4 minute read
The Magic of Light
TIMEPIECES mark of success
ANY ROLEX SYMBOLIZES ACHIEVEMENT, BUT THE OYSTER PERPETUAL DATEJUST 36 EVOKES A SPECIFIC ICONOGRAPHY OF VICTORY. By Christen Fisher
In art and architecture, Victoria, the Roman goddess of victory, is often depicted as a winged figure holding a palm leaf. Though Victoria was particularly worshipped by the Roman military, the people of Rome believed she presided over all their victories and successes including those in sports, science, art and business. Today palm leaves, or fronds, bring to mind a subtler version of success characterized by the sunny skies, warm island breezes and lush tropical landscapes of an earthly paradise. So, it is fitting that when Rolex, maker of one of the world’s greatest emblems of victory and success and a perpetual champion and avid supporter of world-class athletic competitions, cutting-edge scientific research and the finest artistic endeavors around the world, launched new versions of its Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 wristwatch, they would include dials featuring a palm-leaf pattern as well as a fluted motif in a nod to the brand’s signature bezel style. Launched in 1945, the Datejust was the first self-winding waterproof chronometer wristwatch to display the date in a window at 3 o’clock on the dial. The first of the new versions of this iconic watch features the palm-leaf motif on an olive-green dial. Presented in Oystersteel, this watch is sure to please anyone with a love for the tropics or an eye for success. If you like the palms of victory but prefer a more traditional color, a second version features the palm motif on a golden dial with a yellow Rolesor case, and a third boasts a silver palm leaf dial in an Everose Rolesor case. Finally, for the true Rolex traditionalist, the brand’s fourth release has a fluted motif on a golden dial in a yellow Rolesor case.
Both the palm and the fluted dial motifs are available with a smooth, gem-set or fluted bezel. Originally, the fluting of the bezel had a functional purpose: It served to screw the bezel onto the case helping to ensure the waterproofness of the watch. Over time, the fluting became an aesthetic element. Always in gold, fluting is a signature Rolex feature. The new fluted dial motif honors Rolex as the maker of the world’s first waterproof wristwatch.
Both the Oystersteel olive-green and the yellow Rolesor golden palm motif dials are fitted with an Oyster bracelet, a three-piece link bracelet that was developed at the end of the 1930s and is known for its robustness. Alternatively, the Everose Rolesor version with the silver palm motif dial has a Jubilee bracelet, as does the yellow Rolesor fluted version. Supple and comfortable, the five-piece link Jubilee bracelet was specially created for the launch of the original Oyster Perpetual Datejust in ’45.
The Datejust 36 is equipped with a caliber 3235 self-winding mechanical movement, and all four versions of it have a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. Shock-resistant and insensitive to magnetic fields, the Datejust 36 is also waterproof to 330 feet.
Like all Rolex watches, these new releases are covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification. This designation testifies that every watch leaving the brand’s workshops has successfully undergone a series of tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories. The Superlative Chronometer status is symbolized by the green seal that comes with every Rolex watch along with an international five-year guarantee.
Additionally offered in an array of styles and colorways, the Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 is the epitome of the classic watch, distinguished by its timeless style and exceptional elegance. The Roman Empire fell long ago, the particular triumphs and successes of its people relegated to the annals of ancient history, but even in these modern times the winged goddess Victoria occasionally waves her palm frond over us. The next time you feel the balmy breeze of victory, consider a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36.
The success of those who wear the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 is apparent in the palm motif dial (shown here in olive green). The watch is also fitted with a robust three-piece link bracelet that was developed at the end of the 1930s. LUX BOND & GREEN 31
