Rolex Datejust

“Black is the hardest color in the world to get right—except for gray…”

So said Diana Vreeland, the inimitable editor-in-chief of Vogue from 1963 to 1971. Under her leadership, some of the most iconic looks of the 1960s were splashed across the publication’s glossy pages. Her influence was so widespread—on both men’s and women’s fashion—that it has had lasting ramifications. 

If the great D.V. had ever clapped eyes on the gray dial of this Rolex Datejust, we think she might have appreciated it.

Like a well-tailored blazer for men or the “little black dress” for women, the Rolex Datejust is always in fashion. Although its metamorphosed from its genesis as a gold dress watch that both Dwight D. Eisenhower and Winston Churchill loved, at its heart it’s remained a versatile watch that’s at home in any environment. However, it’s the sporty-chic variants from the late 1960s and early 1970s—during Vreeland’s tenure at Vogue—that have become nothing short of iconic.

Dating from 1972, this particular Datejust is a Reference 1603. Though the engine-turned bezel is crafted from steel, it gives the watch a touch of old-fashioned elegance—just how we like it. Although the Datejust is best shown to full effect on a Jubilee bracelet, on leather (in this case, one of our very own handmade leather straps) it possesses a versatility that is unmatched in the watch world.

Back to that dial. The Datejust has been no stranger to color, coming in a disco ball-array of hues, from deep blue to warm gold to cool silver. But there’s something about the way that the gray dial of this Datejust catches the light that we find absolutely stunning. Perhaps it’s because, as Vreeland said, it’s so hard to get right—if it’s too light or too dark, it falls flat.

This one, however, is just the right shade of gray, giving the watch a timelessness that will never go out of style.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.