Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 2006 Reference No: 116234 Case No: D459’130 Model Name: Datejust Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 3135, 31 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 180mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp Dimensions: 36mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee stamped Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Co., LTD, Hong Kong dated 6th February 2006, instruction manual, product literature, hang tags, green cardholder, 2006-2007 calendar card, original invoice, outer packaging and fitted presentation box.
Catalogue Essay
The Rolex Datejust was initially released in 1945 to commemorate the firm’s 40th anniversary. Becoming an icon since its launch, the design and aesthetics of the Datejust remains largely unchanged over the years with introductions of various sizes, materials, dials and movement upgrades implemented. Witnessed on the wrists of important global figures, the Rolex Datejust is arguably one of the most important models manufactured by the firm.
In 2005, Rolex released the ref. 116234 featuring its classic white gold fluted bezel, an upgraded cal. 3135 with quick-set function as well as adopting a new case design no longer featuring pinholes. The present specimen fitted with a glossy black dial with roulette style date wheel is preserved in “like new” overall condition with no signs of wear. Bearing a D serial from circa 2006, the present ref. 116234 is further charmed by its full set of accessories and a case retaining its full factory protective stickers.
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.
