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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Date-display wristwatch

Rolex Datejust ref. 16030

Partially verified

This Rolex Datejust, reference 16030, is a stainless steel wristwatch produced circa 1981, identified by the serial number 666xxxx. The watch features a 36mm steel case and a reeded bezel. The dial is finished with a silver soleil pattern, applied yellow gold markers, and gold hands, complemented by aged mustard-colored luminous material. The watch incorporates a quickset movement, allowing for rapid adjustment of the date function, while retaining a plexiglass crystal. It is paired with a steel Jubilee bracelet, reference 62150h, featuring 555 endlinks and a clasp stamped with the letter 'D'. The auction description states that the watch has been serviced by their watchmaker. It functions as a chronometer-certified timepiece, as noted on the dial, and retains a vintage-style design combined with modern movement functionality.

Front view of the Rolex Datejust 16030, showing the silver soleil dial and Jubilee bracelet.
Front view of the Rolex Datejust 16030, showing the silver soleil dial and Jubilee bracelet. — Bulang & Sons. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bulangandsons.com
Category
Wristwatch · Date-display wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
16030
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1981
Source-reported place
Not established
Source-reported serial
666xxxx

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial Design

The Rolex Datejust reference 16030 features a 36mm stainless steel case paired with a distinctive reeded bezel. The design includes a plexiglass crystal and a cyclops lens positioned over the date aperture at the 3 o'clock position. The dial exhibits a silver soleil finish and is equipped with applied yellow gold markers and matching gold hands.

The hour markers and hands contain luminous material, which is described as having a mustard-colored patina. The combination of the brushed steel surfaces and the metallic textures on the dial and bezel provides a visual contrast.

Evidence for this section
  • “36mm steel case”
  • “silver soleil finished dial with gold makers and gold hands with the most amazing mustard patina on the lume”
  • “we love these bezels with reeding in between the raised sections”

Movement and Functionality

The reference 16030 is characterized by its quickset movement, a feature that distinguishes it from earlier iterations of the Datejust series. This mechanism allows the wearer to change the date independently of the time-setting function, providing increased convenience while maintaining the vintage-style appearance of the plexiglass crystal.

The movement is categorized under the Superlative Chronometer designation, as indicated on the dial face. The current vendor reports that the movement has been recently serviced by their in-house watchmaker to ensure operational readiness.

Evidence for this section
  • “This reference 16030 is a classic looking with vintage style plexi crystal but a quickset movement”
  • “Quick set movement”
  • “Fully serviced by our watchmaker”

Bracelet and Construction

This watch is fitted with a solid Jubilee bracelet, designated by the reference number 62150h. The bracelet is constructed of stainless steel and is secured by a clasp stamped with the letter 'D'. It is equipped with endlinks marked 555, which connect the bracelet to the 36mm steel case.

According to the documentation provided, the bracelet remains in a condition consistent with the watch's age.

Evidence for this section
  • “solid jubilee bracelet ref 62150 h remains in lovely condition with endlinks marked 555 and a clasp stamped' D””
  • “Jubilee bracelet 62150h with endlinks 555”

Open research questions

  • Determine if the 'D' clasp stamp correlates specifically to the 1981 production year or a replacement period.
  • Verify the evolution of the 555 endlink compatibility with the 16030 reference case.

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex Datejust ref. 16030
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerRolex“Vendor: Rolex”
ModelDatejust“Rolex Datejust Silver dial with yellow gold markers ref 16030”
Reference16030“Rolex Datejust Ref 16030”
Serial666xxxx“Serial 666xxxx dating to 1981”
Case Diameter36mm“36mm steel case”
BraceletJubilee 62150h“Jubilee bracelet 62150h with endlinks 555”
Clasp MarkingD“a clasp stamped' D”.”

Visible details

  • Reeded texture on the outer bezel
  • Jubilee bracelet with five-link construction
  • Cyclops lens magnification over the date aperture
  • Applied baton indices with gold finish

Research qualifications

  • Originality of the luminous material aging is not explicitly verified by third-party certification
  • Exact service history beyond the current vendor's claim is unknown

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.