All the new Dials for the Rolex Datejust in 2026, and There’s Much More than the Green Ombré

For 2026, Rolex had a pretty big year at Watches and Wonders Geneva. There was, of course, the much-debated high-end Rolesium and enamel Daytona, the revamped Yacht-Master II, or a new gold alloy named Jubilee gold for the Day-Date. Then, the Crown publicly showed the special edition steel and gold Oyster Perpetual 100th Anniversary. You thought this was only available in 41mm…? Wrong, as there are also 36mm and 31mm options. The same goes for the bold Oyster Perpetual with multi-coloured Jubilee dial. Only showed in 36mm, while 41mm and 31mm options exist. As for the Datejust, Rolex publicly released only one new reference, a 41mm model with a fluted bezel, Oyster bracelet and a new green ombré dial. Was it all…? Well, far, very far from it. In total, Rolex has released well over 100 new references in its Datejust collection, including a rather profound redesign of the models with Roman numerals. And we got the chance to go hands-on with a large number of these new versions.

Before we talk about the lesser-known additions to the Datejust collection, let’s have a quick look at what was the star of the show for the brand at Watches and Wonders Geneva 2026, the green ombré versions (yes, once again, there is more than just one…)

The Datejust with Green Ombre dial

If Rolex mostly talked about this new dial variant, it is for a good reason. It objectively looks quite fantastic. A style that’s been applied for some years already to the Datejust’s bigger brother, the higher-end Day-Date, the ombré dial (Rolex’s name for a smoked, gradient effect) finds its way in the brand’s most classic watch now. As said, Rolex only publicly displayed a 41mm version in steel, with an Oyster bracelet and a white gold fluted bezel, while this green ombré dial is actually present on 8 different references: 36mm or 41mm, Oyster or Jubilee bracelet, smooth or fluted bezel.

We had the chance to see two other variants of this watch for our hands-on session at Rolex’s HQ in Brussels, both with smooth steel bezels and Oyster bracelets, on the 36mm and 41mm versions. The whole story turns around the new dial, of course, which retains the classic baton markers in white gold, with white luminous material, and baton-style handset. Nothing new here, as the watch remains other than dial identical to the models presented in 2016 and 2017, when the Datejust received the new 3235 movement.

This new dial is coloured entirely by lacquering – a first for an ombré dial since the pattern was reintroduced to the brand’s catalogue in 2019. Green lacquer is applied to the base plate, then, as with all ombré dials, the colour gradient is created by spraying black lacquer in concentric motions. The result is a dial that’s discreetly coloured, more animated and quite elegant. Modern, fresh and certainly very appealing.

36mm or 41mm… Two very different options

Having the chance to photograph multiple versions of the Datejust also reminded me how different the 41mm and 36mm editions are. Many think that the smaller version is just a downsized model, equipped with the same movement. But the story goes much further than just scaling down all elements. Having both sizes of the Datejust next to each other is an eye-opening moment, when you realise that these two couldn’t be so different.

First, lets quicky compare the dimensions. The 36mm version is 11.8mm in thickness (not including the cyclops), 43.1mm in lug-to-lug, has a 20mm lug width and has a dial opening of 30mm (an important measurement for the rest of the story). The 41mm version is 11.6mm in thickness (not including the cyclops), 47.4mm in lug-to-lug, has a 21mm lug width and has a dial opening of 32mm. Both are equipped with the same Calibre 3235 and have a 100m water-resistance. Those are the hard numbers.

But the visual comparison tells a much different story. When you look at both together, you can see that the 41mm has far more bulk and sharpness, with a flat, edgy bezel that is much wider. This is easily explained by the difference between the dial opening and total diameter, measured at 9mm on the 41mm and 6mm on the 36mm. In addition, the smooth steel bezel of the 36mm has a domed profile, not a flat surface (something that visually reduces its size). Also, since the ratio between the case size and lug width is much smaller on the 41mm edition, the “watch head” feels larger still, while the 36mm has more continuity between case and bracelet. Finally, the lugs are much narrower on the 36mm edition, making the watch lighter and more elegant – a feeling that’s reinforced by the more domed flanks of the case.

As for the dials, there are some notable differences too. The most obvious one is the presence of a minute scale with numerals on the larger watch, giving it a sportier edge, when the 36mm model only carries a scale with small markers. Of course, it remains a matter of choice, preferences, taste and wrist size, but seeing both models next to each other makes it clear where my money would go… 36mm all the way!

The new dial with Roman numerals

Let’s now talk about what was not openly communicated by Rolex during Watches and Wonders 2026: an array of new dials for the Datejust 36mm and 41mm (the 31mm range isn’t concerned), as all models with Roman numerals, except for the emblematic Wimbledon model, have been updated. This means new dials applied to steel, white Rolesor (steel and fluted bezel), yellow Rolesor, and Everose Rolesor models, with an Oyster or a Jubilee bracelet. In total, it is well over 100 new references that have been added to the catalogue, while most of the older generation dials with Roman numerals, as found on the Azzuro and Wimbledon models until last year, are gone.

So what is the update all about? Mostly, the applied Roman numerals have been deeply redesigned, giving the collection a more modern edge and more consistency with the applied markers found on its bigger sister, the Day-Date. These are sharper, sans-serif applied Roman numerals that somehow recall what’s used on the Day-Date. The numerals are now composed of separate elements (for example, 4 batons for the IIII or 4 distinct elements for VIII), while before each numeral was a single element. Also, these numerals are now flat and angular, and have a thicker profile than what was previously used on the model, and the baton marker at 9 o’clock has been replaced by a numeral. So not only is the typface different, but the execution is drastically updated, too. The result is both more complex and yet sleeker, more modern than before.

Also, all versions of the Datejust with Roman numerals have been unified regarding the minute track, which is now a continuous railroad-style element across the entire range, in white or black depending on the dial colour. Talking about options, and depending on the size and material of the case, Rolex has deployed a vast range of tones, ranging from classic glossy white to new mint or olive green – used respectively on Everose Rolesor and yellow Rolesor models, as well as black and blue for the 41mm – all paired with hands and markers that match the bezel. And before you ask, the Azzuro model with its sunray-brushed blue dial is still available.

For the 36mm, the collection is even larger in terms of colours, as it includes the tones mentioned above and additional colours, which are available only on certain combinations of materials – dark grey, aubergine, pink, silver, chocolate, slate and salmon – with some of them featuring diamonds on the applied numerals at 6 and 9 o’clock.

All in all, we’re certainly not talking about a revolution for the Datejust but a stronger update than expected. Not only did Rolex introduce a new gradient green dial to the collection, which looks rather fantastic, but it also updated about half of the dials available in the entire range. The result, with the new Roman numerals, is a fresher, more modern and sharper take on one of the brand’s classics, making it feel up to date and cleaner than before. For more details and to consult the entire range of new dials, please visit www.rolex.com.