Latest Vintage Piece

2000 Rolex Datejust 36mm 16233 $7,925.00 CAD. 505-00642

Welcome to the world’s most popular watch. The Rolex Datejust could just be the universal watch. It’s got to be the longest continuously produced model in the industry. Introduced in 1945 at the same time Rolex was celebrating its 40th anniversary. The occasion also marked the debut of the aptly named Jubilee bracelet. If the Datejust is the most popular Rolex ever produced, the two-tone champagne dial with Jubilee bracelet and fluted bezel has got to be one of the most sophisticated of the countless combinations available. Whether it’s an original from the 40s or one just purchased, the look has remained constant. It’s a mature design but it never grows old. Our latest example was produced in 2000 according the the P series serial number. For a 26 year old watch, the condition is very good. Edges on the fluted bezel are still distinct, showing a little softening on the sharp edges. The 18 link Jubilee bracelet shows well, it displays only a little sag, but no stretch. A calendar display is a very common thing to see on modern watches but in 1945 Rolex was the only manufacturer with such a feature incorporating a quick changeover at midnight. The name Datejust may seem a bit awkward, but it makes perfect sense given some thought. Most watches slowly turn over the date display starting around 10:00 pm taking several hours to fully reveal the next date of the month. Rolex produced a quick turn mechanism advancing the date in an instant, plus or minus a few minutes of exactly midnight. This process makes the date display absolutely true and “just”, hence the unusual moniker. At 36mm in diameter this watch was traditionally the domain of men but today many women find the size appropriate as an easy to read timepiece with just enough presence to make a statement. Rolex watches aren’t exactly cutting edge when it comes to designs but when they do something they do it perfectly. I never get tired of looking at the subtle dial details on Rolex watches. This example is no different. Perfect text, perfectly polished, and faceted 18 karat gold hands/markers, I especially love the tiny little Roman numbers that are printed along the outside minute track chapter ring. Champagne is not exactly a rare dial colour but it is neutral and pairs well with any coloured shirt or jacket. Very good overall condition, the fine details have not been polished away or thinned out due to over-refinishing. The watch is keeping great time with all functions working as designed. Lab-grown sapphire crystals from this era sit slightly above the bezel making the sharp edge prone to small nicks and chips. We are happy to report this crystal is practically perfect, there are only a couple microscopic nicks on the edge that go unnoticed and do not show up in any of our photographs. Current version of this watch is still being made today with a price of $19,650.00 plus tax at your local Canadian Rolex agent. This classic estate Rolex is priced close to 60%  less than its replacement cost. It does not come with any original documentation of packaging, Including a 1-year Bill Le Boeuf Jewellers warranty this example is estate priced at $8,000.00 CAD. Stock #505-00642.

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