Filter and sort 42 products
Rolex Datejust 41 buying guide
The Rolex Datejust 41 is the modern, full-size Datejust: a 41 mm Oyster case with the classic date window and Cyclops lens, powered on current models by the Calibre 3235 with about 70 hours of power reserve. It comes in steel, two-tone Rolesor and gold-bezel combinations, with a smooth or fluted bezel, on a Jubilee or Oyster bracelet, and with one of the widest dial selections Rolex makes. Below you'll find what separates each reference, what to look for in the dial, bracelet and bezel, how prices compare, and how to choose between the Datejust 41, the Datejust II and the Datejust 36.
What is the Rolex Datejust 41?
Rolex introduced the Datejust 41 in 2016 to replace the Datejust II. It keeps everything that defines a Datejust, the Oyster case, Twinlock screw-down crown, date at 3 o'clock under a Cyclops magnifier, and a huge range of dial and bracelet combinations, in a slimmer, better-proportioned 41 mm case than the Datejust II it replaced.
| Specification | Rolex Datejust 41 (126 series) |
|---|---|
| Case | 41 mm Oyster case, Oystersteel or Rolesor (steel and 18k gold) |
| Bezel | Smooth (steel or gold) or fluted (18k gold) |
| Movement | Calibre 3235, automatic, Chronergy escapement, Parachrom hairspring |
| Power reserve | About 70 hours |
| Precision | Superlative Chronometer, about -2/+2 seconds per day after casing |
| Water resistance | 100 m (330 ft) |
| Bracelets | Jubilee or Oyster, with Oysterclasp |
Which Datejust 41 reference should you buy?
The reference number tells you the metal and the bezel. The last digit is the key: 0 is all steel, 1 is Everose Rolesor, 3 is yellow Rolesor and 4 is white Rolesor (steel with a white gold bezel).
- 126300, steel with a smooth bezel: the cleanest, most understated Datejust 41 and the most affordable current model. A true everyday watch.
- 126334, steel with a white gold fluted bezel: the best-selling Datejust 41 and the look most people picture. The fluted bezel adds sparkle while staying subtle. See our Rolex 126334 collection.
- 126303, yellow Rolesor with a smooth bezel: two-tone steel and yellow gold with a cleaner, plainer bezel. A quieter take on two-tone.
- 126333, yellow Rolesor with a fluted bezel: the classic two-tone Datejust, especially with a champagne or diamond dial on the Jubilee bracelet.
- 126301, Everose Rolesor with a smooth bezel: steel with Rolex's rose gold, a warmer and more contemporary alternative to yellow gold.
- 126331, Everose Rolesor with a fluted bezel: the dressiest steel-and-gold Datejust 41, often paired with chocolate, sundust or Wimbledon dials.
If you're torn between two references, decide on the metal first (steel, yellow or rose), then choose the bezel. The dial and bracelet can then fine-tune the look.
What movement is in the Datejust 41?
Current Datejust 41 models use the Rolex Calibre 3235, the movement that also powers the modern Datejust 36 and Sea-Dweller. Compared with the Calibre 3135 and 3136 used in earlier Datejusts, it has about 70 hours of power reserve instead of about 48, a more efficient Chronergy escapement, and a blue Parachrom hairspring that resists magnetism and shocks. In practice that means you can take the watch off on Friday evening and it will usually still be running on Monday morning.
The Calibre 3136 in the Datejust II is also a robust, well-regarded movement. The main day-to-day difference is the shorter power reserve, so it needs winding or wearing more often if you rotate watches.
Jubilee or Oyster bracelet?
This is the choice that changes the character of a Datejust 41 the most.
- Jubilee: the five-piece link bracelet created for the Datejust. It's dressier, more flexible and catches the light, and it's the traditional match for a fluted bezel. In our listings, Jubilee examples usually sell for more than comparable Oyster examples.
- Oyster: the three-piece link bracelet with broad, brushed links. It's sportier and more understated, and suits smooth-bezel models and anyone who wants a more casual look.
Whichever you choose, check the bracelet for stretch when buying pre-owned. A well-kept bracelet should hang with little sag when held horizontally.
Fluted or smooth bezel?
The fluted bezel is one of Rolex's signature details. On every current Datejust 41 it's solid 18k gold (white, yellow or Everose depending on the reference), which is why fluted models cost more. A smooth bezel gives a cleaner, more modern look and is available in steel on the 126300 or in gold on the two-tone 126301 and 126303.
Which Datejust 41 dials are most popular?
- Blue: the most requested Datejust 41 dial, in index or Roman numeral layouts.
- Wimbledon: a slate grey dial with green Roman numerals outlined in white gold or gold. A collector favorite found on references such as the 126333, 126334 and 126331.
- Green and mint green: newer, eye-catching colors that tend to sit at the top of the price range.
- Champagne: the classic partner for yellow Rolesor, especially on the 126333.
- Chocolate and sundust: warm tones that suit Everose Rolesor on the 126331 and 126301.
- Black, silver, white and slate: versatile, understated options across every reference.
- Diamond dials: factory diamond hour markers add a jeweled look. They cost more than plain dials of the same reference.
- Fluted motif: a newer textured dial with a radiating fluted pattern, offered on recent production.
Some pre-owned watches have diamond dials or bezels added after they left Rolex. These are valued differently from factory diamonds and should always be disclosed. Ask us if you're unsure which you're looking at.
How much is a Rolex Datejust 41?
Pre-owned Datejust 41 watches in our inventory currently range from about $11,500 to $20,900 (October 2026). Here's how our current asking prices compare by reference:
| Reference | Metal and bezel | ECI asking price (Oct 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| 126300 | Steel, smooth bezel | About $11,500 to $12,500 |
| 126334 | Steel, white gold fluted bezel | About $12,900 to $17,900 |
| 126303 | Yellow Rolesor, smooth bezel | About $13,500 |
| 126333 | Yellow Rolesor, fluted bezel | About $15,500 to $18,900 |
| 126331 | Everose Rolesor, fluted bezel | About $16,900 to $20,900 |
| 116334 / 116333 | Datejust II, white or yellow Rolesor | About $11,500 to $14,500 |
Within each reference, the dial, bracelet, year and whether the watch comes with box and papers move the price most. For a detailed breakdown of what to pay for each reference and configuration, read our Rolex Datejust 41 price guide. Prices change as watches sell and new pieces arrive, so the listings above are always the most current.
Which Datejust 41 is right for you?
- Your first Rolex, worn every day: a 126300 or a blue-dial 126334 on the Oyster bracelet. Durable, versatile and the easiest to resell later.
- A dress watch that still works on weekends: a 126334 on the Jubilee with a silver, white Roman or Wimbledon dial.
- The classic two-tone look: a 126333 with a champagne dial on the Jubilee, the configuration most people associate with the Datejust.
- Something warmer and less common: a 126331 with a chocolate, sundust or Wimbledon dial.
- The most watch for the money: a Datejust II 116334 or 116333, which gives you a 41 mm Datejust with a gold bezel for less than the current generation.
- A milestone or gift: a factory diamond dial on a 126333 or 126331 adds a jeweled touch that suits an anniversary or celebration.
Datejust 41 vs Datejust II
The Datejust II (116300, 116333, 116334) was Rolex's first 41 mm Datejust, made from 2009 until the Datejust 41 replaced it. It has a wider bezel, thicker lugs and a bolder look, and it uses the Calibre 3136 with about 48 hours of power reserve. The Datejust 41 is slimmer and more balanced, with the newer Calibre 3235 and about 70 hours of reserve. Choose the Datejust II if you like its stronger wrist presence and want a lower price; choose the Datejust 41 for the newer movement and more refined proportions.
Datejust 41 vs Datejust 36
The Datejust 36 is the original size, made since 1945, and suits smaller wrists or anyone who prefers a classic, compact watch. The Datejust 41 has noticeably more presence and suits most men's wrists and anyone who wants a contemporary size. If you're unsure, try both: the difference is clearer on the wrist than on paper. Browse our Datejust 36 collection to compare.
What to check before buying a pre-owned Datejust 41
- Case and bezel condition: sharp lug edges and crisp fluting are signs the watch hasn't been heavily polished.
- Bracelet stretch and clasp: check for sag and make sure the Oysterclasp closes firmly.
- Dial originality: make sure diamond dials and bezels are factory, or disclosed and priced as aftermarket.
- Function: the date should change cleanly at midnight and the crown should screw down securely.
- Serial and papers: the serial on the rehaut at 6 o'clock should match the warranty card. Our Rolex serial number lookup explains where to find it.
Every Datejust 41 we sell is inspected by our specialists in New York's Diamond District before it's listed. For the full process, read how to tell if a Rolex is real.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the 126300 and the 126334?
The 126300 is all steel with a smooth bezel. The 126334 adds an 18k white gold fluted bezel, which gives it a dressier, more traditional Rolex look and a higher price.
What is the difference between the 126333 and the 126331?
Both are two-tone with a gold fluted bezel. The 126333 uses yellow gold; the 126331 uses Everose, Rolex's rose gold. Yellow reads more classic, Everose more contemporary.
Is the Datejust 41 too big?
For most men it wears comfortably, because the case is relatively slim and the lugs curve down to the wrist. If you have a smaller wrist or prefer a classic size, compare it with the Datejust 36.
Does the Datejust 41 hold its value?
The Datejust 41 is one of Rolex's most popular models, which supports steady demand on the pre-owned market. Popular combinations like the blue-dial 126334 and the Wimbledon tend to be the easiest to resell. Values do move with the market, so buy the configuration you want to wear and keep the box and papers.
What year did the Datejust 41 come out?
Rolex introduced the Datejust 41 in 2016, replacing the Datejust II.
Is the Datejust 41 a good first Rolex?
Yes. It's versatile enough for the office and the weekend, has the widest choice of dials and bracelets of any Rolex, and suits most wrists.
Can't find the configuration you want?
Our inventory changes daily. Send us a sourcing request with the reference, dial and bracelet you're after and our specialists will look for it. If you're selling or trading a Datejust 41, we can give you a quote.
