What defines the Rolex Datejust
The Datejust launched in 1945. It was the first self-winding chronometer wristwatch to show the date in a dial window. Later the Cyclops lens arrived to magnify that date, and the Jubilee bracelet became its signature. Today every current Datejust still shares those elements. Each has an Oyster case rated to 100 m and a date at 3 o'clock under a 2.5x Cyclops. Also, each offers a smooth or fluted bezel.
The Datejust is the Rolex most people buy when they want one watch for everything. As a result, it covers a wide price band. A steel Datejust 31 starts under US$8,000, while an Everose two-tone Datejust 41 costs more than twice that. Rolex's own Datejust collection page shows the official line-up, but it does not show pre-owned values. That is where this Datejust price guide comes in.
Every Datejust reference compared
We cover twelve base references: four each in 31, 36 and 41 mm. Each size has one steel smooth-bezel model. In addition, there are three Rolesor models with fluted bezels in white, yellow or Everose gold.
Datejust 31 278240
All-steel Datejust 31 with a domed bezel and calibre 2236. Prices, history and fake checks.
Datejust 36 126200
All-steel Datejust 36 with a smooth bezel. The entry point to the modern 36 mm Datejust.
Datejust 41 126300
All-steel Datejust 41 with a smooth bezel; plain dials trade near retail, colours carry a premium.
Datejust 31 278274
Steel Datejust 31 with a white gold fluted bezel. Above-retail prices, dial premiums and checks.
Datejust 36 126234
White Rolesor Datejust 36 with a fluted white gold bezel. The most popular modern 36 mm Datejust.
Datejust 41 126334
Steel Datejust 41 with a white gold fluted bezel; the strongest premium over retail in the 41 mm line.
Datejust 31 278273
The classic two-tone Datejust 31 in steel and yellow gold. Dials, prices and fake checks.
Datejust 31 278271
Steel and Everose gold Datejust 31 with a fluted bezel. Dial premiums, prices and gold checks.
Datejust 36 126233
Yellow Rolesor two-tone Datejust 36. The classic champagne-on-Jubilee look, with calibre 3235.
Datejust 36 126231
Everose Rolesor Datejust 36 with a fluted pink gold bezel. Chocolate and Wimbledon dials lead.
Datejust 41 126333
Yellow Rolesor Datejust 41 and home of the Wimbledon dial; used prices now sit under 2026 retail.
Datejust 41 126331
Steel and Everose gold Datejust 41; pre-owned examples often trade under the 2026 list price.
Datejust price comparison: retail vs pre-owned
The table below compares current US retail with pre-owned bands for every Datejust. So you can see at a glance which references trade above list price and which trade at or below it.
| Reference | Retail | Unworn, full set | Excellent, B&P | Good, no papers | Mid-band vs retail |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Datejust 31 278240 | US$7,900 | US$9,200 – US$10,500 | US$8,300 – US$9,500 | US$7,300 – US$8,300 | +13% |
| Datejust 31 278274 | US$9,550 | US$11,500 – US$13,500 | US$10,500 – US$12,500 | US$9,200 – US$10,800 | +20% |
| Datejust 31 278273 | US$13,100 | US$13,000 – US$15,500 | US$11,500 – US$14,000 | US$10,000 – US$12,000 | -3% |
| Datejust 31 278271 | US$13,550 | US$13,500 – US$16,000 | US$12,000 – US$14,500 | US$10,500 – US$12,300 | -2% |
| Datejust 36 126200 | US$8,150 | US$9,000 – US$10,500 | US$8,000 – US$9,500 | US$7,000 – US$8,200 | +7% |
| Datejust 36 126234 | US$10,100 | US$11,000 – US$13,000 | US$10,000 – US$12,000 | US$8,800 – US$10,300 | +9% |
| Datejust 36 126233 | US$15,050 | US$15,500 – US$17,500 | US$14,000 – US$16,000 | US$12,300 – US$14,000 | -0% |
| Datejust 36 126231 | US$15,350 | US$16,000 – US$18,000 | US$14,500 – US$16,500 | US$12,800 – US$14,500 | +1% |
| Datejust 41 126300 | US$8,950 | US$10,000 – US$12,000 | US$9,000 – US$10,800 | US$8,000 – US$9,300 | +11% |
| Datejust 41 126334 | US$11,650 | US$14,500 – US$17,000 | US$13,000 – US$15,500 | US$11,500 – US$13,500 | +22% |
| Datejust 41 126333 | US$16,900 | US$16,000 – US$18,000 | US$14,500 – US$16,500 | US$12,800 – US$14,500 | -8% |
| Datejust 41 126331 | US$17,450 | US$17,000 – US$19,500 | US$15,000 – US$17,500 | US$13,300 – US$15,200 | -7% |
Retail is the current (or last) US list price. Pre-owned bands are rounded market ranges for October 2026; MYR ≈ USD × 4.08.
Datejust size guide: 31, 36 or 41?
Size is the first decision, and the three Datejust sizes differ in more than diameter. The 31 mm uses calibre 2236 with 55 hours of reserve. By contrast, the 36 and 41 both use calibre 3235 with 70 hours.
| Size | Calibre | Power reserve | Typical wrist | Steel retail (US / MY) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Datejust 31 | 2236 | 55 h | Under about 16 cm | US$7,900 / RM34,350 |
| Datejust 36 | 3235 | 70 h | About 15 to 18 cm | US$8,150 / RM35,300 |
| Datejust 41 | 3235 | 70 h | About 17.5 cm and above | US$8,950 / RM38,600 |
In practice, the 36 is the classic size and the most versatile. However, the 41 suits larger wrists and anyone used to sports watches. For a detailed fit discussion, read our Datejust 36 vs 41 comparison. If you are choosing a smaller watch, also compare the 31 with the Lady-Datejust.
Which Datejust holds value, and which is easiest to buy
White Rolesor is the sweet spot for value. The fluted white gold bezel models (278274, 126234 and 126334) trade clearly above retail. In particular, the Datejust 41 126334 carries the largest premium of all. Steel smooth-bezel models sit only a few per cent above list price.
By contrast, yellow and Everose Rolesor models trade at roughly retail. That thin premium suggests they are easier to obtain at an official retailer. It also means a lightly used two-tone Datejust without papers can come in below retail. So if you like gold, the pre-owned market offers better value than with steel.
For the full picture on depreciation, see our used Rolex price guide.
Rolex Datejust price in Malaysia
Official retailers such as Cortina Watch and The Hour Glass publish Malaysian prices. Several are confirmed in our data. For example, the Datejust 36 126234 lists at RM43,850 and the Datejust 41 126334 at RM50,600. Grey dealers in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore usually add a modest premium for White Rolesor. However, two-tone models sit close to retail. Still, we could not verify every Rolesor price in ringgit. So we show US prices where the RM figure is unconfirmed.
Authentication notes for every Datejust
All current Datejusts share the same core checks. First, the Cyclops should magnify the date 2.5 times. Next, the rehaut should carry an aligned ROLEX engraving with the serial at 6. Finally, the date should change instantly at midnight. On Rolesor models, check that gold parts are solid rather than plated. Our real vs fake Rolex guide walks through each step, and each product page above adds reference-specific tells.
For related comparisons, see Datejust vs Oyster Perpetual and Land-Dweller vs Datejust.
Rolex Datejust price FAQ
How much is a Rolex Datejust?
As of October 2026, US retail starts at about US$7,900 for the steel Datejust 31 278240. At the top, the Everose Rolesor Datejust 41 126331 costs about US$17,450. In Malaysia, the steel Datejust 36 126200 lists at RM35,300 and the Datejust 41 126300 at RM38,600. Pre-owned prices sit close to retail for most references.
Is the Datejust a good first Rolex?
It is one of the best. The Datejust is usually easier to buy at retail than the sports models. It also suits office and casual wear, and it resells readily. Start with the steel smooth-bezel versions if budget matters, or the fluted white gold bezel if you want a little more polish. See our first Rolex buying guide.
Does the Rolex Datejust hold its value?
Mostly, yes, though it rarely makes money. Steel and White Rolesor models trade a little above retail, while the Everose and yellow Rolesor models sit at roughly list price. The white gold fluted-bezel Datejust 41 126334 has the strongest premium in the range. Condition and papers matter more than the reference.
What Datejust size should I choose?
As a rough guide, 31 mm suits wrists under about 16 cm. Meanwhile, 36 mm suits about 15 to 18 cm, and 41 mm suits about 17.5 cm and above. Overlap is normal, and dial colour also changes how big a watch looks. Try both 36 and 41 if you can.
Is a Rolex Datejust cheaper in Malaysia?
Not usually by much. Converted at 4.08 MYR per USD, Malaysian list prices for steel Datejusts run a few per cent above US prices. For example, the 126200 costs RM35,300 locally against about RM33,250 converted. The upside in Malaysia is availability rather than price.
Last updated . Written and fact-checked by the Rolex Malaysian editorial team. Specifications and prices are re-checked quarterly.