What is a Rolex Azzurro Blue Datejust?
In the Rolex world, an “Azzurro” Datejust is a Datejust model with a 41mm diameter and a dial featuring Roman numerals and a particular shade of blue. It is distinct from the “Bright Blue” color most often used on Rolex watches. I would describe the Azzurro as looking slightly more greyish in low light, but more cerulean and ocean-like in bright light. Here’s our quick guide to the Rolex Azzurro Blue Datejust.
History of the Azzurro Blue Rolex Datejust
In 2009, Rolex debuted the first-ever 41mm Datejust model, known as the Datejust II. That’s when the Azzurro Blue dial first appeared, and it has been a part of the largest-size Rolex Datejust lineup ever since. The Azzurro Blue Rolex Datejust II was available only with a steel case and steel Oyster bracelet; the only choice was whether to get a white gold fluted bezel (ref. 116334) or a steel smooth bezel (ref. 116300).
In 2016, the Datejust II was replaced by the Datejust 41, which kept the same diameter but featured an updated movement and revised bezel and lug proportions. The material choices for the Azzurro were the same–stainless steel case and bracelet with either a smooth steel bezel or a white gold fluted bezel–but the Jubilee bracelet also became an option in addition to the Oyster.
About the Dial
Like many Rolex dials, the Azzurro Blue Datejust dial has what the brand calls a “sunray finish,” although collectors more often say “sunburst.” Rolex starts by adding a very precisely brushed radial finish to a brass dial blank. According to Rolex’s website, “the dial color is applied using Physical Vapor Deposition. A light coat of varnish gives the dial its final look.” Rolex does actually use the term “azzurro-blue” for the dial, and “Azzurro” has become an unofficial Rolex nickname for the watch itself.
Note that the color of the Azzurro Blue Rolex Datejust dial has been the same since its 2009 debut. It’s still the same blue, with the same applied white gold Roman numerals and the same “railroad track” chapter ring. The Datejust 41 features a small crown logo between “Swiss” and “Made” at the bottom, denoting its newer Caliber 3235 movement (with a longer power reserve but some possible amplitude issues), but the dials otherwise haven’t noticeably changed since the Datejust II days.
All Azzurro Rolex Datejusts are unlumed–no lume on the hands, and no lume on the dial. It’s hard to capture the color in a still shot, so here’s a video:
Price
The list price of the Rolex Datejust 41 with an Azzurro Blue dial, a smooth bezel, and an Oyster bracelet is $8,150. The Jubilee bracelet costs an additional $250 while the white gold fluted bezel adds $2,400. Secondhand, as of 2025, they still tend to sell for about 15-20% over list price in excellent condition.
The market apparently doesn’t favor the aesthetics of the original Datejust II model as much: Pre-owned Azzurro Blue Datejust 116300 models can be found for around $7,000 and even 116334’s can be had for under $10,000.
Azzurro Blue Rolex Datejust Specs
| Datejust II “Azzurro” | Datejust 41 “Azzurro” | |
|---|---|---|
| Reference Numbers | 116334-0004 (Steel with white gold fluted bezel, Oyster bracelet) 116300-0004 (Steel with smooth bezel, Oyster bracelet | 126300-0017 (Steel with smooth bezel, Oyster bracelet) 126300-0018 (Steel with smooth bezel, Jubilee bracelet) 126334-0025 (Steel with white gold fluted bezel, Oyster bracelet) 126334-0026 (Steel with white gold fluted bezel, Jubilee bracelet) |
| Years Offered | 2009-2016 | 2016+ |
| Case Width | 41mm | 41mm |
| Case Thickness | 12mm | 11.7mm |
| Lug to Lug | 49.5mm | 47.5mm |
| Lug Width | 21mm | 21mm |
| Bracelet Options | Oyster | Oyster or Jubilee |
| Movement Caliber | Rolex Caliber 3136 (Automatic, 8 beats per second) | Rolex Caliber 3235 (Automatic, 8 beats per second) |
| Power Reserve | 48 hours | 70 hours |
| Water Resistance | 100 meters / 330 feet | 100 meters / 330 feet |
| MSRP (Final/Current) | $6,700 (Smooth bezel) $9,100 (White gold fluted bezel) | $8,150 (Smooth bezel) $10,550 (White gold fluted bezel) Add $250 for Jubilee bracelet |
Are There Any Other Sizes of Azzurro Rolex Datejust?
Technically, the Datejust 31 is offered with what Rolex calls an “azzurro-blue floral-motif” dial. It’s available on any DJ31 configuration with a white gold case, or a steel case with a white gold bezel (“White Rolesor“).
It’s a very nice laser-etched Rolex dial, but if a watch collector is talking about an “Azzurro Datejust,” it’s safe to assume it’s the 41mm model. Most people would just say “blue floral motif dial” to describe the one above.
There are no other sizes of Azzurro Blue Rolex Datejust models. Although there are some similar Datejust 36 models with unlumed blue dials and applied Roman numerals, it’s not the same Azzurro hue. The “regular” blue dial with lumed stick hour markers has more mainstream popularity, but many Azzurro Datejust owners feel that their model looks better in more formal settings. And there’s definitely something about that color of blue.
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