Rolex Datejust 36 36 mm 126231SRJ1 Steel/Rose Gold Slate

The Rolex Datejust is widely regarded as the archetypal dress watch, having debuted in 1945 as the first self-winding wristwatch to display the date in a window on the dial—a genuine horological milestone. Over nearly eight decades the Datejust has evolved through multiple generations while preserving its core identity: a round Oyster case, a date at 3 o'clock, and an elegance suited equally to the boardroom and the weekend. Reference 126231 represents the current-generation Datejust 36, introduced as part of Rolex's broader Datejust refresh that brought refinements to the case architecture, lugs, and dial finishing standards that collectors have applauded.

The 36mm Oyster case of reference 126231SRJ1 is crafted in a two-tone configuration pairing Rolex's proprietary Oystersteel—a 904L stainless steel alloy prized for its exceptional corrosion resistance and mirror-like polish—with Everose gold, Rolex's exclusive 18-karat rose gold alloy formulated to resist fading and maintain its warm hue over decades. The fluted bezel is rendered entirely in Everose gold, its precisely machined grooves catching light with every movement of the wrist and serving as the crown jewel of the watch's exterior design.

The slate dial is one of the most distinguished color choices in the Datejust 36 palette. Its deep, complex grey tone shifts subtly depending on lighting conditions, reading almost charcoal under direct light and softening to a sophisticated grey-blue in shade. Roman numeral hour markers rendered in Everose gold are applied directly to the dial surface, referencing classical horology while harmonizing perfectly with the rose gold accents throughout. This specific dial-and-bezel pairing is sometimes referred to by enthusiasts as the Wimbledon configuration, a nickname that underscores the refined, almost aristocratic character of the combination.

Powering the 126231SRJ1 is a Rolex-manufactured automatic movement, regulated by the Superlative Chronometer certification—meaning every watch is certified by Rolex to a precision standard more stringent than the official COSC benchmark. The movement benefits from Rolex's Chronergy escapement and Parachrom hairspring, delivering robust daily accuracy that owners can depend on without intervention. Water resistance is rated to 100 meters (330 feet), courtesy of the screw-down Twinlock crown, making this watch genuinely capable beyond purely decorative duty.

On the wrist, the 36mm diameter occupies a sweet spot between dressy restraint and visible presence. Paired with the five-link Jubilee bracelet—a design Rolex introduced alongside the original Datejust in 1945—the watch drapes comfortably and lies flat, lending a fluid, elegant feel that broader sports-style bracelets cannot replicate. The Jubilee is widely considered the definitive pairing for the Datejust, and its combination with the slate Roman dial and Everose gold fluted bezel makes this reference among the most complete and balanced expressions of the Datejust 36 formula.

At Bizak and Co., we specialize in sourcing and presenting exceptional timepieces for discerning buyers across the United States. The Rolex Datejust 36 reference 126231SRJ1 in Oystersteel, Everose gold, slate Roman dial, and Jubilee bracelet is a reference that holds enduring desirability—both as a daily companion and as a long-term collectible. We invite you to contact our team at bizakandco.com to inquire about this reference, request additional photographs, or discuss purchase options. Bizak and Co. is not an authorized Rolex dealer; all references to Rolex trademarks are for identification purposes only.