In short: on a Rolex Datejust, marks first appear on the clasp, on the polished centre links of the bracelet and on the bezel. Two details change everything from one reference to another: the bezel, smooth or fluted, and the metal, steel only or steel and gold (Rolesor). Gold is softer than steel: on a two-tone Datejust, the gold parts mark faster.
How to read a Datejust reference
The reference of a recent Datejust tells you the size, the bezel and the metal. On the Datejust 41, for example:
- 126300: steel, smooth bezel;
- 126301: steel and Everose gold (Everose Rolesor), smooth bezel;
- 126331: Everose Rolesor, fluted bezel;
- 126334: steel and white gold (White Rolesor), fluted bezel.
The last digit gives the metal (0 for steel, 1 for Everose gold, 3 for yellow gold, 4 for white gold). It tells you whether your watch has softer gold parts to protect.
The areas that mark on a Datejust
1. The fluted bezel
On fluted-bezel versions, the bezel is gold. Its fine ridges reflect the light: that is what gives it its sparkle, but it is also where knocks show first, and polishing visibly rounds off those ridges.
2. The centre links of the Jubilee
The five-piece Jubilee is the Datejust's signature bracelet. Its polished centre links show the slightest micro-scratch. On a two-tone Datejust, these centre links are gold: they are the most exposed parts of the whole watch.
3. The clasp
As on every Rolex worn daily, the clasp cover rubs against the desk and the computer.
4. The smooth bezel
On smooth-bezel versions (126300, 126301…), the domed, polished bezel acts like a mirror: it shows rubbing marks very quickly.
Reference by reference
Datejust 41
- 126300: all steel, smooth bezel. The polished areas (bezel, centre links, flanks) are the most exposed. See the kit
- 126301: Everose Rolesor, smooth bezel. See the kit
- 126331: Everose Rolesor, fluted bezel, on Jubilee or Oyster. Our best-selling Datejust reference. Jubilee kit · Oyster kit
- 126334: steel with a white gold fluted bezel. See the kit
Datejust 36
- 126200: all steel. See the kit
- 126201: steel and Everose gold. See the kit
- 126231: steel and Everose gold, on Jubilee or Oyster. Jubilee kit · Oyster kit
- 116200: the all-steel Datejust 36 of the previous generation. See the kit
- 16233: the classic Datejust 36 in steel and yellow gold, with a fluted bezel, from an older generation. On these watches, the original condition of the gold bezel matters a great deal. See the kit
Datejust 31
- 278273: steel and yellow gold, fluted bezel. At Rolex, the bezel, the crown and the bracelet centre links are 18-carat yellow gold. See the kit
- 278274: steel with a white gold fluted bezel, on Jubilee or Oyster. Jubilee kit · Oyster kit
- 278381: Datejust 31 in steel and Everose gold. See the kit
- 178271: the Datejust 31 in steel and Everose gold of the previous generation, on Jubilee or Oyster. Jubilee kit · Oyster kit
Lady-Datejust 28 and 26
- 279160: Lady-Datejust 28 in steel, smooth bezel. See the kit
- 279173: Lady-Datejust 28 in steel and yellow gold, fluted bezel. See the kit
- 279171: Lady-Datejust 28 in steel and Everose gold. See the kit
- 179171: Lady-Datejust 26 in steel and Everose gold, from the previous generation. See the kit
Protecting a Datejust without polishing it
On a Datejust, polishing is especially visible: it rounds off the ridges of the fluted bezel and removes gold from the centre links. A PreserveLayer™ film cut for your reference freezes their current condition. On a two-tone Datejust worn on a Jubilee, we recommend the Premium kit (€149), which also protects the gold centre links.
Frequently asked questions about the Datejust
Do the gold parts of a two-tone Datejust scratch faster?
Yes. Gold is a softer metal than Oystersteel: on a Rolesor, the gold bezel and centre links show marks before the steel parts.
Fluted or smooth bezel: which one marks more?
They mark differently. The fluted bezel shows knocks on its fine ridges; the smooth, domed bezel mainly shows rubbing marks, like a mirror.
126331 Jubilee or Oyster: which kit should I choose?
The one for your bracelet: Jubilee and Oyster links do not have the same shape, and each kit is cut for one or the other.
My Datejust 36 is a 116200: does the 126200 kit fit?
No. The 116200 belongs to the previous generation and has its own kit. Check the reference on your warranty card.
Not sure of your reference? Here is where to find it.
By the ChronoSkin team, French maker of protective films for watches. Updated 2 November 2026.