The two-tone Datejust with diamonds and a dated card.

The Datejust 36 is the watch Rolex built its reputation on: the first self-winding wristwatch with a date that changed at midnight, launched in 1945, and made ever since in a 36mm Oyster case with a screw-down crown, an automatic chronometer movement, the date under its Cyclops lens at three, a fluted, smooth or engine-turned bezel, and a Jubilee or Oyster bracelet. Because Rolex made it for eight decades in every dial and metal, the pre-owned market is deep and this is where the money goes when people search for a Rolex that is not a Submariner.

The two-tone Datejust 36 with a fluted yellow gold bezel and a silver diamond dial has been in the Rolex catalogue in two forms this century: the 116233 with the calibre 3135 until about 2018, then the 126233 with the calibre 3235 and its 70-hour reserve. They look the same at arm’s length; the card that comes with this one carries the reference and the date, and that is what to ask Rebag for. The diamond markers on a silver dial are a Rolex factory dial layout; ask Rebag to confirm the dial is original.

Rebag gives the case at 36mm and 12mm high, the band at 20mm, a wrist size of about 7.5 inches, the band as stainless steel with 18k yellow gold, the case as stainless steel, the dial colour as silver, an automatic movement with date and a screw-down crown, the condition as Very Good with scratches and minor wear, and a dated warranty card as included. It gives no reference. The fluted bezel, diamond markers and Jubilee bracelet are from the photograph; the calibres, chronometer rating, reserves and 100 metres are Rolex’s published figures for the two references it can be.

Rebag authenticates in-house and is not a Rolex authorised dealer, and Amazon adds its 30-day return window. Ask for the reference and the date on the card, whether the box is included, whether the diamond dial is factory, and when it was last serviced. Nothing here was measured on the watch.

This unit is sold by Rebag through Amazon Luxury Stores, authenticated by the seller with Amazon’s 30-day return window on top; it is one piece, and when it sells the listing goes away, so the second button opens the live search for 36mm Datejusts.

Steel and two-tone Datejusts have resold close to what pre-owned buyers paid, sometimes more, sometimes less; that is a pattern, not a promise, and nothing here is investment advice.