While Rolex’s new offerings grab the headlines, it’s also useful to know which models in the current collection have been canceled. For example, the Rolex Date – a staple of the brand’s catalog since the 1950s – has now been officially discontinued. 
The Oyster Perpetual Date, or Rolex Date, is often overshadowed by its larger, more famous relative, the Datejust. However, the smaller case size is the sweet spot for many watch wearers, and we have no doubt that the fake Rolex Datejust will continue to be a popular choice on the pre-owned market, despite the fact that it is now discontinued. With that in mind, let’s dive into our ultimate Rolex date watch buying guide and discover all that this model has to offer.
About a decade after the 36mm Oyster Perpetual Datejust debuted in 1945, Rolex introduced the Oyster Perpetual Date in a slightly smaller case measuring 34mm. Size aside, the Rolex Date has always shared a nearly identical look to the Datejust, including the dial layout, case materials, bracelet options, bezel style, and the Cyclops magnifying glass above the date window at 3 o’clock.
As with all Rolex replica watches, the Oyster Perpetual Date has undergone several different material and mechanical updates over its sixty-plus years of production. Also available is the Lady-Date collection with its petite 26mm case. Although the Lady-Date line was withdrawn from the Rolex collection in the mid-2000s, the Date 34 remained for a few more years until it was finally discontinued in 2021.
Now that Rolex has discontinued the fake Rolex Date 34, there is no longer an option for a 34mm stainless steel Rolex watch with a date window. There is also the Pearlmaster 34, but these watches are only available in solid 18k gold, and even the most humble versions are still set with diamonds, making them a rather niche (and expensive) offering.
Why Rolex chose to abandon the Date 34 rather than update it with a new generation movement, as most other models have done, remains a mystery. It’s also a mystery why the Date is referred to as a “Date” rather than simply as an alternative size option to the Datejust, but it’s a trend that has continued throughout production.
Thankfully, the Rolex Date 34 will still be available on the secondary market for those looking for a classic, restrained Rolex watch with an incredibly versatile case diameter. If you think the classic 36mm Datejust is too big for your wrist and the mid-sized 31mm model is a bit too small, then the now discontinued 34mm Rolex Date may be the perfect watch for you.
