A genuinely exceptional example of the classic Rolex Datejust reference 16013, dating to 1983 and presented in remarkably sharp condition with its rare champagne linen-textured dial, 18ct yellow-gold fluted bezel and original two-tone Jubilee bracelet.
At 36mm excluding the crown, the 16013 is perhaps the definitive two-tone Datejust of the period. Produced from the late 1970s through the 1980s, it combines the traditional acrylic-crystal appearance of an earlier Rolex with the more advanced calibre 3035, which introduced the highly useful quickset date function.
The dial on this example is particularly special. Rather than the standard sunburst champagne finish, this watch carries the much less commonly encountered linen dial, its surface finely cross-hatched to create a fabric-like texture visible beautifully under magnification. The champagne colouring is complemented by applied yellow-gold baton markers, matching hands and the applied Rolex coronet.
Crucially, the dial remains in beautiful original-looking condition, with only minimal signs of ageing. The fine linen texture remains wonderfully defined, the printing is crisp and the original tritium plots are still visible around the perimeter. The combination of this delicate textured finish and such strong preservation makes the dial the centrepiece of the watch. Other 16013 linen-dial examples from this period are documented, but they are substantially less frequently encountered than conventional champagne dials.
The case is equally impressive. It remains exceptionally sharp, with beautifully defined edges and strong brushed surfaces across the tops of the lugs. The 18ct yellow-gold fluted bezel retains excellent definition to its individual facets, while the gold Rolex Twinlock crown complements the bezel and dial perfectly. This is a watch that has clearly escaped the repeated heavy refinishing seen on so many Datejusts of this age.
The original two-tone Rolex Jubilee bracelet, reference 62523H.18, combines stainless steel outer links with 18ct yellow-gold centre links and measures approximately 19cm in wearable wrist size. The clasp is particularly pleasing, retaining a beautifully crisp and deeply defined Rolex coronet. The 62523H.18 bracelet is the correct type documented on ref. 16013 examples from 1983.
Inside is Rolex's calibre 3035, a 27-jewel automatic chronometer movement beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour and featuring the quickset date. The watch has just been serviced and is running perfectly, with winding, setting and date operation all functioning as they should.
The watch is accompanied by a period-correct Rolex presentation box, completing what is an exceptionally attractive vintage Datejust package.
Condition is the defining feature here. There are naturally some very light surface marks consistent with a watch dating from 1983, but the overall preservation is phenomenal. The sharp case, crisp fluting, excellent bracelet and clasp, and beautifully preserved linen dial combine to make this a far more compelling example than the average ref. 16013.
The two-tone Datejust is one of the defining Rolex designs of the 1980s, but examples are certainly not all equal. A sharp 1983 example with the rare linen dial, strong 62523H.18 Jubilee bracelet, period-correct box and a freshly serviced calibre 3035 is a particularly difficult combination to find.
A superb collector-grade vintage Datejust and one of the nicest examples of the reference we have encountered.
A genuinely exceptional example of the classic Rolex Datejust reference 16013, dating to 1983 and presented in remarkably sharp condition with its rare champagne linen-textured dial, 18ct yellow-gold fluted bezel and original two-tone Jubilee bracelet.
At 36mm excluding the crown, the 16013 is perhaps the definitive two-tone Datejust of the period. Produced from the late 1970s through the 1980s, it combines the traditional acrylic-crystal appearance of an earlier Rolex with the more advanced calibre 3035, which introduced the highly useful quickset date function.
The dial on this example is particularly special. Rather than the standard sunburst champagne finish, this watch carries the much less commonly encountered linen dial, its surface finely cross-hatched to create a fabric-like texture visible beautifully under magnification. The champagne colouring is complemented by applied yellow-gold baton markers, matching hands and the applied Rolex coronet.
Crucially, the dial remains in beautiful original-looking condition, with only minimal signs of ageing. The fine linen texture remains wonderfully defined, the printing is crisp and the original tritium plots are still visible around the perimeter. The combination of this delicate textured finish and such strong preservation makes the dial the centrepiece of the watch. Other 16013 linen-dial examples from this period are documented, but they are substantially less frequently encountered than conventional champagne dials.
The case is equally impressive. It remains exceptionally sharp, with beautifully defined edges and strong brushed surfaces across the tops of the lugs. The 18ct yellow-gold fluted bezel retains excellent definition to its individual facets, while the gold Rolex Twinlock crown complements the bezel and dial perfectly. This is a watch that has clearly escaped the repeated heavy refinishing seen on so many Datejusts of this age.
The original two-tone Rolex Jubilee bracelet, reference 62523H.18, combines stainless steel outer links with 18ct yellow-gold centre links and measures approximately 19cm in wearable wrist size. The clasp is particularly pleasing, retaining a beautifully crisp and deeply defined Rolex coronet. The 62523H.18 bracelet is the correct type documented on ref. 16013 examples from 1983.
Inside is Rolex's calibre 3035, a 27-jewel automatic chronometer movement beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour and featuring the quickset date. The watch has just been serviced and is running perfectly, with winding, setting and date operation all functioning as they should.
The watch is accompanied by a period-correct Rolex presentation box, completing what is an exceptionally attractive vintage Datejust package.
Condition is the defining feature here. There are naturally some very light surface marks consistent with a watch dating from 1983, but the overall preservation is phenomenal. The sharp case, crisp fluting, excellent bracelet and clasp, and beautifully preserved linen dial combine to make this a far more compelling example than the average ref. 16013.
The two-tone Datejust is one of the defining Rolex designs of the 1980s, but examples are certainly not all equal. A sharp 1983 example with the rare linen dial, strong 62523H.18 Jubilee bracelet, period-correct box and a freshly serviced calibre 3035 is a particularly difficult combination to find.
A superb collector-grade vintage Datejust and one of the nicest examples of the reference we have encountered.
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