Review of Rolex Datejust 36mm Stainless Steel in Green Palm Dial Ref 126200-0019
An elegant dress watch with a stunning tropical dial and the "Deepsea movement"
The Rolex Datejust made its debut in 1945 to celebrate Rolex’s 40 year anniversary. It represented both a significant milestone in modern horology and Rolex’s own history. It was the first time a rotating date display with a date wheel being added to a wristwatch. The date function was capable of changing instantaneously at midnight. Quite a micro-mechanical breakthrough at that time. There is no official recount from Rolex of how the name Datejust was chosen. We may imagine that it was derived from either “date adjust” or “date just in time”. The jubilee bracelet appeared for the very first time on the 1945 Datejust too. The quintessential Rolex feature of cyclone would be released 8 years later on Datejust.
Thus was the birth of the Rolex’s most classic, elegant and longest-running watch model line. Over the years, there were many iterations of design tweets and movement upgrades. Yet the iconic style and charm of Datejust remain unchanged.
For a long, long time, Datejust was the most available Rolex model among its vast offerings. Many watch enthusiasts would buy Datajust models to build up a buying history with the ADs. In the hope of scoring a popular steel sports model one day. This all changed after the Watches and Wonders in April 2021. A newly unveiled Datejust model has become an unobtainium itself with a waitlist of one year or longer. The prices at the secondary markets have been more than twice the suggested retail price.
Yes, that is the new Datajust 36mm model featuring a "palm" dial motif! The novel design with tropical leaves was available in 3 colors. Olive green, gold and silver gray. These beauties became instant hits after the release.
I fell in love with the green palm right away, intrigued by the fun, tropical theme that was not typical Rolex. I placed a special order at my favorite Rolex Boutique in June 2021. I was told that I had grabbed the last allocation at this store and there was no more special order for this model. The watch should come in a few months, I was assured. However, the expected call didn't come and I was losing faith. Then, almost 12 months later, I got a text from the Rolex Boutique to pick it up! “We are so thrilled to notify you that we received your special order from Rolex”, the text reads.
When I placed the order one year ago, I needed to make some choices. Dial color? Green, of course. Dual-tone or steel? Steel, no brainer. Oyster or Jubilee bracelet? Jubilee, as with the first 1945 Datejust. Fluted or smooth bezel? Smooth bezel, a bit more understated.
By the time I opened the green presentation box at the Rolex Boutique, I knew that I had made the perfect choices! The jubilee bracelet seems to naturally flow with the dial pattern, and the smooth bezel seamlessly connects them both. The low-key smooth bezel is indeed an excellent match with the more flashy and flamboyant bracelet and dial patterns. What a stunning beauty!
The reference number for this piece is 126200-0019. It is a 36mm sized stainless steel case that is perfect for both women and men. The bezel is domed while the Jubilee bracelet consists of iconic 5-piece links. Highly legible Chromalight display with long-lasting blue luminescence. Screw-down, Twinlock double waterproofness system offering 100 meters water resistance. It is a dressy watch with specifications for sports or outdoor activities.
This green palm Datejust model comes with a new movement caliber 3235. This advanced self-winding mechanical movement led to the filing of several patents. The timing accuracy is a super impressive -2/+2 seconds per day, after casing. The power reserve is 70 hours, providing 3 days of autonomy.
Will you believe me if I tell you that many of Rolex's professional models also choose this same movement? It is true! These sporty models with caliber 3235 include Submariner Date, Yacht-Master, Sea-Dweller and Deepsea. Basically, all the sports models with a date function. How awesome it is to see the engine inside the palm Datejust is actually a powerhouse designed for the professional lines! It is the “Deepsea Movement”, the caliber to go diving and sailing with!
To be honest, the Rolex green palm Datejust is a watch that needs no introduction or review. The iconic, elegant design is a classic from 1945. It is the best selling Rolex model of all time. The movement inside this 126200 model is the same caliber 3235 powering the latest Rolex steel sports models. The all new palm motif dial is a beauty to behold. But it needs to be fully enjoyed and appreciated in person, on the wrist. The green palm Datejust will be a new classic.