This is the most standard Datejust config of the group. Bright black sunburst dial, baton markers, fluted bezel, Jubilee. It is the version that people picture when they say Datejust. Nothing unusual about it, and that is the point. It is the default, and VSF has the default right.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Factory | VS Factory (VSF) |
| Reference | 126234 (Datejust 36, all steel, fluted bezel, bright black dial, Jubilee) |
| Movement | DD3235 automatic, 72-hour power reserve |
| Case dimensions | 36mm diameter |
| Material | 904L Oystersteel |
| Bezel | Fluted, 18K white gold plated, high polish |
| Dial | Bright black sunburst with luminous baton markers, date at 3 with cyclops |
| Bracelet | Jubilee, five-piece links, Oysterclasp with 5mm Easylink |
The dial. Bright black, which is Rolex's name for a black dial with a subtle sunburst rather than a flat matte finish. It reads near-black in low light and shows a faint radial texture under direct sun. Baton markers filled with Chromalight, giving a blue glow at night. The date sits at 3 under the cyclops. It is the most neutral dial Rolex makes for this watch, which is why it is the best-selling configuration. It goes with everything.
The bezel. Fluted, and here it is white gold plated rather than left as bare polished steel. The white gold plating gives it a slightly brighter, warmer shine than raw steel and matches the genuine reference more closely. The facets catch light from every angle.
The case. 36mm, the historically correct size. Slim profile, sweeping lugs. It slides under a cuff without resistance and wears comfortably all day. This is the size the Datejust was built around, before 41mm became the default for everything.
The bracelet. Jubilee, five-piece links. Polished centers, satin-brushed outers. Supple and dressy. Folding Oysterclasp with the 5mm Easylink extension.
The movement. DD3235, the VSF 3235 clone. Genuine architecture, instant midnight date flip, real 72-hour reserve. The best 3235 clone on the market, and the reason VSF owns this category.
The takeaway. This is the one to get if you do not want to think about it. Black dial, fluted bezel, Jubilee. It is the default Datejust because it works in every situation. Not the most interesting config in the range, but the most useful. If you want a single watch that covers daily wear, office, and a night out without ever looking out of place, this is it.