The Rolex Datejust is an icon, a watch synonymous with elegance, precision, and enduring style. Within the vast Datejust family, the reference 16230 holds a special place, representing a significant era in the watch's evolution. This article delves deep into the Rolex Datejust 16230, exploring its production years, variations, pricing, and the factors that contribute to its enduring appeal in the pre-owned luxury watch market. While the provided prompt mentions the 16234, the 16230 is a distinct reference, and this article will focus solely on that model. The information regarding the 16234 will be addressed where relevant to comparative purposes.
Understanding the Rolex Datejust 16230:
The Rolex Datejust 16230, a 36mm Oyster Perpetual Datejust, represents a period of subtle yet significant refinement in Rolex's design language. It features a classic design that remains timeless, appealing to both seasoned collectors and those new to the world of luxury watches. Key characteristics include:
* 36mm Oyster Case: The iconic Oyster case, known for its water resistance and robustness, is a defining feature. This size perfectly balances wearability and presence on the wrist.
* Oyster Bracelet: Typically fitted with the robust and comfortable Oyster bracelet, with its three-piece links, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit. Some examples may also feature leather or other strap options.
* Date Function: The watch, as the name suggests, features the instantaneous date change at midnight, a hallmark of the Datejust line. The date window is positioned at 3 o'clock.
* Movement: The 16230 houses the caliber 3035, a highly reliable automatic movement known for its accuracy and longevity. This movement is a workhorse, powering the watch with its self-winding mechanism.
* Dial Variations: The 16230 was produced with a wide variety of dial options, including various colors (e.g., black, silver, champagne) and indices (e.g., baton, Roman numerals). This allows for a significant degree of personalization and collector appeal. Some dials featured applied indices, while others used printed indices. The subtle variations across different years and production runs contribute to the collectibility of the watch.
* Luminescent Material Evolution: A key aspect of the 16230's production run is the transition in luminescent materials. Early examples used tritium, a radioactive but relatively bright luminescent material. Later, as environmental concerns grew, Rolex transitioned to Luminova, and eventually to SuperLuminova, offering improved brightness and longevity without the radioactivity of tritium. This evolution is a crucial element in dating and valuing specific 16230 examples.
Rolex Datejust 16230 Production Years:
Pinpointing the precise start and end of the 16230's production is challenging due to the gradual phasing out of models and the potential for variations in regional releases. However, generally, the Rolex Datejust 16230 was produced throughout the 1990s, likely spanning from the early to late 1990s. The exact year of production is usually indicated by the serial number engraved on the watch's case. This serial number allows for precise dating using Rolex's internal records and online resources dedicated to Rolex serial number decoding.
Rolex Datejust 16230 Price:
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