The Datejust is one of Rolex's oldest and most enduring watch collections. It was first introduced in 1945 to celebrate the company's 40th anniversary.. The original Datejust had a case size of 36mm. While a date display has now become standard on most watches, the Rolex Datejust was the world's first self-winding wristwatch to feature a date window that would automatically change over at midnight. This feature set the standard for how a date complication on a wristwatch should function, a fact that can't be ignored.

Unlike many of Rolex's other iconic watch lines, the Datejust was not designed for a particular sport, environment, or lifestyle activity. It is a classic and reliable wristwatch with a timeless and versatile aesthetic that can be worn daily for various activities. While the Submariner was designed for SCUBA divers and the Daytona for race car drivers, the Datejust is a watch that can be worn on any occasion, whether formal or casual.