Rolex Wimbledon Dial: A Guide to the Iconic Wimbledon Datejust

If you have been immersed in the world of horology before, then you have probably come across several creations and terms that hail solely from Rolex. For instance, the Swiss luxury watch brand is the only watchmaker to patent its own brand of stainless steel, which is catchily known as Oystersteel. Another notable illustration would be the clever nicknames that are frequently given to Rolex watches, with famous examples such as the Rolex Coke, Rolex Smurf, and Rolex Starbucks. 

In this article, we will be delving into an iconic Rolex design, this time associated with the oldest tennis tournament worldwide: the Rolex Wimbledon Dial. The Rolex Wimbledon Dial refers to a specific type of dial design, which gained its nickname as a byproduct of the close ties and partnership between Rolex and Wimbledon. Since the prestigious Wimbledon tournament perfectly matches the reputable status of Rolex, the Rolex Wimbledon Dial is undoubtedly an interesting subject to explore. 

In this article, let us get to know more about the rich history of the Rolex Wimbledon Dial and some of the premium timepieces that have come to bear this unique, exclusive dial design. 

History of the Rolex Wimbledon Dial

Rolex and tennis have long been tied to each other, ever since the brand embarked on its official partnership with the Wimbledon Championships in 1978. Since then, as the Wimbledon Championships’ official timekeeper, Rolex has borne witness to the iconic triumphs of remarkable tennis players worldwide in the most reputable tennis tournament ever. 

Many of the world’s most famous tennis players have made their name on the Wimbledon courts, under Rolex’s watchful eye. To name a few, there is Martina Navratilova, the player to have won the most Wimbledon titles in women’s singles, Serena Williams, and of course, the notable athlete with the most Wimbledon titles in men’s singles, Roger Federer.

Rolex Wimbledon Dial: Rolex Datejust II

The first Rolex Wimbledon Dial was introduced in 2009, through the Rolex Datejust II Ref. 116333. Much as how a huge number of Rolex timepieces got their catchy nicknames, it was actually Rolex connoisseurs and tennis fans themselves that came up with this memorable moniker. The dial of the Rolex Datejust II Ref. 116333 came to be known as the Rolex Wimbledon Dial because it came in a colorway that was deeply reminiscent of the Wimbledon tennis court itself. 

Priced at $14,000 USD, the Rolex Datejust II Ref. 116333 was an impeccable dress watch. It was suited not just to Rolex and tennis fans, but also to folks who were on the hunt for the perfect beginner Rolex watch. The fact that this 41mm Rolex Wimbledon Dial watch did not have an overly exorbitant price, unlike many other luxury pieces from Rolex, was crucial. Its relative affordability made it extremely popular with many watch buyers, particularly tennis fans, globally. 

Rolex Wimbledon Dial: Rolex Datejust 41

2016 marked the beginning of the transition from the Rolex Datejust II series to the Rolex Datejust 41 collection. This newer roster of Rolex Datejust watches came in a slimmer, sportier build and was powered by a brand-new, high-tech caliber. 

In the same year, the brand also released a new version of the Rolex Wimbledon Dial: the Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126303. Today, this is one of the many references which house a Rolex Wimbledon Dial. This includes other models such as the Rolex Datejust 41. Ref. 126331, Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126333, and more, which we will go through in greater detail later in the article. 

At present, Rolex Wimbledon Dials do not only come in 41mm case sizes. They are also offered in smaller 36mm case diameters, which is a case size patterned after the original Rolex Datejust. These smaller watches with Rolex Wimbledon Dials include the Rolex Datejust 36 Ref. 126234 and the Rolex Datejust 36 Ref. 126200. The current lineup of Rolex Wimbledon Dial timepieces also offers you a choice between a Jubilee bracelet or an Oyster bracelet. 

Over the years, the Rolex Wimbledon Dial has garnered immense popularity. It even tripled its already considerable acclaim in 2017, when Roger Federer wore a Rolex Wimbledon Dial watch at the awarding ceremony for his eighth Wimbledon title. Indeed, the Rolex Wimbledon Dial is a treasure to keep and worthy of being included in anyone’s growing watch collection. 

Distinctive Features of the Rolex Wimbledon Dial

One look at the Rolex Wimbledon Dial, and you will immediately recognize it, thanks to two of its distinctive features. These are its slate gray dial and its green Roman numeral markers. 

Slate Gray Dial

The Rolex Wimbledon Dial is a slate gray dial with a beautiful sunburst finish. Almost all Rolex Wimbledon Dials share the same gray colorway and brushed sunburst finish. This is also the version of the Rolex Wimbledon Dial that is most popular with watch enthusiasts. 

However, there are other, rare Rolex Wimbledon Dial variants that show off a darker gray hue. One example is the Rolex Datejust II Ref. 116334. 

Green Roman Numerals

The lustrous, slate gray Rolex Wimbledon Dial is also ornamented with vivid green Roman numeral markers, which stand out in stark contrast. These rich green applique hour indices bear a striking similarity to the green grass of Wimbledon’s tennis courts. It also matches the shade of one of the tournament’s official colors, the “Wimbledon Green”. In fact, these green Roman numerals are the primary reason why this dial design is referred to as the Rolex Wimbledon Dial. 

Rolex Wimbledon Dial Watches

Here are some of the best Rolex Wimbledon Dial watches available in the market right now. Check them out and see if any of them are worthy of being included in your collection!

1. Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126303-0019

For the first Rolex Wimbledon Dial watch, take a look at the Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126303-0019. This Rolesor piece is most famous for being worn by Roger Federer at his Wimbledon awarding ceremony in 2017. As such, the Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126303-0019 not only shows off the gorgeous aesthetics of the Rolex Wimbledon Dial, but also has a renowned association with the prominent athlete. 

This emblematic watch is presented in a 41mm case crafted from a mix of Oystersteel and yellow gold. This is paired with a two-tone Oyster bracelet, giving the watch a very consistent, luxurious style. Affixed to the top of the watch case is a smooth, thick yellow gold bezel, which guards the watch face from any impacts.

This watch also houses the iconic Rolex Wimbledon Dial, with its beautiful slate gray finish. It is furnished with bold green Roman numeral markers, blunt yellow gold hands and a rectangular marker at 9 o’clock that is also outlined in yellow gold. A magnified date window also sits at 3 o’clock. 

This Rolex Datejust 41 watch runs on the Rolex Caliber 3235. Made up of 31 jewels, this self-winding movement beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and offers a stellar power supply of 70 hours. 

The Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126303-0019 has a price tag of $15,400 USD. 

2. Rolex Datejust 36 Ref. 126234-0045

If you want a more professional and less showy Rolex Wimbledon Dial watch, then the Rolex Datejust 36 Ref. 126234-0045 is the perfect answer. This watch is encased in a slimmer 36mm White Rolesor case, made from a combination of white gold and the brand’s patented Oystersteel material. Seated on top of the watch face is a lovely fluted bezel made of 18K white gold, which adds to this watch’s refined profile. The Rolex Datejust 36 Ref. 126234-0045 is also paired with a five-link Jubilee bracelet, which enhances its classy stature. 

This watch’s slate gray dial is decorated with thick green Roman numeral markers, luminous blunt hands, and a rectangular hour index lined with white gold at 9 o’clock. At 3 o’clock, you can also find a date display with a Cyclops lens. 

Underneath this watch face lies an in-house Rolex Caliber 3235. As one of Rolex’s most recent, powerful calibers, this is an automatic movement fitted with 31 jewels. It offers an excellent power reserve of 70 hours. 

The ​​Rolex Datejust 36 Ref. 126234-0045 is worth around $14,000 USD.

3. Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126333-Grey-R-O

For another magnificent Rolesor piece, check out the Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126333-Grey-R-O. This two-tone watch utilizes a 41mm case and an Oyster bracelet, both of which are made from Oystersteel and 18K yellow gold. Placed on top of the case is an elegant, fluted bezel which is crafted from the same yellow gold material as the watch’s crown. This bezel is enclosed around a layer of sapphire crystal, which protects the dial from any scratches or impacts. 

This watch’s Wimbledon Dial shows off the classic combination of rich green Roman numerals against a brushed, sunburst gray backdrop. It is also filled with blunt hands made of yellow gold, a luminous hour index at 9 o’clock, and a magnified date aperture at 3 o’clock. 

Driving this timepiece is the in-house Rolex Caliber 3235. It boasts an outstanding power rating of 70 hours and has an excellent precision rate of +/-2 seconds per day. In addition, this watch is also water-resistant up to depths of 100 meters, which is quite impressive for a dress watch. 

You can buy the Rolex Datejust 41 126333-Grey-R-O for approximately $19,100 USD.

4. Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126303-0020

We previously mentioned how there are some Rolex Wimbledon Dial variants which show off a slightly darker gray finish, and here, we have our first example. The Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126303-0020 sports a 41mm Oystersteel and 18K yellow gold case. It is coupled with a Jubilee bracelet which has luxurious 18K yellow gold inner links and Oystersteel outer links. On top of the case, you can also find a yellow gold bezel which is embellished with a smooth, polished finish.

The watch’s Wimbledon Dial comes in a dark gray sunray finish. It is adorned with rich green Roman numerals in a thick font and blunt yellow gold hands. You can also find a magnified date complication at 3 o’clock, along with the iconic Rolex crown logo in yellow gold at 12 o’clock. 

Like the previous Rolex Wimbledon Dial offerings, this watch is powered by an in-house Rolex Caliber 3235. This self-winding movement beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and possesses a whopping 70-hour power rating. It also has an exceptional accuracy rate of -2/+2 seconds per day.

The Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126303-0020 retails at $19,200 USD.

5. Rolex Datejust 36 Ref. 126200-0017

On the hunt for an entry-level Rolex Wimbledon Dial piece? You might like the Rolex Datejust 36 Ref. 126200-0017. This timepiece uses a 36mm Oystersteel case with a matching Oystersteel Jubilee bracelet. With its slim profile, this watch fits very nicely on those who have smaller and more slender wrists. 

Arranged on the watch’s slate gray dial are luminous silver-tone hands, green Roman numerals, and a magnified date display at 3 o’clock. This dial is encompassed by a smooth Oystersteel bezel, which also holds a layer of scratch-resistant sapphire crystal in place. This sapphire crystal helps to guard the watch face from any external damage. 

Ticking inside this watch is the in-house Rolex Caliber 3235 movement. Held together by 31 jewels, it delivers a 70-hour power supply and is accurate to +/-2 seconds per day. 

The Rolex Datejust 36 Ref. 126200-0017 is available at just $10,800 USD. It is the most affordable Rolex Wimbledon Dial offering on the list. 

6. Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126331-0016

Last on this list of Rolex Wimbledon Dial watches is the Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126331-0016. This beautiful timepiece shows off an alluring blend of tones that makes it a great watch option for the ladies.

This Rolex Datejust watch is packed in a 41mm Rolesor case made of Oystersteel and 18K Everose gold. It is accompanied by a Jubilee bracelet, which is also crafted from the same high-quality materials. Sitting atop the watch case is a fluted bezel that is made entirely from Everose gold, adding to the refined elegance of this timepiece. 

The soft, rose gold hues of this watch’s exterior are sharply contrasted by its slate gray dial. This dial consists of the signature green Roman numerals, rose gold blunt hands, and a magnified date aperture at 3 o’clock. Rolex’s classic crown emblem can also be found at 12 o’clock, in rose gold. 

This watch is operated by an in-house Rolex Caliber 3235, which boasts a near-unparalleled precision rate of +/-2 seconds per day. When fully wound, this movement can also last for up to 70 hours. 

The Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126331-0016 sells at $18,500 USD. 

Final Thoughts

The Rolex Wimbledon Dial is a testament to how far Rolex’s influence and prestige spreads, not just in the world of horology but also in the general public’s sphere of consciousness. Through its partnership with Wimbledon, the most distinguished of the Grand Slam tournaments, Rolex has created an iconic dial design that continues to be incredibly influential today. If you love tennis and watches, then the Rolex Wimbledon Dial is definitely something you should consider adding to your collection. 

Photo credits: Rolex.

Need help deciding which Rolex timepiece to buy first? Here is our handy Guide To Choosing Your First Rolex Watch!