Rolex Datejust 36 Steel — Aubergine Diamond Dial, Diamond Bezel

Few dial colours in the Datejust range generate as much collector interest as aubergine — the deep purple-brown tone that shifts character under different light conditions, moving from plum in warm light to deep violet under cooler illumination. This 36 mm Datejust in Oystersteel pairs that distinctive dial, set with diamond hour markers at all positions except Roman numerals at VI and IX, against a factory diamond bezel — a combination that signals intent without sacrificing the Datejust's fundamental wearability. The absence of a model number suggests a special order or boutique configuration.

The 36 mm Oystersteel case houses Calibre 3235 in current production, with 70-hour power reserve and Chronergy escapement. The diamond bezel — set with individually selected brilliant-cut stones — is a factory option that adds significant value and visual complexity over the standard fluted or smooth alternatives. Aubergine dials with mixed Roman and diamond indices represent one of the more specification-intensive dial configurations Rolex offers, combining multiple independent factory options in a single piece.

The 2019 release timing places this in the first wave of 126xxx-series Datejust 36s with Calibre 3235, distinguishing it from earlier 116xxx examples with the older 3135. For collectors drawn to unusual dial colours in precious-stone configurations, aubergine occupies a niche similar to meteorite or chocolate: distinctly non-standard, highly photogenic, and proportionally rare in the secondary market — qualities that support value retention over time.