When the first Rolex Datejust was introduced in 1945 – the year of the brand's 40th anniversary – it made history as the first automatic waterproof certified chronometer with a date on the dial. The "Cyclops" was added in 1955 to visually magnify the date two and a half times, thus making the reading more legible and clear, and this feature became one of Rolex's most recognizable hallmarks of all time.

In 2009, Rolex introduced the Datejust II. This line of watches offers the features of the original and emblematic Rolex Datejust in a simpler and more modern design and includes new innovations. One of the most significant differences between the Rolex Datejust and the Rolex Datejust II is, of course, the size – the new one is 41 mm, significantly larger and following the trend for larger watch cases. The other difference is the movement – the Datejust II has the honor of carrying within it the caliber 3136, made by the brand exclusively for this model – an in-house movement with a Paraflex anti-shock system, Parachrom hairspring, a COSC-certified chronometer, a 48-hour power reserve, and a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour.

It is no coincidence that the Datejust is the brand's most popular and recognizable model after the iconic Submariner – and the Datejust II allows this popularity to be presented in a contemporary interpretation. This particular watch is in a very rare and hard-to-find combination – a blue dial with hour markers.

Truly, the detailing on this watch (as with all modern Rolexes we have had the opportunity to examine) is impressive. Starting with the incredible dial – in this case, impressive not only for its color but also for the so-called sunburst effect and Azzurro Blue shade, a blue dial with Roman numerals, which seems to disappear at certain angles. From this, the overall impression is that the hands and markers are "suspended" in the air in a sort of weightlessness.

Moving on to the incredible sapphire crystal with the "Cyclops" – in this case, the brand's highest grade of sapphire was used, which has allowed the overall height of the watch to be reduced compared to its predecessors.

Of course, separate attention must be paid to the case and the bezel – an incredible combination of the highest grade 904L brushed steel with faceted polished edges and details in places. As you know, Rolex pays special attention to the steel it uses and for this purpose has its own foundries for the production of all its alloys.

The bezel is the brand's characteristic "fluted" style, which gives it an incredible aura and has nothing in common with the other Datejust II with the "smooth" bezel – they are simply different watches. This one has a stunning presence on your wrist, and the fact that the bezel is made of a noble alloy further reinforces the overall impression.

And of course – the bracelet, the band, the chain, or whatever you choose to call it. As can be expected from a Rolex, it is truly good. In this case, it is the new bracelet with a solid center link and a solid clasp, crafted from a single piece of steel, and not from bent sheet metal, as is the case with most brands. The only thing it lacks (but only in our opinion) is the Sub's Glidelock clasp, but here the so-called Easylink is fitted, which allows for micro-adjustment with an additional 5–20 mm at the lugs.

The full size of the bracelet includes 5 links towards the "6 o'clock" side of the case, of which 2 are removable, and 7 links towards the "12 o'clock" side, of which 4 are removable.