The Rolex Datejust ref. 16200 marked a significant evolution for the collection, introducing both the high-beat Calibre 3135 and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Produced from the late 1980s into the 2000s, this reference offered a balance of vintage understatement with modern materials and movement.
The seldom-seen "Tapestry" dial, with its fine vertical grooves, provides a distinct texture and depth that separates it from standard dial patterns of the era. Inside, the Cal. 3135 automatic movement with its quickset date function was a notable technical upgrade and a reliable workhorse for decades. As a complete package, the 16200 with this specific dial configuration stands as a subtly distinctive and collectible reference from Rolex's neo-vintage period.
Founded in 1905 by the visionary Hans Wilsdorf, Rolex was born from a singular, revolutionary idea: to transform the wristwatch from a fragile piece of jewelry into a robust, precise, and reliable daily companion. This ambition was masterfully realized in 1926 with the invention of the Oyster, the world's first waterproof and dustproof wristwatch case. Proven by a triumphant swim across the English Channel on the wrist of Mercedes Gleitze, the Oyster case established the foundational pillar of the brand's identity—performance and dependability in the most demanding conditions—a standard to which every Rolex is held to this day.
Building upon this foundation, Rolex went on to pioneer the defining features of the modern watch, including the self-winding Perpetual rotor in 1931 and the date-displaying Datejust in 1945. The brand then cemented its legend by creating the "professional tool watch" category, developing iconic models engineered for specific endeavors: the Submariner for deep-sea diving, the GMT-Master for intercontinental pilots, and the Cosmograph Daytona for the world of motorsports.
Today, Rolex positions itself as the universal symbol for success, quality, and prestige. As a fully integrated manufacturer, the brand exercises complete control over every component, from smelting its own proprietary gold alloys to assembling its "Superlative Chronometer" certified movements with uncompromising precision.
Overall Grade: 8.5 / 10 | Mint Condition, Light Visible Wear Production: est. 1999 Contents: Watch Only Genre: Dress Watch
Size: 36mm Thickness: approx. 12mm Lug Width: 20mm
Case: Stainless steel Oyster case, brushed lugs with mirrored sides,, light wear Bezel: Stainless steel, fixed smooth bezel, mirrored finish, light wear Dial: Silver tapestry pattern (light patina), applied baton indices with tritium plots Hands: Steel baton hands, with tritium inserts, light wear
Crown: Steel, signed screw-down Twinlock crown, light wear Crystal: Sapphire, flat, with cyclops lens, light wear Bracelet: Stainless Steel, Jubilee bracelet, light wear Caseback: Solid, screw-in caseback, light wear Movement: Automatic Calibre: 3135 Automatic