Review of the 1987 Rolex Datejust #16013

1987 Rolex Datejust 16013
by: Ben Tseytlin - on Vintage & Luxury Watches

This Rolex Datejust watch is considered a 1980s icon, especially the 16013 model. Its famous champagne dial combined with the dual tone makes it sought after by watch collectors, and it makes a wonderful gift.

Origins

Datejust was first introduced to the Rolex product line in 1945. It remained unchanged until 1970 when it received a significant update, but since that time has remained true to the style featured in the original. During the 1980s Rolex introduced the 3135 caliber movement, along with a facelift which included sapphire crystal.

Its design is quite traditional with a size of thirty six millimeters, which by today’s standards is considered small. By 2009 Rolex responded to popular requests by releasing the Datejust II that used a forty one millimeter diameter. They would also switch its name, calling it Datejust 41, but strangely it took until 2016 to do so. The movement was also altered to 3235 with a number of visual updates.

Design Characteristics

Watch size has always been a subject of conjecture in the watch community. For those that don’t want anything too large, the Datejust thirty six millimeter is a great choice, as it is perfect to wear and never looks out of place even on wrists which are 18 centimeters. Another advantage of the Datejust product line is that there is a perfect size, bracelet and dial for everyone.

There are a number of things that make the Datejust stand out, even among other Rolex models. Many people aren’t aware of the fact that the Datejust was the very first watch worn on the wrist which used an automatic date that changed during midnight.

Features

This 1987 Rolex Datejust is a vintage watch that uses Caliber 3035 with a size of thirty-six millimeters. It has dual tone eighteen carat gold with stainless steel and an automatic dial which displays Roman Numerals. It is pre-owned and was kept in excellent condition. Its date has been fixed within a three o’clock position and it also has a golden fluted bezel.

It attaches to the wrist using a jubilee bracelet made from steel that utilizes the deployment buckle. While normal surface wear can be seen along its metallic parts, it manifests no significant cosmetic flaws, and every component is original and has not been refinished. Its movement is operational and the bracelet is slightly stretched as the result of being worn daily.

The champagne dial and dual gold combination makes this watch a classic. It is notable for the fact that its hollowed middle links are stretched into the Jubilee bracelet. Rolex is now using solid central links for most of their contemporary watches which some consider a change which is welcome, but others enjoy the classic bracelet that is used in this Datejust. It is possible to modify the stretch though some find the process to be challenging. Though XXL watches have been popular for years, the trend seems to be subsiding and some watch collectors are now looking for smaller models like this.