An automatic stainless steel and eighteen carat gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust reference 16233 model. This is perhaps one of the all time icon Rolex watches. A two-tone, coin edge bezel, Datejust with champagne dial. This watch turns up in film, advertising and on most wrists of the upwardly mobile in the 1970's and '80's. This original dial remains untouched, and in excellent condition featuring all the original Tritium lume plots in tact that have toned into a light ivory colour. The printing of the more unusual non-serif text is in black, which really stands out from the dial, and are complimented by the outer minute track with small printed Roman numerals on the hours. The classic, solid gold, baton hands also contain the original luminous material, which matches the plots perfectly, and respond the same under ultraviolet light.
The watch is powered by a Rolex, Swiss made, thirty-one jewel automatic calibre 3135 movement that powered the majority of all Rolex models since its launch in 1988, from the Datejust to the Submariner. This marks the first year this caliber was introduced into the Rolex family. These later models can be identified as they do not have the earlier, characteristic, 'pie pan' style dial. This model also comes with the more ergonomic 'Quick Set' date function, and the newly designed smaller profile case, all of which were introduced in the 1970's. This case has the spring bar holes exposed from the side; a 'holes' case, which was phased out around the early 2000's. The watch is fitted to its original Rolex Jubilee stainless steel and eighteen carat gold bracelet with five removable links in place, which, if needed, can be removed to make the bracelet smaller.
The watch was made circa 1988 with serial number R585XXX. The watch is in original condition, lightly polished, and excellent throughout, with only very light scratches. The jubilee bracelet is tight and clean with the deployant buckle no wear. The Date code on the inside fo the bracelet is also correct for the year of production for the watch (M) for 1988.
Not only is the watch presented in this condition, it is also a "full set". It has the original outer card box with Rolex sticker on the outside with correct information, inner plastic box, "Your Rolex Oyster" and "Datejust" brochures, and, most importantly, punched paperwork from Rolex, which are blank. Having never been filled in with the original customers details. Only the retail stamp is filled in.
These watches are quite hard to find in this condition, complete. If looking for one of the all time classic Rolex watches, this watch very much ticks the boxes. The watch comes with a Foundwell one year warranty against mechanical failure.
