Watch lovers don’t always agree. That’s part of what makes this world of ticking hands and sweeping seconds so addictive. We argue about quartz versus mechanical, obsess over lug widths, and spend far too long wondering whether an exhibition caseback belongs on a dive watch. But one topic seems to split the room more than most: the date window. Some see it as a practical touch. A little square of utility. Others see it as a design compromise, a blemish on an otherwise balanc

This year, the iconic Rolex Datejust celebrates its 80th anniversary, making it one of the longest-running luxury watch models in the world. To mark the occasion on The Watch Brief, I wanted to discuss one model that found its way into my collection over a year ago, the Datejust 36. While the Datejust is available in 34mm and 41mm, I can firmly state that the 36mm option is the ideal choice, bridging the gap between classic and modern.