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 a go-anywhere-do-anything (GADA) hall of fame contender: the classic 36 mm case proportions, incredibly comfortable and flexible hollow link 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.

This very clean and attractive reference 16234 from circa 1989 checks all those boxes. A classic dial layout, serifed open 6’s and 9’s in the date wheel, lug holes, and tritium dial, it’s all there… including the box, papers, hangtag, and Oyster booklet.

Case: The stainless steel 36 x 43.5 x 11.5 mm case is very full, even, and sharp, exhibiting honest, light wear from use, primarily visible on the polished lug sides. The reference 16234 and “L” serial are clearly visible between the lugs.

Dial: The silver soleil or sunburst dial is very clean throughout, free of any visible defects or imperfections. The tritium lume on the dial and hands emits a uniform UV signature that drops off quickly, yet has retained a more eggshell appearance. The center of the sunburst dial is showing a slight rosy warmth that is picked up in photos far more than by the naked eye, creating a pleasing warmth.

Movement: The caliber 3135 automatic winding, hacking, and quickset date movement is winding, setting, changing date, and running smoothly at approximately -6 s/d, averaged across 6 positions. On wrist for a day, I found timekeeping to be within 3 seconds. Service history is unknown, though with any watch, Rolex especially, I always recommend servicing as needed rather than proactively introducing the possibility for issues.

Bracelet: The 62510 H jubilee bracelet is in very nice condition throughout with a date matching “N 5” bracelet clasp code indicating production in the 5th month of 1989. The bracelet has 21 links, 4 of which are removable and will fit up to a 7 – 5/8” wrist.

Includes: Outer box, inner leather box with pillow and sueded “envelope”, original Guarantee paper dated 30 November 1989, serial matching hang tag, and Oyster booklet.