Watch reference library
Rolex Datejust 41 126300
In production 2017 to present.
Specifications
- Case size
- 41mm
- Case material
- Oystersteel
- Bezel
- Fixed, smooth polished Oystersteel
- Dial
- Multiple options, including blue, black, silver, white, slate, and the slate Wimbledon dial with green-outlined Roman numerals
- Movement
- Rolex calibre 3235, automatic
- Power reserve
- About 70 hours
- Water resistance
- 100 meters
- Crystal
- Sapphire, with a Cyclops lens over the date
- Bracelet
- Oyster or Jubilee bracelet, folding Oysterclasp with Easylink 5mm extension Part number, lug width and links
The story
Rolex introduced the Datejust 41 at Baselworld 2016 in two-tone versions, replacing the Datejust II, and added the all-steel models a year later at Baselworld 2017. The 126300 is that all-steel Datejust 41 with a smooth polished bezel, the plainest configuration in the range, where the case, bezel and bracelet are all Oystersteel. It kept the Datejust II's 41mm diameter but not its proportions: the Datejust 41 has a slimmer case, a thinner bezel, more tapered lugs and a larger dial opening, which changed how the watch looks and sits on the wrist. Inside is the calibre 3235, more than 90 percent new compared with the movement it replaced, with the Chronergy escapement, a blue Parachrom hairspring and about 70 hours of power reserve, certified as a Superlative Chronometer to within minus two and plus two seconds a day. The update also brought back the five-link Jubilee bracelet as an option next to the three-link Oyster, a choice the Datejust II never offered.
What to check before you buy
The 126300 has been offered on both the Oyster and the Jubilee bracelet since it arrived, so neither one is the more correct choice, and both close with the folding Oysterclasp and its 5mm Easylink extension. Many dials have been made under this one reference, so check that the dial on the watch in front of you is one Rolex actually paired with the 126300. Some dials offered on the Datejust II 116300, such as a black dial with painted Roman numerals and a silver dial with blue Arabic numerals, were not carried over, so seeing one of those on a 126300 is a reason to ask questions. On the baton dials the hour markers carry Chromalight lume, while the Roman numeral dials are not luminous, which is how those dials are made and not a sign of a fault. If you are weighing it against the 126334, the case and movement are the same; the 126334 swaps the smooth steel bezel for a fluted bezel in 18k white gold.
Buying or selling a 126300?
Moda is always buying. Text photos to (605) 521-2821 for a fast offer, or start on the Moda Watches page. For any deal with a stranger, Moda's middleman service inspects the watch before money changes hands. For live market pricing on this reference, Moda-lytics tracks real Rolex sales data.
Common questions
What's the difference between the 126300 and the 126334?
Both are 41mm Datejusts with the same steel case, bracelet options and calibre 3235. The 126300 has a smooth polished steel bezel, while the 126334 has a fluted bezel in 18k white gold.
What did the Datejust 41 replace?
It replaced the Datejust II. Both are 41mm, but the Datejust 41 has a slimmer case, a thinner bezel, more tapered lugs and the newer calibre 3235 with about 70 hours of power reserve.
When did the steel 126300 come out?
The Datejust 41 line launched at Baselworld 2016 in two-tone, and the all-steel models followed at Baselworld 2017.
Do the Roman numeral dials glow in the dark?
No. The baton hour markers use Chromalight lume, but the Roman numeral dials, including the Wimbledon dial, are not luminous.
Can I get the 126300 on a Jubilee bracelet?
Yes. It is offered on both the five-link Jubilee and the three-link Oyster bracelet. The Datejust II it replaced was never offered on a Jubilee.