Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1986 Reference No: 16030 Movement No: 1’699’041 Case No: 9’570’171 Model Name: Datejust Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3035, 27 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle Dimensions: 36mm Diameter Signed: Dial, case and movement signed
Catalogue Essay
The present Datejust ref. 16030 fitted with a black dial is a classic example of one of the most iconic watches produced by Rolex. Furthermore, exemplifying its classic black dial is the presence of “Tiffany & Co.”, giving this present watch another area of fascination. Started from the 1950’s the “co-signed” dials were of a common trait amongst some of the most reputable brands in the industry as an effort to co-promote each other through a product that will last for a lifetime.
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.