The 126231 can be fitted with either the five-link Jubilee or the three-link Oyster bracelet – both mixing polished Everose centers with satin-finished steel outer links in Rolesor fashion. The Jubilee is the more dressy option: introduced on the original Datejust in 1945, its five-piece links and alternating finishes give a refined “swankier” look. It “makes a watch feel more dressy and a bit more flashy compared to the no-nonsense vibes of the Oyster”, and many wearers find its smaller links conform better to the wrist. In fact, owners often praise the Jubilee’s comfort – the chain of small links lets it “hug” the wrist gracefully. By contrast, the Oyster bracelet (with broad three-piece links) is plainer and sportier; on professional Rolex models it’s usually brushed steel, but here the center row is polished Everose. Either bracelet uses a folding Oysterclasp (with Easylink adjustment) on the 126231. Collectors note that Jubilee vs Oyster is largely a matter of taste and occasion: the Jubilee underscores the Datejust’s heritage and formality, while the Oyster gives the two-tone watch a slightly more robust, everyday-tool-watch vibe.

Heritage and 36mm Appeal

The Datejust is one of Rolex’s oldest and most iconic lines – in fact, it debuted in 1945 as the world’s first self-winding wristwatch with an automatic date display. The 126231 carries on that lineage, bridging vintage charm and modern substance. Notably, collectors have recently rediscovered the appeal of classic sizes: the 36 mm diameter is now seen as a goldilocks size (big enough for men, petite enough for women), and Rolex itself has capitalized on this trend. Industry commentary observes that “smaller watches [are] becoming a bigger trend” and that “both men and women are finding greater appeal in the mid-sized case range”. One dealer notes that “collectors and purists have started moving back to the smaller 36mm size” of Datejusts. In this sense the 126231 aligns perfectly with current tastes: it feels nicely proportioned on the wrist and wears easily under a shirt cuff, delivering the subtle elegance of vintage Rolex with the benefits of today’s engineering.

Value Retention and Collectibility

As a Rolex, the 126231 generally holds value well in the secondary market. Analysis from WatchCharts finds that Datejust models tend to trade above retail: on average the Datejust line shows +9.1% value retention over retail. In practical terms, that means these watches often sell for a modest premium. Long-term data suggests even stronger performance: one comprehensive 15‑year sales report cites a ~763% increase in Datejust prices between 2010 and the 2022 peak (albeit with a pullback by 2025). While the flashy sports models (Submariner, Daytona) get most of the headlines, the Datejust has quietly been a solid store of value thanks to its classic appeal. Certain finishes – for example two-tone steel/gold and fluted bezels – tend to be especially popular, bolstering resale demand. (Worth noting: ultra-fancy dials or heavy diamond-set versions typically do not command much extra premium; collectors usually pay most attention to the core specs and condition.) Overall, the 126231’s quality, brand cachet and timeless style mean a collector can expect it to retain value over time, just as vintage two-tone Datejusts have proven reliable investments.

Comparison to Other Datejust References

Within Rolex’s catalog, the ref. 126231 is one variant in the current Datejust 36 lineup. For example, the all-steel Datejust 36 (ref. 126200) shares the same updated case and movement but forgoes any gold – its bezel is a smooth steel “Domed” type – so it looks very different in profile. Conversely, the yellow-gold Rolesor Datejust (ref. 126233) is virtually identical to the 126231 in every technical respect; it was launched alongside the Everose model in 2018 and simply swaps yellow gold for rose gold. Both 126231 and 126233 use the newer case (refined lugs, no hidden crownclasp on Jubilee) and the Cal. 3235 movement. (Rolex also offers a white-gold Rolesor 36 mm, ref. 126234.) Thus the 126231’s unique selling point is really its warm Everose gold accent – it’s the two-tone Datejust for those who prefer rose gold’s subtle blush over yellow. In all other ways (size, finishing, movement) it stands on equal footing with its steel or yellow-gold siblings.

In summary, the Rolex Datejust 36 Ref. 126231 is a consummate classic reimagined for today’s collector. It combines a historically-proportioned 36 mm Rolesor case, Rolex’s very latest 3235 movement, a rich Everose gold aesthetic, and impeccable craftsmanship. Collectors prize it for its blend of everyday practicality and enduring elegance, its comfortable Jubilee (or sturdy Oyster) bracelet, and the reassuring knowledge that this hallmark Rolex piece will hold its value. Whether compared to other Datejusts or seen in the context of Rolex’s broader lineup, the 126231 exemplifies the brand’s ability to evolve its icons – preserving the DNA of the original 1945 Datejust while delivering twenty-first-century performance.