Rolex
Datejust 36
126234
The enduring 36 mm Datejust, refined for a new generation.
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Overview
The Rolex Datejust 36 reference 126234 represents the current iteration of one of watchmaking's most recognisable silhouettes, pairing a 36 mm Oystersteel and white gold case with the brand's in-house Calibre 3235. Introduced in 2018, it sits at the heart of the Datejust line as a versatile dress watch equally suited to formal and everyday wear. A broad palette of dial options — spanning blue, silver, black, and mother-of-pearl — ensures the reference accommodates a wide range of collector preferences.
History
The Datejust lineage stretches back to 1945, when Rolex introduced the world's first self-winding wristwatch to display the date in a magnified window on the dial — a feature that would define the line for decades. The 36 mm format has historically been the canonical Datejust size, predating the later introduction of larger variants. Reference 126234 succeeded earlier 36 mm references and brought with it the Calibre 3235, a movement representing a significant technical step forward with its Chronergy escapement and extended power reserve. Since its launch, the 126234 has become a cornerstone of the modern Datejust catalogue, continuing a tradition that spans more than three-quarters of a century.
Notable points
- Calibre 3235 features Rolex's proprietary Chronergy escapement, improving energy efficiency, and delivers a power reserve of approximately 70 hours.
- The two-tone Oystersteel and white gold combination — applied to the bezel and crown — is a defining aesthetic of this reference within the broader Datejust range.
- The 36 mm Oyster case carries Rolex's Oyster waterproofness rating of 100 metres, underscoring its robustness despite its dress-watch positioning.
- Dial variety is a hallmark of the 126234, with options including sunray-brushed silver, deep blue, black, and mother-of-pearl, often paired with diamond or index hour markers.
- The reference continues the Datejust's long-standing use of the Cyclops lens over the date aperture at 3 o'clock, a detail that has remained essentially unchanged since the line's inception.
