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 1990 checks all those boxes. A classic dial layout featuring warm tropicalization across, lug holes, and tritium dial, it’s all there… including the box, original purchase receipt, hangtags, and booklets.

Case: The stainless steel 36 x 43.5 x 11.5 mm case appears to have been lightly polished in the past, remaining very thick, even, crisp, and clean, exhibiting only minor surface wear, as photographed. The reference 16234 and “E” serial are clearly visible between the lugs.

Dial: The silver soleil or sunburst dial has aged and tropicalized to a warm rose color that is very even and attractive across the dial. The tritium lume on the dial and hands emits a uniform UV signature that drops off quickly, yet has retained a more eggshell appearance. There is one minor surface mark to the tropicalization (it doesn’t appear to impact the dial) between the 6 and 7 o’clock indices, that was not even noticeable until the watch was photographed. This is not readily apparent on wrist, and appears exaggerated in the macro photos provided.

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 “S 2” bracelet clasp code indicating production in the 2nd month of 1994. The bracelet has 18 links, containing 3 screws, meaning 1 link is removable and will fit up to a 6.75” wrist.

Includes: Inner leather box with pillow and sueded “envelope”, original purchase receipt, Oyster hang tag, COSC hangtag, Oyster booklet, Datejust booklet, Translation booklet, calendar, and leather document holder.