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In 2016, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 41 was released. At 41mm in diameter (excluding the crown) its case is bigger than the original Datejust. In 2009, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust II was released. This watch would form the basis for the Rolex Explorer (designed for Sir Edmund Hillary's Mount Everest expedition), the Rolex Submariner, and the Rolex Sea-Dweller.
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Datejust watches of this type have been nicknamed "Thunderbirds". It featured a rotating bezel marked to 60 minutes, which can be used to measure time intervals. The Turn-O-Graph model was introduced in 1955 as an award given to US Air Force pilots returning from combat missions. Subsequently, various sizes including ladies' and mid-sized versions were made available. The original Datejust was launched with a case size of 36mm.
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The Datejust is offered with two Rolex bracelets: the Jubilee and the Oyster. Over the years, the Datejust saw an expansion of its design options as well as improvements to its movement, from a gradual date change shortly before midnight in the earliest versions to an instantaneous change beginning in 1955. It also featured the company's waterproof Oyster case (first introduced in 1926 ), a fluted bezel, and the new Jubilee bracelet (so named for the occasion). It was available only in 18 karat yellow gold and had a small bubble back winder with a deeply domed back. Rolex introduced the original Datejust (reference 4467) in 1945 to celebrate the company's 40th anniversary.