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Rolex Datejust 16234 Tropical Dial, 2000 — view 1 of 6
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Rolex Datejust 16234 Tropical Dial, 2000

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Rolex (maker)
Date
2000
Country of origin
Switzerland
Object type
Wristwatch
Dimensions
Case 36 mm
Stock no.
W-3760
Credit line
Dealer listing, Bulang & Sons (W-3760)
Catalogue title (original)
Rolex Datejust 16234 Tropical Dial (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen (stock number W-3760), this is a wristwatch by Rolex, made in Switzerland, dated 2000. The Atlas places it in the Mechanical Renaissance period (1990 – 2010) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 36 mm. 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 — Bulang & Sons

The Rolex Datejust was introduced in 1945 to mark the company’s 40th anniversary. It was the first self-winding wristwatch to feature an automatically changing date window at 3 o’clock, setting a new standard for how the date was displayed on a wristwatch. Since then, the Datejust has become one of the defining pillars of the Rolex collection—an enduring classic that helped shape the modern date watch as we know it today. At hand we have a Rolex Datejust 16234, elevated by the fluted white gold bezel that adds just the right touch of contrast to the steel case and bracelet. This example really stands out thanks to its dial. The original silver dial has developed a tropical transformation, now taking on a unique “orange to creme brûlée” hue. The result is striking, giving the watch a completely individual character with a warm, almost creamy tone that makes it one of a kind. The 36mm case is in great condition, and the fluted bezel remains sharp and well defined. It is fitted with a solid-link Oyster bracelet (ref. 78360) with end links stamped 558B and a clasp marked DE9. The quickset movement has been fully checked and regulated by our watchmaker and is ready for wear. That “Tropical” dial hits different, drop us a message! Specifications: Rolex Datejust Reference 16234 36mm steel case White gold bezel Serial dating to 2000 Silver colour change dial “pana cotta patina “ Solid link Oyster bracelet ref 78360 with end links 558B Quick setting movement Fully checked by our watchmaker

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 timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: 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.

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