Eighty years on, the Datejust is still the watch every other dress watch gets measured against. It is for the collector who has nothing left to prove and just wants a Rolex that works everywhere. For most people, owning one is the moment they stop looking.

Presents itself in brand new condition with no signs of wear. The sunburst blue dial reads deep navy in the shade and turns electric in the sun. The fluted bezel is solid 18k white gold, a shade brighter than the steel case. The five link Jubilee mixes polished and brushed links and disappears on the wrist.

Functions include hours, minutes, seconds, and date. Everything is set through the screw down Twinlock crown at 3 o’clock. After a month at rest, unscrew it and give it about thirty winds to get the calibre 3235 running, good for around 70 hours of reserve. Pull the crown out one click and set the date to yesterday. Pull it out a second click, run the hands past midnight so the date turns to today, then reach the correct time. Screw the crown down for 100 metres of water resistance.

Comes as a complete set, double boxed with its International Guarantee card, card folio, guarantee and worldwide service booklet, and green hang tag.

A steel and white gold Datejust 41 is the one people keep for life and pass down. It is quiet confidence on the wrist, the watch that still looks right in twenty years. A piece like this does not wait long for the right owner.