ABOUT THIS WATCH

There are very few watches that make more of a statement than a solid 18k gold Rolex Datejust on a President bracelet, but add on top of that a factory blue vignette dial with diamonds and the statement goes from “I have great taste” to “I love beautiful things and know exactly what I want”.

Or maybe it’s more like “I’ll know exactly what I want when I see it”, which is easily what one might say the first time putting on this beautiful gold Rolex Datejust 16238.  Even if you’ve never considered yourself a “Gold Rolex With Diamonds” type of watch wearer, there is something undeniable about how over the top this one is while not at all feeling tacky or gaudy.  Yes it’s an all gold Datejust with an exotic vignette diamond dial, but there is still something so understated about it once it’s all together.  Rolex successfully achieves this by great design and proportions, but also by unparalleled execution, finishing, and quality control. 

As far as dial variations go, the Rolex Datejust probably has more of them than any watch ever made from the more standard sunburst finishes, linen dials & tapestry dials to much more rare dials such as the stone dials and highly coveted Stella dials.  Unfortunately with so many of these different versions out in the wild, a lot of vintage Datejusts you’ll find for sale have had dials swapped, or completely custom dials altogether and unless you know what to look for it’s hard to tell if you’ve found an original.  Especially when looking at a Rolex with diamonds on it.

If you do know however and look closely, you can see the glaring differences between a factory Rolex diamond dial and one produced by someone else.  As stated earlier Rolex’s quality control is the best of the best: the printing is always extremely sharp, and each brilliant diamond is selected to look exactly the same while also perfectly aligned and level with the dial itself.  Even the height in which the diamond is set on its perfectly carved table is for optimal refraction of light so it shines as brightly as possible.  You will simply not find these features on an aftermarket dial.

This particular example is in tip top shape, and I’m pretty certain it has never seen the brush of a polishing wheel.  It even still has the green Rolex sticker on the caseback.  The original President bracelet, which is worth an exorbitant amount of money on its own, is also in extremely fine condition with minimal stretch.  The watch would be gorgeous without the bracelet too, but it’s just not the same and now you won’t have to scour the internet looking for a nice one and get deflated every time you find it for almost $7k.  Trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way.

Many of the watches that come into my possession for sale I’m tempted to keep for myself (or my wife), but probably none yet more than this beauty.  Since I’m trying to run a successful business though I’ll refrain.  Please take this off my hands before I change my mind.

WATCH SPECS

Brand: Rolex 
Model: Datejust
Reference: 16238 
Year: 1991 
Material: 18k solid yellow gold 
Dimensions: 36mm diameter, 12.75mm thickness w/ crystal
Crystal: Sapphire Crystal
Lume: Tritium 
Caliber: Rolex Caliber 3135 automatic-winding movement
Bracelet/Strap: Original 18k gold Rolex President Bracelet - Fits 7.5'“ wrist
Lug Width: 20mm 
Box/Papers: Leather Rolex President Box