Rolex - Oyster Perpetual Datejust - Ref. 16000 - Men - 1986

Welcome to my Top Swiss Wrist Watches Boutique.

Rolex is a Swiss watch brand and manufacturer based in Geneva, Switzerland. Founded in 1905 as Wilsdorf and Davis by German businessman Hans Wilsdorf and his eventual brother-in-law Alfred Davis in London, the company registered Rolex as the brand name of its watches in 1908 and became Rolex Watch Co. Ltd. in 1915.
The production of luxury-oriented dress watches may sound like an unusual move for a brand that built its reputation by building highly reliable tool watches; however, it was the clever work of Mr. Rene-Paul Jeanneret that led to this new shift in direction for the brand. As Director of Marketing for Rolex, it was Jeanneret that spearheaded the efforts to craft the narrative of the Rolex collector, creating the premise of owning several Rolex watches for different uses and occasions – the “tool watch” concept, rather than just one watch that would be worn throughout all of life’s activities.
This mantra of owning multiple watches became a part of Rolex’s marketing language by the early 1960s, and it didn’t take long before the public’s buying perspective had shifted.
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust is a self-winding chronometer manufactured by Rolex. Launched in 1945, the Datejust was the first self-winding chronometer wristwatch to indicate the date in a window on the dial. Today, it is available in a variety of sizes from 28mm to 41mm, in stainless steel, two-tone gold, and solid gold versions.
Rolex introduced the original Datejust (reference 4467) in 1945 to celebrate the company's 40th anniversary. It was available only in 18 karat yellow gold and had a small bubble back winder with a domed back. It also featured the company's waterproof Oyster case (first introduced in 1926), and fluted bezel
I'm glad to offer you this marvelous golden Rolex Datejust in excellent unworn condition.
Speaking as a professional watch dealer, the Rolex Datejust 16000 is one of the most underrated Rolex models ever produced. In my opinion, it is one of the best choices for anyone who wants a genuine vintage Rolex without having to accept the compromises associated with much older models.
Key Specifications:
Reference: 16000
Production period: approximately 1977–1988
Case diameter: 36 mm
Case: Stainless steel Oyster
Bezel: Smooth stainless steel bezel
Crystal: Sapphire crystal (the first generation of Datejust models equipped with sapphire instead of acrylic)
Water resistance: 100 meters
Movement: Rolex Caliber 3035
Power reserve: approximately 42 hours
Quickset Date: Yes
Why Is It Special?
- The Datejust 16000 represents the perfect transition between the truly vintage Datejust models and the modern generation.
- It introduced several major improvements at once:
- Sapphire crystal replacing the traditional acrylic crystal;
- The Rolex Caliber 3035 beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour;
- Quickset Date functionality;
- Modern-day reliability while preserving the elegant, slim proportions of the classic Datejust case.
The Rolex Caliber 3035, widely regarded as one of Rolex's finest and most dependable movements.
Its strengths include:
- Outstanding reliability;
- Straightforward servicing;
- Excellent accuracy;
- Exceptional durability when properly maintained.
Every Rolex, expecialls in excellent condition, is the most reliable investment in our rapidly changing world.

Case:
- 316L stainless steel
- polished/fine brushed
- diameter: 36mm excl. crown, 38mm incl.
- length: 43,5mm lug to lug
- 12,8mm thick
Bezel:
- 316L stainless steel
- polished
- fixed
Case-back:
- 316L stainless steel
- polished/brushed
Crown:
- 316L stainless steel
- push/pull
- screwed down
- polished with Rolex crown logo
Dial:
- silver color, chatoyant
- polished luminescent hands and hour batons
- minutes markers round the outer rim
- date with magnifier at 03:00 o'clock
Watch unique No. 9*****6 (for buyer only), best proof of authenticity
Movement:
- Rolex self winding 3035 caliber
- 27 jewels
- 42 hours power-reserve
- frequency: 28,800 A/h
- Microstella regulation, free-sprung balance wheel adjustment system
Crystal:
- flat sapphire with magnifying glass
Bracelet:
- oyster
- length: ca. 19,5cm
- width: 21mm/16mm
- 316L stainless steel
- polished/brushed
Weight: 97 grams
This 100% authentic, original Rolex watch comes in green watch box (ain't sure it is original box).
General professional pre-sale service was made in July 2026: the watch is keeping good time and working perfectly.
Excellent condition, never worn: the wristwatch comes from luxury watch-shop showcase.
My personal authenticity and quality warranty: you will get warranty card (as pictured), fully completed, stamped and signed.
Insured, registered shipping worldwide with DHL Express: it’s not cheap but fast and reliable, two days in Europe, three days for the rest of this world.

In the times of former Millenia, Rolex considered watches with a diameter of 36mm to be men's watches. However, these days, these magnificent watches can easily decorate the wrist of any stylish lady.

What you see is what you get. These are my own photos of the actual watch up for auction.

Interest in the Datejust 16000 series has grown significantly in recent years, the reasons are simple:
- It already has the look and feel of a modern Rolex;
- Yet it still retains the elegant vintage proportions of the classic Datejust case;
- And it is considerably more affordable than a Submariner or GMT-Master from the same era.
For many collectors, the 16000 serie represents the true "sweet spot" in the Datejust lineup.

NO EXTRA COSTS for EU Buyers.