About this watch

Reference 126234 is the Datejust 36 in White Rolesor — Oystersteel with a white gold fluted bezel — and this one carries the bright blue dial set with diamonds, on a Jubilee bracelet. The diamonds are Rolex’s own. The specification lists them as diamonds in 18 ct gold settings, and that is the giveaway: an aftermarket dial has the stones pressed into the dial plate, while Rolex seats each one in a small gold collet that stands proud of the surface. In the macro shots you can see the collets catching light independently of the dial behind them. It matters for value and it matters for resale, which is why we are specific about it. Thirty-six millimetres is the original Datejust proportion and it still reads as the correct one. The blue is a sunray finish, so it swings from near-navy at the edges to a brighter cobalt across the centre as the wrist turns, and the diamonds pick up whatever is left over. The Jubilee bracelet, five-piece links, does the rest of the work. It is the dressier of the two Rolex bracelets and it suits a diamond dial rather better than an Oyster would. Calibre 3235, self-winding, approximately 70 hours of power reserve, certified to minus two and plus two second…