Rolex Date Lady Ref. 6917

A design archetype that will last a lifetime. Or probably longer!

Back in 1946, Rolex launched the Datejust. By 1958, it had evolved into the design we see here. It has been produced in that rough shape ever since. So this design has been “current” for over 60 years now. The Datejust has become an archetypical watch. Its design has been copied by nearly every fashion watch brand out there, but it was never bettered.

This example is from 1971 and executed in pretty much the most archetypical layout of all. A silver dial with stick indices and baton hands. A white gold fluted bezel. A jubilee bracelet. This is the Porsche 911, Eames chair or Converse All-star of watches. It is a term that is highly over-used in the watch world, but it is right at home here: iconic!