In this review, we will be looking at the Parnis Datejust. This is Parnis’ homage to the Rolex Datejust. The Rolex Datejust is another popular entry in the Rolex brand’s extensive library of historically coveted watches.
Rolex is world renown for its quality and innovation. The original so aptly named Rolex Datejust, which debuted in 1945, was actually the first watch to feature a self changing date complication. Of course, since then, this feature has become commonplace among watches.
Now we all know that a genuine Rolex Datejust may be far out of reach for the average consumer in terms if its price. This is why homage watches, or watches that resemble expensive luxury watches, have become so popular over the years. Parnis is a Chinese brand known for producing luxury styled watches and homages at reasonable prices. In fact, we actually did a review of the Parnis Daytona, a while back.
The Parnis Datejust attempts to recreate the look and style of the Rolex Datejust. So did Parnis do a good job on this one? Is this a faithful recreation? Is it a quality product? In this review, we will attempt to answer these questions and more by providing a more detailed look at this watch.
Parnis Datejust Review
Quick Look
- 21 jewel mechanical, automatic movement
- sapphire crystal window
- date window
- exhibition case back
- 50 meter water resistance
When trying to find out if a watch is actually any good or not, there are several key factors that need to be addressed. The main things that we need to look at here, will be the quality of the build, the design, features, and pricing structure. First of all though, let’s take a look at the specs.
Specs
- Display Type: Analog
- Movement: Mechanical, automatic
- Case Size: 36mm in diameter, 13mm thick
- Band Size: Men’s standard length
Quality Of Build
The very first thing to look at would be the quality of the build.
First off, this watch is made of stainless steel. Both the case and the band are stainless steel. The dial window, uses sapphire crystal, which is actually more common among expensive or luxury watches. For water resistance, you get a water resistance of 50 meters. This will handle small splashes of water, but not too much more than that. It is not recommended to fully submerge this watch in water.
As for the movement, the Parnis Datejust uses a 21 jewel automatic mechanical movement. That type of movement is a self-winding movement. What this means is that the watch is powered by just wearing it. The natural motions of the swinging of your arms will wind up the gears in the watch.
From what I have seen, the build on this watch is impressive. Jeweled and automatic mechanical movements, as well as sapphire glass windows are staples of actual luxury watches. To find them both on an inexpensive luxury homage, is pretty rare.
Design
Next, we’ll take a look at the design. As stated before, this watch takes very clear and obvious inspiration from the Rolex Datejust. When you first see it, it is nearly identical to its Rolex counterpart. Of course upon closer inspection, you will see the differences.
The first, and obvious thing would be the Parnis brand name at the top, just under the 12 o’clock position. Then at the bottom, above the 6 o’clock position, it has the text displaying that it is 21 jewels, and that it is water resistant 50 meters.
Other than that, the watch face looks just like the Rolex model. It has the same simple, straight markings, as well as the signature cyclops date window. Even the bezel has the same coin edge bezel style. As for the band, you have the segmented “jubilee” styled chain links. Finally, it has an exhibition case back which puts the internal mechanisms of the watch on full display.
The Parnis Datejust, while maintaining the look of the Rolex Datejust, comes in several different color variations and styles. This particular model has a 2 tone gold and silver band, along with a gold colored bezel, watch face, and crown.
Features
There is nothing too fancy here in terms of features. It has a screw down crown, luminous hands and markers, and the adjustable date window. The cyclops window date window magnifies the date display by 2.5 times. You can also hand wind this watch as needed. Pulling the crown out once will allow you to hand wind it. Pulling the crown out twice, accesses the date window for adjustment. The third click out on the crown allows for the hacking feature.
So pretty standard features on this watch. The same can be said for the Rolex Datejust, from which this watch takes inspiration. You don’t typically see a myriad of advanced features in luxury or dress watches. This is especially true when it comes to mechanical and/or self winding watches.
Pricing
Despite having mechanical movements, and a sapphire dial window, the Parnis Datejust stays within the same price range as similar homages and luxury styled watches. It hits that sweet mid level price range. There are cheaper watches out there, but this one is not at all too expensive, all things considered.
As with many Chinese homages and the like, the prices will vary slightly depending on where you are buying from, but they are typically going to be priced pretty similarly. Overall though, considering what you are getting for the price, this is a very good deal.
Conclusion On The Parnis Datejust
If there was ever any doubt about whether or not you are getting a quality product here, you can happily put those doubts to rest. The Parnis Datejust one of the better quality homages you can get at a reasonable price. Quality mechanical self-winding movement, as well as a sapphire dial window, makes this the definitive Datejust homage to buy!
That concludes this Parnis Datejust review. If you liked this and want to see more of our reviews of watches, watch brands, and homages, you can check those out here
