18K Gold + Diamonds)
Factory-set diamonds on a white gold bezel. Adds $3,000-$8,000 to the price. Verify diamonds are factory-original — aftermarket diamond bezels destroy resale value.
Dial Colors & Their Impact on Value
- Blue (Most Popular)
The sunburst blue dial shifts from deep navy to brilliant azure depending on lighting. Commands a 10-15% premium over equivalent silver/white dials. The single most sought-after Datejust configuration.
- Silver / White
The classic Datejust dial. Clean, versatile, easy to read. Holds value well and pairs with any bracelet and bezel. The safest choice for resale.
- Black
Sporty and high-contrast. Works exceptionally well with Oyster bracelet and smooth bezel. Strong demand in the 41mm size.
- Champagne / Gold
The traditional two-tone choice. Warm, luxurious, unmistakably Rolex. Best paired with Jubilee bracelet and fluted bezel.
- Green (Mint / Olive)
Rolex's newer green dials — including mint green and olive — have generated enormous collector interest. Command significant premiums and sell quickly on the secondary market.
Authentication: How to Spot a Fake Datejust
The Datejust is one of the most counterfeited watches in the world. Modern "super fakes" are increasingly convincing, but these five checkpoints catch the vast majority of counterfeits:
- Weight test — genuine steel Datejust weighs 120-135g depending on size and bracelet. Fakes are noticeably lighter (80-100g)
- Cyclops magnification — the Cyclops lens should magnify the date exactly 2.5x, filling the entire window. Fakes typically show 1.5x or less
- Rehaut engraving — post-2007 models have 'ROLEX ROLEX ROLEX' laser-engraved on the inner bezel ring with serial at 6 o'clock. Must be crisp and perfectly aligned
- Micro-etched crown — since 2002, a tiny Rolex crown is laser-etched into the sapphire crystal at 6 o'clock. Nearly invisible to the naked eye, visible under 10x magnification
- Aftermarket parts — check that bezel, dial, and hands are factory-original. Aftermarket diamond bezels and custom dials destroy resale value by 30-50%
- Stretched Jubilee bracelet — older Jubilee bracelets stretch over time, developing gaps between links. Replacement costs $1,500-$3,000
Finding the Right Datejust on eBay
- Category-aware search
Search within eBay's Jewelry & Watches category to exclude straps, boxes, parts, and unrelated items.
- Price range filtering
Set a minimum of $5,000 to eliminate fakes. Adjust maximum to focus on your budget range — steel 36mm, two-tone, vintage, or full gold.
- Seller location mapping
See where sellers are located. Useful for finding authorized dealer overstock, estate sales, and local pickup opportunities.
- Real-time results
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Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Rolex Datejust cost?
Pre-owned Rolex Datejust prices vary by size and material. A 36mm steel Datejust (Ref 126200) typically sells for $6,000-$9,000 on eBay, while the 41mm steel (Ref 126300) runs $8,000-$12,000. Two-tone Rolesor models range from $9,000-$15,000, and solid gold Datejusts start around $15,000 and can exceed $25,000. Vintage references like the 1601 or 16233 can be found from $3,500-$8,000.
Is a Rolex Datejust a good investment?
The Datejust holds value exceptionally well, typically retaining 70-90% of retail price on the secondary market. Steel and two-tone models with popular configurations (blue dial, fluted bezel, Jubilee bracelet) tend to hold the strongest resale values. While it may not spike in value like a Submariner or Daytona, the Datejust is one of the safest luxury watch purchases you can make.
Datejust 36 vs 41 — which size should I buy?
The 36mm Datejust is the classic, heritage size — elegant, versatile, and perfect for wrists between 6.0-7.0 inches. It slides easily under a shirt cuff and works in any setting. The 41mm is the modern choice — bolder, sportier, and better suited for wrists 7.0-8.0 inches. If you want the original Rolex experience, go 36mm. If you prefer a contemporary presence, go 41mm.
What's the difference between Jubilee and Oyster bracelet?
The Jubilee bracelet features five links per row with a refined, dressy appearance — it was designed specifically for the Datejust when it launched in 1945. The Oyster bracelet has three links per row and a sportier, more robust look. Jubilee is considered the proper Datejust bracelet and tends to command slightly higher resale values ($500-$1,000 premium) on the secondary market.
How to spot a fake Rolex Datejust?
Key authentication points: A genuine Datejust weighs approximately 120-130g (steel models) — fakes are noticeably lighter. The Cyclops lens over the date should magnify exactly 2.5x and fill the window. Check the rehaut (inner bezel ring) for 'ROLEX ROLEX ROLEX' laser engraving with the serial number at 6 o'clock. Look for the micro-etched Rolex crown on the crystal at 6 o'clock — nearly invisible to the naked eye but visible under magnification.
Fluted bezel vs smooth bezel — which to choose?
The fluted bezel is the iconic Datejust look — it's made from 18K white gold (even on steel models) and adds a dressy, luxurious feel. The smooth bezel is made from steel, giving a cleaner, sportier appearance. Fluted bezels command a $1,000-$2,000 premium on the pre-owned market. Choose fluted for dress/formal occasions and smooth for everyday/casual wear.
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