Introduced first in the 1940s, the Rolex Datejust was the first self-winding wristwatch with a date function. Released only in yellow gold initially, the Datejust has witnessed a diverse range of iterations over the years. The stainless steel and two tone models were only released during the 1950s.

Fast forward to 1988, Rolex introduced the ref. 16234 with an upgraded cal. 3135 and a significant implementation of the sapphire crystal replacing the former fragile Plexiglas, while maintaining mostly unchanged the general aesthetics of the watch.

The present example Rolex Datejust ref. 16234 in stainless steel with an 18K white gold bezel and a mesmerizing blue sodalite dial with diamond-set indexes is a perfect example of the experimental Rolex approach for implementing exciting hardstone dials in their timepieces. While every hardstone dial is unique in its own respect displaying various textures and mottling, the extreme delicacy of transforming a raw hardstone to a dial executed to Rolex’s high expectations is simply an art on its own. Preserved in excellent condition and accompanied by its full set of accessories, the present timepiece is simply a delight to acquire.