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Pre-Owned Rolex Datejust

No Rolex model has spent more time on more wrists than the Datejust, ever since the first reference rolled out in 1945 — ably solving the age-old problem of reading the date without having to consult a second timepiece. For nearly 80 years, Rolex has continued to produce the Datejust in various states and guises, conjuring up a tangle of reference numbers, elaborate dial variants and several different bracelets. So before you commit to a pre-owned Datejust, it helps to know what you're looking at.

Ermitage Jewelers has been sourcing, inspecting and warranting pre-owned Rolex watches since 2000. One of the most common models we handle is the Datejust — we see everything from a 1970s Datejust 36 on an Oyster bracelet to a near-mint Datejust 41 with a Wimbledon dial.

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Rolex Datejust 36

The 36mm case is where the Datejust began, and for many collectors it remains the definitive size. It sits comfortably on wrists from about 6.25 inches upward. Rolex produced the reference in steel, Rolesor (steel combined with 18k yellow gold or white gold), and full 18k gold — which puts the pre-owned market at very different price points depending on what you're after.

A steel Datejust 36 on an Oyster bracelet with a smooth bezel typically runs between $5,500 and $8,500 depending on dial, condition, and whether papers are present. Adding a fluted bezel increases the cost but only moderately. Two-tone Rolesor examples start around $6,500 and climb to $10,000 for cleaner pieces with desirable dials. A Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 in full 18k yellow gold can reach $15,000 or more in excellent condition.

Dial selection for the 36 is enormous — sunburst silver, black, champagne and deep blue are the most common, but nearly every color has appeared at some point. Dial condition matters significantly in pricing: a faded or refinished dial will discount a watch by $500 to $1,500 against a comparable original.

Rolex Datejust 41

When Rolex released the Datejust 41 in 2016, it marked a number of changes. The most obvious was the bump from 40mm to 41mm — but what's often overlooked is that it also dropped slightly in height, thanks to a slimmer case and redesigned lugs. The watch also gained a new movement, the caliber 3235, with a 70-hour power reserve and Rolex's Chronergy escapement — a meaningful upgrade in service interval and accuracy over earlier generations.

Pre-owned Rolex Datejust 41 prices in steel start around $7,500 for standard dials and climb to $11,000 for models with Jubilee bracelets, fluted bezels, or particularly desirable dial colors. Two-tone and Rolesor examples typically run $10,000 to $14,000. The Datejust 41 in full 18k gold sits above $18,000 in most conditions.

There's also the Wimbledon dial — named for its resemblance to the grass courts at the All England Club — which features a deep ivy-green textured surface with Roman numerals. On the pre-owned market, the Wimbledon dial commands a premium of $1,000 to $2,500 over comparable non-Wimbledon examples.

Lady-Datejust and Women's Rolex Datejust

The Lady-Datejust is 28mm and the smallest Datejust in current production. As the ladies Rolex Datejust, it carries all the same design elements as its larger counterparts — the cyclops lens on the crystal, fluted and smooth bezel options, and both Oyster and Jubilee bracelets.

Pre-owned Lady-Datejust prices in steel start around $4,800. With a factory diamond bezel or diamond dial markers, prices range from $7,500 upward. Two-tone and 18k gold versions start around $7,500 and reach $20,000 depending on metal content and configuration. The women's Rolex Datejust in full 18k Everose gold can exceed $25,000 in near-mint condition.

The 31mm Datejust sits in the middle of the range — large enough for men with smaller wrists, proportioned well for women who prefer something slightly more substantial than 28mm. Steel examples typically price between $5,500 and $8,500, with two-tone and gold references following similar premiums to the 36.

What to Look For When Buying Pre-Owned

Case sharpness is first. As a Rolex accumulates years it typically accumulates polishing as well — starting with the center links' brushed flanks, then the beveled edges of the lugs, which in the worst cases soften to near-round from repeated work. A heavily polished Datejust may look very clean at first glance, but we prefer watches with original surfaces or at worst minor wear.

The second wear point is bracelet stretch — particularly on Jubilee bracelets, which are known to develop play between links over time. A worn bracelet may need replacing, which runs $300 to $600 depending on whether you opt for a Jubilee or Oyster and the correct specification for the reference.

The cyclops lens — the small magnifier that sits over the date window — scratches easily and is usually the first thing buyers notice. The crystal itself is inexpensive to replace, but factor it into your initial evaluation.

Warranted Since 2000

Every pre-owned Rolex Datejust we sell has been inspected by our in-house watchmaker, tested for timing accuracy, and issued our written warranty. We've been doing this since 2000 — every watch we've sold has left with full written documentation of what we found and what we addressed.

Pre-owned Rolex Datejust prices on our site reflect current market conditions and the specific condition of each watch. We update inventory regularly — if the reference you're looking for isn't currently listed, contact us directly.