The market appears to have flipped the script, with green dials now outperforming blue dials. Going back to the grain diet craze, while watch manufacturers have historically done green dials, It wasn’t until Rolex did the same in the submariner known as the Hulk back in 2010.
When Rolex created the crane in the Hulk back in the day, it was not well received by the large community of collectors, and some referred to it as a very non-versatile color.
Others saw it as a gimmick and a marketing stunt that would soon fade away. Interestingly, Rolex did the hulk for over ten years before discontinuing it, only for the rest of the watch manufacturers to follow, and we saw green in some of the most popular watch models in the world, including, but not limited to, Patek Philippe Nautilus, Audemars Rolex Datejust 36 Piguet Royal Oak, and recently omega speed, master, and sea master, while Rolex did discontinue the flashy and sunburst screen in the submariner.
They didn’t abandon the green color entirely, and in the same year of 2020, we saw the introduction of funky and colorful dials in Rolex’s oyster perpetual range, including turquoise, blue, pink, coral, red, yellow, and green.
Green has also introduced in Rolex Datejust 36 models, but not in a plane or non-textured dial. It was only available in the dial with a palm motif pattern, and it did not come in the 41-millimeter DJ range. There was no true Standard, green dial in the Datejust range until this point.
A short history
If you look at the history, the Rolex Datejust was first released in 1945, which was about a decade before the Rolex submariner. It didn’t happen until 2009. Just the case size of 41 millimeters has been added to the Rolex collection 64 years later.
This was also a reflection of how Rolex watches have evolved to remain timeless and iconic while also adapting to modern times, standards, needs, sizes, and trends. Rolex Datejust has largely remained the only watch with the greatest number of customization options. That is, from 2009 to 2022, you can select the dial, color dial pattern, material, bezel, bracelet, and even the diamond or precious metal options. However, while Rolex offered many dial configurations, there was never a green color in virtually any dial in The DJ-41 range.
So the addition of a green dial to the Rolex DJ-41 line this year marks the start of a new chapter in the Rolex line. The Datejust is a classic and timeless watch with a long history. While Rolex did do a somewhat controversial shade of green on the hulk and also a rather unique matte green in the oyster perpetual range in 2020.
The shade of green used on the Datejust is very similar to core Rolex characteristics. Rolex DNA and Rolex appearances are green, but in a classic earthy and natural way that is not fleshy or pretentious, but rather downright sleek and elegant.
When you put it next to the oyster perpetual, you can easily see how the funky dial colors Rolex did in the op range were so Rolex looking and the dial shade that Rolex did on the Datejust is so much Rolex-like, you might notice a different dial to bezel ratio in both of these 41 millimeter Rolex watches. So, if you’re looking for an op-41 vs. dj41 comparison video, the link is in the upper right corner of your screen.
While the fluted bezel is typically a more popular choice in the DJ range, the smooth bezel has attributes and characters that are unique to it.
For example, because it is polished, it is much easier to wear than a floated bezel, which plays with light and reflections differently and draws more attention. However, unlike the pump and floated motif tiles in the Datejust range, a more polished, smooth area on the bezel and bracelet links means a higher tendency for the watch to show scratches and marks. The dial here has a standard sunburst treatment, and the brush lines are crisp and sharp, allowing the dial to play with the light, displaying all the different shades of green and even almost black at times.
The hour markers have bevels on the edges that allow them to play with light and ensure reflections upon the flick of the wrist, enhancing the experience of the watch on the wrist. The hour markers have luminous infill, as do the dire hands, which not only execute fine workmanship but also offer a very soothing and visually appealing aesthetic to please the wearer as the second sand sweeps through the dial on the wrist.
The Datejust-41 in green fits and appears true to size. And because it isn’t a flashy, vibrant, or funky green, the color blends and appears versatile and timeless.
The dimensions of the watch. The bezel measures only 39.2 millimeters. As a result, it does not appear to be that large. However, if you measure the case from 2 to 8 o’clock, it is 41 millimeters. The crystal on the dial measures 32 millimeters in diameter.
In comparison to the Datejust-41 Rolex, the Datejust has such a rich history, legacy, and heritage that it would be difficult to find a watch with a long history. Furthermore, it retains its iconic appearance, and whether you see a DJ from 1945 or one from today, you will instantly recognize what watch it is. Rolex previously added the green color to their watches and has now added it to their Datejust line.