I have a special relationship with this Rolex model. I am not a big fan of the Rolex brand, and I try to evaluate it very objectively. This model, however, generates vibrations when I look at it. The reason is that I see in it a perfect versatility, which is missing in most versatile watches. It sounds kind of confusing, but that’s exactly how I feel.
In general, the 116334 model is not exactly new in the Rolex collection. It appeared precisely in 2009, having already been surpassed by many other more innovative and updated releases. But to be honest, what followed AFTER this model, did not impress me that much.
With the 116334 watch, I see a giant leap that the brand has dared to make by going from the usual 36mm models to the 41mm ones. In the times when the model just appeared, it seems that the auditorium was not exactly prepared for such a transition. However, this thought is no longer valid today. The reason is that the 41mm diameter has already become a normality as natural as possible for the current times.
A brief introduction to the topic
Personally, I think that every novelty has its time. Referring to the Datejust II 116334 model, it seems to me that it didn’t appear quite at the right time. For this reason, the public did not really welcome the concept. Today, taking into account how the public’s preferences have evolved, I think that this watch finds its rightful place. Let’s see in more detail what this replica watch entails, and how it could be useful in our everyday life.
Each collection from the Rolex heritage has a certain “validity period” if I can call it that. Some collections last longer, while others see the sunset a little earlier. In this context, the Datejust family is one of the longest-lived. The first Datejust member saw the light of day in 1945. From then until now, this line has undergone various aesthetic and functional additions.
The language of the Datejust collection is fine and elegant, with slight sporty accents. One of the most radical changes in the collection came through the lens of the Datejust II models, in which there was a progressive change in size. The new concept managed to divide the brand’s admirers into 2 camps: those who were dissatisfied with the new proportions and those who saw the brand’s new approach to modern watches.
Delving into details
After the passage of several years, the concept of more massive cases came to be accepted by the public. Yes, the case looks more robust and present. But the feeling of comfort did not suffer at all. More than that, I find this case more welcome to read more clearly the elegance and subtlety of the dial. I have to admit, however, that the 36mm version is somewhat limiting in terms of aesthetics due to its smaller proportions. Instead, the 41mm offers enough space for “air” on the entire surface of the face. At the same time, the benefit of the more massive case is also reflected in the legibility of the watch, improving it significantly.
Another detail that impresses me in this watch is the robustness of the case. It seems very rational in relation to current trends. More than that, I have to admit that the robustness in no way impacts the feeling of comfort and I don’t feel the watch is heavy on the wrist.
Variety
The Rolex Datejust II 116334 replica watch is actually available in a wide variety of colors. The collection is rich in vivid shades to be attractive to different tastes and preferences. Personally, I can’t help but notice the model with a black dial. I find this watch extremely charming and solid due to the pronounced contrast between the black dial and the bright stainless steel case. This classic combination of shades is always a suitable option when you want to go the impressive way.
In addition to the variety of dial colors, you will discover a fan of hour markers and hands styles, from the most elegant and classic to the most modern.
In the same context, the collection is available in several types of bezel, including fluted and the smoothly-polished ones. The finish, by the way, has a phenomenal execution on the entire surface of the metal.
The defining element of this model is, of course, the 2.5x cyclops lens that covers the data aperture. Cyclops lenses are usually very controversial in the watch lovers’ community. Someone resonates with them, but someone cannot find a logical explanation for them. Regardless of which category you are in, I want to say that the cyclops lens on the date aperture of this model looks very delicate and reserved. It is not one of those types that jump out at the eyes with exaggerated sizes. On the contrary, it is balanced by a modest and aesthetically balanced size.
Watch appeal
Looking objectively at the entire Rolex replica watch collection, I admit that the silhouette of this Datejust II seems to be the most successful. It perfectly combines sports charisma with the wise one. At the same time, it perfectly balances the minimalist style with the functional one. It lacks nothing that a tool watch should have. At the same time, it has more personality than other tool watches.
The watch itself is an ensemble of reasons to love it: an airy dial and a design balanced by minimalist, yet expressive shapes. Now I understand why the public has come to appreciate this model more and more. It took some time for the audience to understand its value and to prefer it over other models.
Rolex Datejust II replica watch case
The debut of this model was somehow scandalous because of the unexpected proportions. However, I must admit that I am probably one of the few who immediately appreciated the masculinity of the case, along with the 41mm. The entire construction is proposed in 904l stainless steel with a special finish and a firm fit on the wrist.
All the design details in the replica watch accurately repeat the authentic model. More than that, even the meticulous architecture of the crown of the replica watch has an ideal execution and is exact to the authentic model.
Rolex Datejust II replica watch dial
The dial of the genuine watch is not exactly complex. It is exempt from technical twists and turns, being limited only to the time and date. Respectively, I assume that the replica manufacturers did not find it difficult to reproduce it, and it looks impeccably close to the original watch.
The hour markers of the replica watch benefit from a captivating brightness due to the luminous material. The brand’s typical crown elegantly slips under the 12 o’clock numeral.
The black texture of the dial is homogeneous on its entire surface, regardless of the angle from which I look at it. The beautiful part of the dial is its expressive and clear legibility. The watch is highly legible for 2 reasons. The first reason is due to the wide platform of the dial. The second reason is due to the balanced proportions of the date aperture, hour markers, and hands. They do not interfere with each other, leaving enough space between them for the dial to appear airy.
All the beauty of the dial is protected by a sapphire crystal that benefits from an anti-reflective layer both inside and outside.
Technical details
The replica watch works on the basis of a Japanese movement, namely the Miyota automatic movement with 21 jewels. Those who know a thing or two about this Japanese movement will agree with me that this is a good option from a price/quality point of view. During the time I wore the replica watch, I did not register any serious errors in accuracy. From what I have learned from the watch community, this movement seems to be quite effective and without much potential to break down in the near future. We’ll see.
Either way, the replica watch movement is far from performing as well as the genuine one. The original DateJust II 116334 watch enjoys one of the most promising mechanisms, namely the caliber 3136 automatic movement. I don’t expect my Datejust replica watch to perform as well. Otherwise, I should be extremely naive. However, at least I hope that the Miyota movement will serve me loyally for at least a few years.
Rolex Datejust II replica watch bracelet
The appearance of the bracelet of this replica watch is a tricky one. On the one hand, it has an extraordinarily high-quality execution. On the other hand, it is the bracelet that reveals that the watch is, in fact, a replica. How is that possible? I’ll tell you right away.
My replica watch benefits from a Jubilee bracelet with 5 links of extraordinary beauty. The problem is that Rolex has never produced Jubilee bracelets specifically for the Datejust II 116334 models. The brand proposed that model only in the Oyster bracelet formula, which benefits from 3 links. And Jubilee bracelet was kept specifically for the original DayDate series.
Consequently, the whole architecture of the replica bracelet is wrong. This means that instead of a specific lock clasp for DateJust II, I actually have a specific hidden clasp for DayDate watches. Due to the inappropriate bracelet, the watch seems slightly dressier than I would have liked because, in fact, I was looking for a casual watch. Respectively, the bracelet is the “intruder” in this whole scheme. If I received the watch with the bracelet it deserves, it would have to be a perfect imitation.
Final thoughts
Taking into account all the specifications of the look, I can firmly say that this DateJust is a design-wise as well as quality-wise imitation. The whole aesthetic expresses a logical and well-tuned harmony between sport and smart elements. I think it is a suitable model for those who are looking for the classic, not want to give up on modern trends.
In general, I have no claim to the execution of the replica watch. It coincides 95% with the authentic concept and also performs reliably from a technical point of view. At the same time, I can’t find an explanation for why the manufacturers screwed it with the bracelet. I applaud its execution, but judge its incompatibility with the model of the watch. The nice thing is that I can order the Oyster bracelet separately to match my watch. Thus, things will return to the way they should be.