Vintage Rolex Datejust - WatchGecko Strap Showcase

The Rolex Datejust is arguably one of the most iconic watches of all time. From its inception in 1945 to celebrate the 40 ^th anniversary of Rolex, it introduced a new standard for luxury watches. Earlier this year, we purchased our own Rolex Datejust in the form of this beautiful reference 1603 from 1967. This reference holds all of the DNA that makes the Datejust so recognisable; the fluted bezel, cyclops lens, 36mm case, and jubilee bracelet. This particular model is powered by a Rolex calibre 1570 and features a stunning silver pie-pan dial which has maintained a lot of its lustre while ageing and developing a subtle champagne tone.

Despite the brilliance in comfort and design of the jubilee bracelet, on a watch of this age the links do start to get a little worn and so here are my favourite strap options for this historical timepiece.

Let’s start off with a classic. A deep brown leather strap with contrast stitching and a classic and elegant profile. For just sheer simple class you cannot argue with the Camden. This model has also recently been refreshed to incorporate more colours, higher quality stitching, and a wider range of lug widths. The slim profile of this strap help the Datejust to sit close to the wrist and accentuate its dressy design qualities. But this is also a strap built to withstand daily wear, just like the watch it is attached to. As and all-rounder, the Camden ticks a lot of boxes.

And now for something on the opposite end of the spectrum. The Mosaic cut-to-size FKM rubber strap in Canary Yellow certainly makes a statement but pairs surprisingly well with this classic watch. The design of the Datejust is timeless and allows it to exceed as a dress watch, everyday piece, and even a sports watch. Rolex’s Oyster case gives this watch 100m of water resistance (although if you own a vintage Rolex, make sure you get the water resistance tested before diving headfirst into the sea!). This strap turns an elegant watch into one that is ready for any adventure in an instant.

The racing strap is one of the more distinct leather strap styles. Those perforations aren’t just for design though; they were added to improve ventilation for the wearer and increase the flexibility of the strap making it more comfortable when worn tight. Our new Ashdown range applies this design to the world-renowned Togo leather, a calf hide revered for its supple texture and durable, hard-wearing qualities. I love the shade of red on this strap, it allows the dial to stand out while also adding some colour.

There are few places in the world where you can find more vintage Rolex’s than at The Vintage Watch Company, in Burlington Arcade, London. We produce straps with their branding for them to fit to some of the most incredible and rare Rolex’s on the planet, so naturally I have paired our lovely vintage Datejust with this Navy Blue nylon strap. This combination feels understated for what is seen by many to be a flashy watch. Possibly one for the weekends out and about or even a city break.

Rolex and green is a synonymous pairing that extends deep into the brand’s history. But while the darker shade of green adorns the boxes and boutiques, I believe that almost every shade of green fits a Rolex. This Bourton strap in Ash Green gives this overall combination a more rustic aesthetic. Designed to patina with wear, this more matte finish will age beautifully as you enjoy wearing it every day.

Another splash of colour but this time on a leather. The Hanley range features that distinct textured pattern that comes from Epsom leather. The light blue colouring that I’ve picked adds a contemporary flash that compliments this classic watch. The calf leather underside to this strap makes for an extremely comfortable wearing experience paired with the distinct patterning on the top side. A modern twist for a timeless watch.

If you are a fan of the military style strap but want to keep the slim profile that the Datejust offers, then this is the solution for you. The Ridgeflex is a two-piece nylon strap with quick release spring bars, squared keepers and a military style buckle, the same as the one found on our single-piece military straps. The benefit of this style is that the watch sits directly on your wrist allowing that brilliant Rolex case design to give you its signatiure wearing experience, all while adding the military aesthetic and comfort of a nylon strap. I picked Army Green for this combination, linking back to the Rolex and green theme but this watch would look equally as good on all of our colours.