Rolex Datejust 16018 Matte Blue 18K

A Datejust is never not a good choice. As declarative a statement as that is, it’s likely to be universally agreed. Now, I will caveat that (for most (normal sized) people) it should be a 36 mm Datejust and even better if it’s a five-digit reference or earlier. And the five-digit references just might be the goldilocks and go-anywhere-do-anything (GADA) hall of fame contender: the classic 36 mm case proportions, incredibly comfortable jubilee bracelet, vintage cues and charm, particularly when going with tritium dial variants, while still benefiting from the modern conveniences of a sapphire crystal, removable links, quickset date, hacking seconds, etc. Now, combine all that with the power and feeling of solid 18K yellow gold on solid gold bracelet and… ::chef’s kiss::

There’s a feeling of a solid gold vintage Rolex on bracelet that I can’t quite put into words, it’s different than modern and has such a gravitas and presence on wrist that is perfectly complemented by a warmth a hue that can only come from aged gold.

Reference: Datejust 16018 with matte blue dial

Case: The solid 18K yellow gold 36 x 43.5 x 11.8 mm case is very full, thick, and even, presenting factory finishing throughout and is believed to be unpolished or very lightly and sympathetically polished. When it comes to cases, especially gold cases, this is a good one. The case exhibits typical, honest wear and surface scratches throughout as photographed, most notable on the backs of the lugs. The reference number and 608xxxx serial, suggesting a 1979 to 1980 production are sharp and clearly legible between the lugs.

Dial: The matte blue dial has a very unique dark cornflower / periwinkle / lavender blue / Perano blue hue depending on the lighting (and what brand is naming the colors) that is absolutely gorgeous; subtle, rich, warm, and very luxurious. Thick round warmly patinated tritium hour plots are present at all of the beveled applied hour markers, with matching tritium hands. The icing on the captivating face is the serif font date wheel featuring open 6’s and 9’s for that prefect vintage charm.

Movement: The caliber 3035 automatic winding movement is winding, setting, and changing date properly with hacking seconds and quickset date. Service history is unknown and it is running well at approximately -14 s/d, averaged across 6 positions.

Bracelet: The 19 links solid 18K yellow gold jubilee bracelet is in very good condition and will fit up to a 7” wrist. It has 2 screws, and thus no removable links and will fit an approximate 6.25” wrist when on the smallest micro adjust position in the clasp. The bracelet exhibits very little stretch, prominent hallmarks and stamping, and weighs 66.3 grams in solid gold alone, an approximate $7,300 melt value.

Includes: presented as watch only.