Collection
Besançon's enduring Rolex Datejust 16013 serves as a testament to the robust craftsmanship and timeless appeal of a true daily wearer. His personal account highlights not just the watch's resilience through decades of active use, but also the sentimental value it accrues as a constant companion. This piece offers a valuable perspective on the longevity and practical durability that define a classic luxury timepiece.
The Rolex Datejust reference 16013 represents a significant evolution within the Datejust family, introducing the quickset date function to the two-tone configuration. This reference bridges the gap between earlier plexiglass models and later sapphire crystal iterations, offering a blend of traditional aesthetics with enhanced functionality. It was a popular choice for its versatility and robust construction, embodying the classic Datejust design with modern improvements for its era.
This reference features a 36 mm Oyster case crafted from a combination of stainless steel and 18k yellow gold, paired with an 18k yellow gold fluted bezel. It is powered by the automatic Caliber 3035, which provides a power reserve of approximately 42 hours and incorporates the quickset date mechanism. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal, enhancing its durability and water resistance to 100 meters.
Collector interest in the 16013 often centers on its status as a transitional reference, offering the convenience of a quickset date and sapphire crystal while retaining the classic proportions and two-tone appeal. It appeals to those seeking a vintage-inspired Datejust with improved daily wearability. Variants typically involve different dial colors and hour marker styles, but the core case and movement specifications remain consistent across the production run.
a companion and a witness to life. Best, Emmanuel
Full props for a full life of great service
And the design language is just as relevant as its modern counterpart. A classic. Here’s to another 43 years! 🥂
Your experience with this watch means so much more than a celebrity “testimonial.”
…and offers to polish the scratches off. All along scolding me for “trashing such fine watch”. So he reaches for this tool, he loved all tools, and gets to work. In no time the crystal was so cloudy you couldn’t see the dial. My wife was very upset telling him that he didn’t know what he was doing, etc. I just laughed and laughed. That same afternoon I had the crystal changed for a new one. 🤷🏻♂️👍
very versatile and it has experienced a lot with you.
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