What Does The Modern Woman Want From A Wristwatch?

Exactly what Rolex's most popular ladies' timepiece has offered for 65 years: choices.

- Charmian Leong

Although watchmakers are now trying to cater to female clients through original designs and an expanding range of complications, we can’t ignore the simple fact that many women’s watches are merely smaller, sparklier versions of their more famous male counterparts. However, it is not always as patronising as you think. In the case of Rolex, women’s watches are taken just as seriously as men’s and no model is more representative of that philosophy than the Oyster Perpetual Lady-Datejust.

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust is the quintessential Rolex watch, and understanding what makes the original Datejust such an icon is key to appreciating its dainty successor’s equipoise of technical prowess and femininity. In 1945, the Datejust was unveiled as part of the brand's 40th anniversary, and made history for being the first automatic wristwatch with a date display. It also introduced the now-famous Jubilee bracelet with five links that was created especially for the collection. Meant for everyday elegance, this easy-wearing design quickly became Rolex’s bestseller.