Rolex Datejust Ref. 16030 - Cream 'Boiler Gauge' Dial

Hard to believe - but the Datejust has been around since 1945. It is far older than its bigger and attention-hogging Submariner brethren. The Datejust was Rolex’s idea of the perfect everyday watch. The robustness of the Oyster case, combined with the elegance of an Oyster Perpetual. The 4-Digit Datejusts was the first series to become available with a myriad of dial colors and case and bracelet materials — something that has stuck with the Datejust name ever since. What the 4-digits watches do lack, is a quickset date — something that was resolved with the introduction of the 5-digit pieces in the late 1970s.

The Reference 16030 that we have here dates to circa 1985 and comes to us in strong overall condition. The case has been lightly previously polished in the past and retains correct proportions and shows light signs of wear. The correct stainless steel engine-turned bezel is in matching condition. It comes fitted to its correct Jubilee bracelet, which shows normal wear from age and mild stretch.

The real highlight of this piece, however, is that cream-tone 'Boiler Gauge' dial within. Originally white in color, a handful of Rolex dials of this era aged over decades to a gorgeous creamy color. This example is in immaculate condition, with an evenly aged and clean surface and fully intact Tritium plots. The applied 'Arabic' indices seem to blend elements from Art-Deco and Steampunk beautifully, resulting in a wildly cool flair to them.

All things considered, this is tough to beat, be it for your one vintage watch, or as an additional to a growing collection. Either way, these don't surface all too often and this is a fantastic example.