The Rolex Datejust from 1985 is a classic Rolex.  Oyster case with screw down crown, fluted 18ct gold bezel and magnifying date bubble are hallmarks of this great brand.

Like most watchmakers, I wasn’t a great Rolex fan. In the 60’s they where expensive, not easy to get parts and clumsy to repair while there were many other brands that where none of that.  But in the 70’s all the other brands cut corners on a fast track to bankruptcy in the face of the Japanese quartz invasion while Rolex not just stood firm, they improved.  It  is one of the few watches to still have a brequet hairspring,  balance wheel with timing screws and a certified chronometer.  It’s also a great size, while fashions change between large, small, bulky, slim etc, the Datejust has not changed and sits on a normal wrist beautifully.

This watch is one of my favourites and gets a lot of wrist time and, anyway, what sort of collection would it be without a Rolex?