Rolex Datejust 36 Steel — Blue Jubilee Diamond Dial, Fluted Bezel | Ref. 126234 (2)

Reference 126234 is the steel Datejust 36 with fluted bezel — among the most classically positioned variants of the current-generation model, which replaced the 116234 when Rolex transitioned the 36mm line to the 126xxx series. The fluted bezel on this reference is machined in white gold rather than steel, a detail Rolex has maintained on fluted bezel Datejusts for decades, creating a subtle but meaningful material distinction from full-steel configurations. The blue Jubilee diamond dial introduces a layer of decorative refinement: diamond hour markers set against a deep blue surface that shifts tone under different lighting conditions.

Calibre 3235 powers the 126234, representing a generational advance over the 3135 found in predecessor references. The 3235 features the Chronergy escapement — a nickel-phosphorus lever and escape wheel combination that delivers a 15 percent improvement in energy efficiency — along with a Parachrom hairspring and a 70-hour power reserve. At 28,800 vph, it offers chronometric precision that Rolex certifies to the standard of a Superlative Chronometer. The Jubilee bracelet on this configuration carries the Oysterlock clasp with Easylink 5mm comfort extension.

For buyers, the 126234 in this configuration — steel case, white gold fluted bezel, blue diamond dial — is a well-rounded proposal that bridges the gap between functional everyday watch and dressed-up timepiece. The blue dial with diamond indices occupies a comfortable middle ground: more distinctive than plain index dials, less overt than full diamond bezels. Secondary market demand for the 126234 series remains strong across condition grades, with the blue dial variants consistently among the more requested within the broader 36mm Datejust category.