Part of the brand’s collection since 1945, the Rolex Datejust is the ultimate everyday luxury watch. While the model comes in a vast assortment of styles including different sizes, metals, bracelets, bezels, and dial designs, what remains constant across all Datejust watches is its time and date functionality. The hour, minute, and seconds hands are always placed at the center while the date window is always found at the 3 o’clock position. In true Rolex fashion, the Datejust watch is easy to use and operate but there are a few things to keep in mind when setting the time and date. Read on for our quick guide on how to set the date and time on a Rolex Datejust.Earlier models of the Rolex Datejust did not yet have the quickset date feature. A quickset date feature means that the date can be set independently from the timekeeping hands. Conversely, on a non-quickset Datejust, the minute and hour hands have to be advanced past midnight to change the numeral in the date window.Rolex introduced the quickset date function to the Datejust lineup in 1977 with the introduction of Caliber 3035 movement. So if your Datejust was made in 1977 or later and is powered by Caliber 3035 or subsequent movements (Cal. 3135, 3136, or 3235) then it has the quickset feature.Regardless of when a Datejust was produced, they all come equipped with a screw-down winding crown to ensure the watch’s water resistance. Therefore, a Rolex winding crown must be unscrewed first before any adjustments can be made.
The ref. 16710 is available on either a three-piece link Oyster bracelet or a five-piece link Jubilee bracelet with hollow center links and a folded metal clasp. Older references have hollow end-links and a standard clasp, while newer references have solid end-links and a clasp with an additional safety latch. The Jubilee bracelet is the exception and is only available on reference 16710 watches with hollow end-links and a standard fold-over clasp.The ref. 116710 is only produced on a three-link Oyster bracelet. As a newer variation of the GMT-Master II, the bracelet is equipped with solid end-links, solid center links, and a newer Oysterlock clasp with a 5mm Easylink comfort extension system. Many collectors prefer this example of the Oyster bracelet as the redesigned clasp allows the wearer to adjust the length without the use of tools as their wrist fluctuates in humid or hot weather.The GMT-Master II is an absolute legend, there’s no argument about it. What it comes down to when comparing the 16710 and the 116710 is personal taste. Do you prefer the classic styling of an older sports watch? Or do you prefer a contemporary timepiece that has all the latest and greatest technologies? Either way, the Rolex GMT-Master II is a must-have for any serious watch collection.
