Introduction
Released to celebrate Rolex's 40th anniversary in 1945, the Rolex Datejust has become one of the Genevan Giant's most iconic watches. The world's first wristwatch to display the date via an aperture on the dial, the Datejust revolutionized wristwatch design for decades to follow. With its emblematic Cyclops lens, jubilee bracelet (designed specifically for the model in 1945), and classy fluted precious metal bezel, the Datejust's aesthetic has always been that of pure elegance and class. Perhaps one of Rolex's most recognizable designs, the Datejust has evolved from its dressier roots into a perfectly capable timepiece rivaling the robustness of most brand's sports watches. Featuring a stainless steel case with a screw-down crown and caseback, the Datejust packs an impressive 100m of water resistance alongside its consistently capable movements and construction that have enabled it to become one of the best-equipped watches for daily wear and tear. Available with several different dial options, in a multitude of materials, and across many styles, the Datejust is an inescapable reflection of its owner, with a model out there to suit pretty much everybody's tastes and preferences.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Number
Est. value range
$6,000 – $8,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
36mm
Model
Datejust
Movement
Automatic cal. 3035
Reference
16030
Bracelet
Stainless steel Jubilee bracelet
Year
1979
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Silver
THE DIAL
Fitted with one of the Datejust's most classical dial options, this example sports a sunburst silver dial with applied stick indices throughout and larger indices at 6 and 9 o'clock to balance its date aperture and coronet. However, not all is as it seems, as this example also features the incredibly rare 'Tiffany & Co.' stamp that marked some of the watches that the famed American jeweler retailed from their premises.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Featuring one of the Datejust's most characterful vintage constructions, this example's Jubilee bracelet and 18kt white gold fluted bezel match perfectly as they both catch the light wonderfully and make the entire aesthetic rather jewel-like.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in excellent overall condition. Case exhibits some surface wear, with minor marks visible along the lugs and case sides. Bezel teeth are still sharp and well defined. Dial excellent with some discoloration around the luminous plots. The hand scrawled Tiffany stock number is still visible along the back of one of the lugs. Bracelet has 21 links total, 4 of which are removable. There is some light stretch.
PLEASE NOTE: The previous owner of the watch elected to fit a factory WG fluted bezel from ref. 16014 on the watch as an "upgrade" to the original engine turned bezel. Steel engine turned bezels can be easily sourced should the new owner want to replace the current WG fluted one.
Our Perspective
While unassuming at first thanks to its vintage stainless steel construction, this ref. 16030 quickly reveals itself to those in the know as an exceedingly rare watch thanks to its co-signed Tiffany dial.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
