Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1985 Reference No: 16018 Case No: 8’675’980 Model Name: Datejust Material: 18k yellow gold and hardstone Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3035, 27 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18k yellow gold Rolex Oyster bracelet, endlinks stamped 49B, max length 190mm Clasp/Buckle: 18k gold Rolex deployant clasp, stamped 8386 Dimensions: 36mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
Catalogue Essay
Rolex’s Datejust model was released in 1945 in celebration of the brands 40th anniversary as its first self-winding wristwatch with date window. Over the ensuing 70 years the reference was slightly modified, for example in 1954 with the addition of the cyclops magnification, or like the reference 16018 the addition of the sapphire crystal, however in all that time the model has retained its classic DNA and is today as popular a as it was when it was first released. It has a dressy vibe, but can withstand the quotidian modern life.
The present Rolex Datejust is a handsome example and displays the variety of dial types found on the reference. Hardstone dials such as lapis lazuli, malachite and tiger’s eye, along with wood become en vogue for watch manufacturers. Preserved in excellent condition this watch is very appealing and makes a fine addition to any collection.
Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.
One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.