Rolex Datejust Vignette Diamond Dial, c. 1996

Dealer description — Analog/Shift

Why We Love it So-called “five digit” Datejusts (reference variants with five digit internal coding) evolved from the original Oyster Perpetual Datejust line and are a quintessential staple of the Neo-Vintage era. These models showed up in the late 70s and offer the added functionality of a higher-beat movement for accuracy and a quick-set date mechanism. They retain the classic 36mm case proportion of their predecessors and have similar variation for dial, bezel, and bracelet configurations. Luminous models also retain Tritium material, offering tremendous opportunities for unique characteristics of patina. This particular example, a Reference 16233, dates to circa 1996 and features a two-tone 18K and stainless steel Oyster case with matching solid link Jubilee bracelet, a stunning and flawless blue vignette dial with factory diamond indices, an 18K yellow gold fluted bezel and matching 18k yellow gold handset. Furthermore, this watch remains in absolutely fantastic condition all around, featuring an outstanding case and is also accompanied by its serialized hangtag, a service card dating to 2019, and punched papers from circa 1998! With so many once-great vintage Rolexes being chopped up by the aftermarket customizers and fitted with gaudy gem settings, its a breath of fresh air to find such a pristine untouched factory example! For those collectors looking to elevate their dress watch, or seek a slightly more exotic fair - look no further! The Datejust Story We've said it over and over again - the Datejust may just be the perfect watch. Coupling perfect proportions, simple dial layouts, and robust movements, Rolex's most prolific model is an icon of timekeeping that has been in continuous production for decades. Moreover, the Datejust is all the watch that just about any of us really need . The beauty of the Datejust is that it is the ultimate do-anything, go-anywhere watch. Equal parts sporty and dressy, the Datejust wears just as well with jeans as it does with a suit, and thanks to the signature Oyster case and tough-as-nails movement, it’s ready for anything that you can throw at it. In production continuously since 1945, the original Datejust was the world's first wristwatch to incorporate a date disc and aperture at the 3:00 position. Since then, date windows at 3:00 have become commonplace, and the Rolex cyclops magnifier bubble has become a hallmark of the brand. Datejusts have proudly been worn by presidents, athletes and movie stars (and probably your grandfather), in a testament to how timeless and versatile the watch truly is. While recent horological trends have favored larger sporty wristwatches, the age of the giant watch is drawing to a close, making more reasonably sized watches like the original Datejust, a pleasantly stylish option that fits the bill in every setting. There's a magic to the Datejust's simple design, a timelessness that proves that true style never dies.