Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Rolex Datejust 16014 with Silver "Linen" Dial
- Maker / attribution
- Rolex (maker)
- Date
- c. 1987
- Historical period
- Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Materials / technique
- silver
- Stock no.
- Product 10087203832084
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Collectors Corner NY (product 10087203832084)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Rolex Datejust 16014 w/Silver "Linen" Dial (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Collectors Corner NY (dealer), New York (stock number Product 10087203832084), this is a wristwatch by Rolex, made in Switzerland, dated c. 1987. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: silver. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — Collectors Corner NY
The Rolex Datejust is one of the most significant models in the history of watchmaking. First introduced in 1945, it was the first self-winding wristwatch to display the date on the dial. The Datejust quickly became a symbol of prestige and luxury, and has been worn by some of the world's most influential figures, including US President Eisenhower and Martin Luther King Jr. Over the years, Rolex has continued to refine the design of the Datejust, adding new features and innovations while staying true to its classic look and feel. Today, the Datejust remains one of the most popular and recognizable Rolex watches in the world, a testament to its timeless design and enduring appeal. This particular 937X serial example, circa 1987 falls in the 5 digit reference era which benefits from the addition of a quickset date function. It boasts a beautiful "linen" dial with warm tritium patina matching its hands. Overall, this piece has remained in excellent vintage condition with a thick case displaying sharp edges and sharp bezel. The bracelet has medium stretch but frankly feels silky and comfortable as a result and will fit an approximate 7 inch wrist. A steel/white gold fluted Datejust with Jubilee bracelet is arguably the most classic and dynamic iteration of the model and a great option for just about anyone.
Historical context
Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
Seiko's Astron begins mass quartz timekeeping; traditional industries contract sharply.
Quartz and digital watches transformed the market after 1969. Swiss employment collapsed, Japanese and Hong Kong production soared, and the Swatch (1983) helped the Swiss industry recover; mechanical watches survived as luxury goods.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Modern Mechanical Horology
Atlas type guide
Calendar, moon-phase and perpetual calendar watches
Calendar complications range from a simple date to the perpetual calendar, which automatically allows for months of different lengths and leap years until 2100. Pocket watches with perpetual calendars were made in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries; Patek Philippe made the first perpetual calendar wristwatch in 1925, and series production followed in 1941. The annual calendar (Patek Philippe, 1996) needs correction only once a year.
Moon-phase displays use a disc with two moons and 59 teeth advanced daily, approximating the 29.5-day lunation; more precise trains reduce the error to one day in over a century.
What to look for
- Apertures or subsidiary dials for day, date, month and leap year.
- Moon disc under a 'bosom' shaped aperture.
- Recessed correctors on the case band for setting the calendar.
Dating clues
- Triple-date wristwatches: popular c. 1940–1955.
- Perpetual calendar wristwatches: from 1925 (unique) and 1941 (series).
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
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