Rolex Datejust 36 vs Rolex Datejust 36 (Steel Predecessor)

Side-by-side at a glance. Click a watch above to open the full reference page.

	Rolex 126200	Rolex 116200
Model	Datejust 36	Datejust 36 (Steel Predecessor)
Caliber	Rolex Cal. 3235 -- in-house automatic, 28,800bph, 70h PR, 31j; Chronergy escapement, paramagnetic Parachrom hairspring, Superlative Chronometer	Rolex Cal. 3135 -- in-house automatic, 28,800bph, 48h PR, 31j; Parachrom hairspring, Glucydur balance; long-running COSC-certified movement
Case size	36mm	36mm
Lug-to-lug	44mm	44mm
Years produced	2018–present	2009–2018
Brand tier	luxury	luxury
Era	modern	neo-vintage
Movement tier	In-house manufacture	In-house manufacture
Market median (excellent / full-set)	n/a	n/a
Typical range	n/a	n/a
Confidence	low	low
Categories	dress	dress
Editorial	yes	yes
Typical price (2026)	$5,500 – $7,500	n/a
Service	Every 10 years · $900 – $1,500	Every 10 years · $900 – $1,400
Collector note	best value: The current-generation 36mm Datejust in steel is one of the few modern Rolexes that consistently trades at or below retail, making it the most accessible entry point into the current collection.	n/a