Rolex Datejust ref. 16234 Salmon Diamond Dial Watch Only

The Datejust has been made almost continuously since 1945, when Rolex launched it to celebrate their 40th anniversary. In that time, it has probably been worn by more people in more configurations than any other luxury watch, so a Datejust that genuinely stands apart is something collectors have grown very fond of. 

Launched in 1988 and made until 2005, the ref. 16234 serves as the transitional model between the vintage Datejusts of old and the modern versions that we have grown accustomed to. Bringing a sapphire crystal to the collection along with the automatic cal. 3135 movement that Rolex kept in use until only a few years ago, the ref. 16234 offers the best of both worlds. With its quickset date, extreme reliability and renowned serviceability, the cal. 3135 became the benchmark for automatic movements of its era. Made of stainless steel and boasting an 18kt white gold fluted bezel, the ref. 16234’s 36mm case is timeless, with lug holes being the only visual tell between an older model and a newer one, with lug holes remaining in the collection until around 1995. Offered as a 1999 example, this piece has a “no holes” case. 

Featuring a factory-set diamond dial in salmon (in Rolex terms, pink), this example boasts ten brilliant-cut diamond hour markers of the larger variety (older diamond-set dials feature smaller stones), which give this watch an unmistakable air of luxury. Warming up the white gold bezel, softening the shine of the diamonds, and keeping the setting from looking showy, this salmon dial allows the Datejust to remain refined and elegant, whereas other dials might give the watch a more blingy vibe. While most diamond-set Datejusts are bought for the diamonds, here the colour does more of the work, and that is what makes it a little bit more special.

Offered in very good condition, this example’s case is very sharp but does show signs of very modest polishing and normal signs of wear given its age, such as light swirling scratches along with small but deeper scratches. The original hands and factory-set salmon-coloured diamond dial are in pristine condition. The 18kt white gold bezel is very sharp. The sapphire crystal is pristine, and the jubilee bracelet has a moderate stretch in line with what we would expect. The movement runs and functions as it should.

Brand: Rolex
Model: Datejust "No-holes"
Reference: 16234
Set: Watch only
Year: 1999
Dial: Salmon with large factory-set diamonds
Material: Stainless steel and 18kt white gold bezel
Movement: Automatic cal. 3135
Case Diameter: 36mm
Thickness: 11.8mm
Lug-to-lug: 43.5mm
Lug Width: 20mm
Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Jubilee bracelet with the original 1999-dated deployant clasp that fits a 7.75" wrist.