An exceptional 1983 Rolex Datejust reference 16014, comprehensively reconditioned by a master watchmaker using its original Rolex components. The intention here was simple: to return the watch as closely as possible to how a Datejust of this period would have presented when new, while retaining its original parts and character.
The 36mm stainless-steel Oyster case has been carefully restored, with particular attention paid to recreating the correct factory-style finishes and preserving the geometry of the case. The result is superb, with extremely sharp lug edges, strong proportions and clearly defined transitions between the brushed and polished surfaces.
The 18ct white-gold fluted bezel has also been professionally recut, restoring the crisp definition to the individual flutes. The white-gold bezel is one of the defining features of the reference 16014 and distinguishes it from the smooth-bezel 16000 of the same generation.
The original silver linen-effect dial is particularly attractive. Rather than the more commonly encountered plain silver finish, the dial has a fine woven texture which changes considerably according to the light. Applied baton hour markers, the applied Rolex coronet and original dial printing remain beautifully defined. There are a few small age-related marks, principally immediately to the left of the centre pinion and around 9 o’clock, but these are minor considering the watch is now approximately 43 years old.
The original Rolex screw-down crown remains fitted, together with the acrylic crystal and Cyclops date magnifier.
Inside is Rolex’s calibre 3035 automatic chronometer movement. Introduced with this generation of Datejust, the calibre 3035 brought a higher 28,800vph frequency and, importantly, a quickset date function – a significant practical improvement over the preceding four-digit Datejust generation. The movement has just received a full service and is running beautifully.
The original Rolex Jubilee bracelet has received equally careful attention. It has been professionally repinned to remove the stretch and sag normally associated with bracelets of this age, leaving it remarkably tight and giving the entire watch the feel of a substantially newer example. The bracelet will accommodate a wrist of approximately 19cm, and the original Rolex clasp and coronet remain beautifully presented. This combination of a 36mm Oyster case, silver linen dial, 18ct white-gold fluted bezel and Jubilee bracelet is one of the most attractive configurations of the reference 16014. A virtually identical linen-dial 16014 dating to 1983 is documented with the same 36mm dimensions and calibre 3035 specification.
What makes this example particularly special is the extent and quality of the restoration. This isn't simply a vintage Datejust that has been polished and serviced. The case, bezel and bracelet have been carefully reconditioned by a master watchmaker, while retaining the watch's original components, including that beautiful original linen dial.
The result is about as close as you can reasonably get to experiencing a 1983 Rolex Datejust as a new watch again.
An exceptional 1983 Rolex Datejust reference 16014, comprehensively reconditioned by a master watchmaker using its original Rolex components. The intention here was simple: to return the watch as closely as possible to how a Datejust of this period would have presented when new, while retaining its original parts and character.
The 36mm stainless-steel Oyster case has been carefully restored, with particular attention paid to recreating the correct factory-style finishes and preserving the geometry of the case. The result is superb, with extremely sharp lug edges, strong proportions and clearly defined transitions between the brushed and polished surfaces.
The 18ct white-gold fluted bezel has also been professionally recut, restoring the crisp definition to the individual flutes. The white-gold bezel is one of the defining features of the reference 16014 and distinguishes it from the smooth-bezel 16000 of the same generation.
The original silver linen-effect dial is particularly attractive. Rather than the more commonly encountered plain silver finish, the dial has a fine woven texture which changes considerably according to the light. Applied baton hour markers, the applied Rolex coronet and original dial printing remain beautifully defined. There are a few small age-related marks, principally immediately to the left of the centre pinion and around 9 o’clock, but these are minor considering the watch is now approximately 43 years old.
The original Rolex screw-down crown remains fitted, together with the acrylic crystal and Cyclops date magnifier.
Inside is Rolex’s calibre 3035 automatic chronometer movement. Introduced with this generation of Datejust, the calibre 3035 brought a higher 28,800vph frequency and, importantly, a quickset date function – a significant practical improvement over the preceding four-digit Datejust generation. The movement has just received a full service and is running beautifully.
The original Rolex Jubilee bracelet has received equally careful attention. It has been professionally repinned to remove the stretch and sag normally associated with bracelets of this age, leaving it remarkably tight and giving the entire watch the feel of a substantially newer example. The bracelet will accommodate a wrist of approximately 19cm, and the original Rolex clasp and coronet remain beautifully presented. This combination of a 36mm Oyster case, silver linen dial, 18ct white-gold fluted bezel and Jubilee bracelet is one of the most attractive configurations of the reference 16014. A virtually identical linen-dial 16014 dating to 1983 is documented with the same 36mm dimensions and calibre 3035 specification.
What makes this example particularly special is the extent and quality of the restoration. This isn't simply a vintage Datejust that has been polished and serviced. The case, bezel and bracelet have been carefully reconditioned by a master watchmaker, while retaining the watch's original components, including that beautiful original linen dial.
The result is about as close as you can reasonably get to experiencing a 1983 Rolex Datejust as a new watch again.
