Rolex Datejust 16220 with Blue Dial — view 1 of 6 — View 1 of 6 · Image: Collectors Corner NY · original image source (opens another website in a new tab)

View 1 of 6 · Image: Collectors Corner NY · original image source (opens another website in a new tab)

Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Rolex Datejust 16220 with Blue Dial

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.

Maker / attribution: Rolex (maker)
Date: c. 2003
Historical period: Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)
Country of origin: Switzerland
Object type: Wristwatch
Dealer: Collectors Corner NY (dealer), New York
Stock no.: Product 10073805881620
Credit line: Dealer listing, Collectors Corner NY (product 10073805881620)
Catalogue title (original): Rolex Datejust 16220 w/Blue Dial (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Collectors Corner NY (dealer), New York (stock number Product 10073805881620), this is a wristwatch by Rolex, made in Switzerland, dated c. 2003. The Atlas places it in the Mechanical Renaissance period (1990 – 2010) of its Wristwatches collection. 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 five digit reference example is a F25X serial, circa 2003-5 and benefits from the addition of a quickset date function. This piece houses a very desirable blue sunburst dial that has remained in fantastic and mint condition. The engine turned bezel is sharp, as is the case which displays sharp edges with thick and even lugs. The bracelet displays light to medium stretch and will fit an approximate 7.25 inch wrist. For anyone looking for the perfect daily driver, this neo-vintage Datejust offers great versatility and makes for a better under the radar option compared to a fluted bezel variant.

Historical context

Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)

Mechanical watches return as cultural objects; independent watchmaking flourishes.

Mechanical watches returned as cultural and luxury objects. Complications, tourbillons and new materials proliferated; independent watchmakers such as George Daniels, F.P. Journe and Philippe Dufour revived artisanal watchmaking; collecting vintage watches became a major field.

Read the period in the timeline More wristwatches from this period Earlier: Quartz Revolution

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.

Mechanisms mentioned

Self-winding (automatic) mechanism — Component

Record completeness

Maker or attributionRecorded
DateRecorded
Place or countryRecorded
MaterialsNot in source
DimensionsNot in source
Narrative descriptionRecorded
Inscriptions / marksNot in source
ProvenanceNot in source
Several photographsRecorded

Editorial status: Documented — facts as published by the source; not independently verified by Atlas editors.

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Sources & image rights

Record source: Collectors Corner NY (dealer), New York (opens another website in a new tab).

Image rights: © Collectors Corner NY — dealer photographs; permission required (opens another website in a new tab).

Images are hosted by the Atlas for study and credited to their owner. Rights holders may request correction, credit changes or removal, or grant permission, via the editorial office.

Cite this record

"Rolex Datejust 16220 with Blue Dial." Collectors Corner NY (dealer), New York, Product 10073805881620. Catalogue record in The Horology Atlas, WatchMuseum.org, https://atlas.watchmuseum.org/museum/rolex-datejust-16220-with-blue-dial-0ecb42.