This Rolex Datejust Ref. 16014 is a classic vintage sports watch; versatile and understated. It features a rarely seen (and aptly-named) “boiler gauge” dial, with unusual, stylised Arabic numerals.
Launched by Rolex in 1945, in celebration of the brands 40th Anniversary, the Datejust was the first self-winding wrist chronometer to indicate the date using a window on the dial. Since this introduction, the Datejust has become one of the most iconic and popular watches in the Rolex catalogue. In the brand's marketing materials of the time, it was described alongside the Rolex GMT and Submariner as 'a bit of both, and a substantial character at any level'. With its understated look and size, it offers a practical, everyday alternative to Rolex’s other highly-purposeful tools watches - chronometer-certified, waterproof, with a near-perfect aesthetic balance.
The Datejust combined many of Rolex’s most successful innovations, including the two-piece, screw-down case. In 1926, the Oyster case became the very first waterproof wristwatch case to be produced serially, as well as the first fully-integrated waterproof case overall. This particular case dates to circa 1984 (serial 815 XXXX).
The dial of this Rolex Datejust is in exceptionally good condition, has a glossy white finish, applied stylised Arabic numerals, with classic 'ROLEX’ and ‘OYSTER PERPETUAL DATEJUST' text referenced on it. The tritium dots on the "T-Swiss-T" dial are all present, and show the same light patina as the handset. It also has its Rolex crown and comes equipped with its original Jubilee bracelet and clasp.
Inside the watch, it houses Rolex’s calibre 3035 ‘Officially Certified Superlative Chronometer’ grade automatic movement. The mechanism features a lever escapement, 26 jewels, mono-metallic balance and KIF shock-absorber, beating at a rate of 28,800 BPH. The Rolex 3035 movement is the earliest iteration of the high-beat, 3000 in-house system, developed and introduced in 1977. An improvement on the 1500 series, the 3035 movement increased the balance speed from 19,800 BPH to 28,800 BPH, allowing for more accurate timekeeping. As with many later production models, this Rolex Datejust also features a highly practical, quick-set date function, first introduced to automatic self-winding movements by the calibre 3035.
Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment only.
Closer look
| Brand: | Rolex |
| Model: | Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref. 16014 |
| Movement: | mechanical automatic cal. 3035 |
| Functions: | date, hours, minutes, centre seconds |
| Features: | unrestored "Boiler Gauge" dial |
| Case: | 36 mm stainless steel |
| Crystal: | plexiglass |
| Bracelet: | Rolex Jubilee bracelet |
| Year: | circa 1984 |
| Box & papers: | - |
The Oyster case is in excellent condition. The brushing on top of the lugs is consistent, while the spring-bar spaces show little sign of elongation. The jubilee bracelet similarly, shows minimal stretch. The polished, white-gold machined bezel is sharp and gives the watch an appropriate minimalist feel. The case-back is correctly stamped '16000'. It is guaranteed for authenticity and comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man.
