Break out the cake, because the Rolex Datejust is about to turn 70. This Rolex Datejust 16220 in stainless steel combines the best features of the 1945 original with a stunning salmon dial and bold engine-turned steel bezel.

Notables from Chuck Yeager to Winston Churchill to Dwight Eisenhower have helped to keep the Datejust in the spotlight since its VE-era debut, but it's the masses of worldwide Rolex devotees who have made this model line the most important Rolex luxury reference of all time. VIPS have the "President"; let's consider the Datejust the "people's choice."
This Rolex Datejust 16220 packs the same essential appeal as the first automatic watch with a date window, the 1945 Datejust. With a 100m water-resistant Oyster case and bracelet (Jubilee in this instance) that scream "sports watch" and a stately metallic sunburst salmon dial that whispers "tuxedo," this Datejust is ready to answer any occasion with élan and panache.

An engine-turned steel bezel sets the stage for a remarkably animated and detailed soleil-grained metallic salmon dial. Applied white gold Roman numerals are encircled by a subtle black "railroad" chapter ring with inset tritium luminescent dots. The combination of the intricate engine-turned bezel and salmon dial is striking, but it’s also exclusive; this rare pair has been discontinued and is unavailable on any new Rolex Datejust.
Despite its 36mm nominal width, this Rolex Datejust leverages the broad shoulders of the Oyster case to wear and present like a conventional 40mm watch when on the wrist. For trivia points and added elegance, this T-series Datejust was among the first produced with solid lugs; previous Datejust models featured drilled lugs that exposed the ends of the bracelet spring bars.

The five-link Rolex Jubilee bracelet compounds the impression of refinement and occasion. Its supple steel links conform to the curvature of the wrist like a soft calf-leather strap. As a genteel alternative to the Oyster bracelet, the Jubilee compounds its advantage in elegance with a contrasting brushed outer and polished inner link finish.

Within the case, Rolex equips the Datejust 16220 with the same rugged Caliber 3135 movement found in the Submariner and Sea-Dweller. This tank-like power plant is equal parts blood and iron; while the legendary Rolex timing precision is confirmed by COSC certification, human artisans craft many critical details including each heat-blued Parachrom anti-magnetic Breguet hairspring.

If you're ready to crash the biggest Swiss birthday bash of 2015, this Rolex Datejust 16220 is ready to party like it's 1945.
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