The history of this Rolex Datejust
The House of Rolex unveiled the legendary Datejust in 1945 to celebrate in style the 40th anniversary of its founding by Hans Wilsdorf. It immediately established itself as the 1st automatic, water-resistant chronometer watch to display the date in an aperture. A fascinating anecdote surrounds the evolution of this iconic model, since the famous Cyclops magnifying lens was not present at the initial launch. It was added in 1953 by the founder himself to help his wife, whose eyesight was gradually failing. This very personal touch quickly became a signature feature and a major innovation in the watch industry. This classic timepiece has survived the decades with truly exceptional aesthetic consistency. The launch of the Datejust 16233 in the Manufacture's catalogue marks a perfect technical transition between the charm of older generations and resolutely contemporary reliability.
Case, calibre and bracelet of this Datejust
The 36 mm water-resistant Oyster armour is fashioned in yellow Rolesor harmoniously blending stainless steel and 18-carat yellow gold. The finely fluted solid gold bezel frames a solid flat sapphire crystal with its famous magnifying lens for reading the date. The champagne sunray dial captures the slightest source of light with elegant softness. The raised baton hour-markers and hands incorporate tiny dots of tritium, as indicated by the discreet T SWISS T at the bottom of the dial. The entire timepiece is powered by the extremely robust self-winding Calibre 3135. This chronometer-certified perpetual movement has a power reserve of 48 hours and beats at a precise frequency of 4 Hz. It features 31 jewels and is water-resistant to 100 metres. It is secured to the wrist by a mythical two-tone 5-link Jubilee bracelet closed by a single folding clasp.
Why this Rolex watch
This two-tone configuration represents the very essence of the watchmaking prestige of the end of the last century. Its charm operates mainly thanks to its neo-vintage status, which inevitably attracts enlightened enthusiasts. The tritium-luminescent material has lost its initial brilliance to give way to a subtle cream patina that attests to the age and authenticity of the piece. Such a timepiece offers a perfect balance between a sensible investment in heritage and immense pleasure in everyday wear. Today's market is particularly interested in timepieces that have retained their integrity without major alterations over the years. Owning such a declination makes it possible to appropriate an authentic piece of the Geneva crown's heritage.
Delivered contents and condition
Acquired initially in October 1992 through a retailer in Japan, this watch is delivered in an extremely desirable integral configuration known as the Full Set. The prestigious set includes the rock-patterned outer box, the green presentation box, the original perforated warranty bearing the serial number E211924, and the period booklets. Carefully repolished by our partner craftsman, this piece is now in exceptional condition. It has regained all its original brilliance and no longer has any defects visible to the naked eye, offering a perfect experience to its future purchaser.
Guarantee and delivery
The Swiss Collector guarantees the authenticity of this piece. We accept returns within 10 days according to our conditions. As Switzerland's leading second-hand retailer with the largest network of boutiques, we offer online booking for on-site fitting and collection or fully secure international shipping.
* Like new - brand new watch, never worn or in exceptional condition. No visible defects to the naked eye.
