Admin: Import reference 16234 article

2026-10-17T13:59:59Z

Import reference 16234 article

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:59, 17 October 2026
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	Phillips states that Rolex introduced the 16234 in 1988. A Christie's catalogue dates one example to circa 1989; Antiquorum dates another to 1992, while Sotheby’s records examples from circa 1995, 1997, and 2002. Phillips catalogued examples from circa 2000 and 2001. The records document watches across that period; the factory's start and end dates remain approximate. Monochrome places the end in 2004, while Fratello gives 2005. Neither source identifies a serial-linked final example, leaving the endpoint approximate.		Phillips states that Rolex introduced the 16234 in 1988. A Christie's catalogue dates one example to circa 1989; Antiquorum dates another to 1992, while Sotheby’s records examples from circa 1995, 1997, and 2002. Phillips catalogued examples from circa 2000 and 2001. The records document watches across that period; the factory's start and end dates remain approximate. Monochrome places the end in 2004, while Fratello gives 2005. Neither source identifies a serial-linked final example, leaving the endpoint approximate.

	The caseback stamp <code>16200</code> appears on multiple catalogued 16234 examples. Christie's and a Bonhams description ~~transcribed by Collector Square~~ report the mark. Sweetroad describes it as a shared stamp used across the 162xx Datejust case group, and a Rolex Forums discussion makes the same claim. Use the between-lug engraving to identify the watch head; treat the shared inside stamp as supporting evidence.		The caseback stamp <code>16200</code> appears on multiple catalogued 16234 examples. Christie's and a Bonhams 2024 lot description report the mark. Sweetroad describes it as a shared stamp used across the 162xx Datejust case group, and a Rolex Forums discussion makes the same claim. Use the between-lug engraving to identify the watch head; treat the shared inside stamp as supporting evidence.

	==Movement notes==		==Movement notes==
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	==Case, bezel, crystal, and crown notes==		==Case, bezel, crystal, and crown notes==

	The catalogued 16234 examples pair a 36 mm steel case with a fluted 18k white-gold bezel. Published photographs show case profiles and exterior backs; catalogue text from Christie's and a Bonhams ~~description transcribed by Collector Square~~ reports the inside-back stamp <code>16200</code>. Sweetroad describes it as a shared caseback mark. Use the between-lug engraving to identify the watch head.		The catalogued 16234 examples pair a 36 mm steel case with a fluted 18k white-gold bezel. Published photographs show case profiles and exterior backs; catalogue text from Christie's and a Bonhams 2024 lot reports the inside-back stamp <code>16200</code>. Sweetroad describes it as a shared caseback mark. Use the between-lug engraving to identify the watch head.

	Phillips and Antiquorum describe sapphire crystal with a Cyclops lens. A reliable serial cutoff for drilled versus undrilled lugs, lume compound, or other case transitions remains unknown. Collector discussions offer leads, but the available dated and photographed examples are too sparse for a chronology.		Phillips and Antiquorum describe sapphire crystal with a Cyclops lens. A reliable serial cutoff for drilled versus undrilled lugs, lume compound, or other case transitions remains unknown. Collector discussions offer leads, but the available dated and photographed examples are too sparse for a chronology.
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	\| Phillips, Hong Kong Watch Auction XIII, lot 1091 \|\| Circa 2001; blue sodalite dial with diamond indexes; Cal. 3135/31 jewels; Jubilee bracelet with 555B end links; clasp marked DE11 \|\| The guarantee is dated 18 February 2002		\| Phillips, Hong Kong Watch Auction XIII, lot 1091 \|\| Circa 2001; blue sodalite dial with diamond indexes; Cal. 3135/31 jewels; Jubilee bracelet with 555B end links; clasp marked DE11 \|\| The guarantee is dated 18 February 2002
	\|-		\|-
	\| Bonhams Paris, 2024, lot 3044 \|\| Purchased in 1996; white Roman-numeral dial; Cal. 3135/31 jewels; Jubilee bracelet 62510H/555B \|\| ~~Catalogue description transcribed by Collector Square~~		\| Bonhams Paris, 2024, lot 3044 \|\| Purchased in 1996; white Roman-numeral dial; Cal. 3135/31 jewels; Jubilee bracelet 62510H/555B \|\| Purchase date does not establish production date
	\|}		\|}

Admin: Import reference 16234 article

2026-10-17T13:59:10Z

Import reference 16234 article

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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Rolex Datejust 16234}}
{{#seo:
|title=Rolex Datejust 16234 — Reference guide | Rolexopedia
|description=The Datejust 16234’s 1988 introduction, Cal. 3135, documented dial variants, case details, and unresolved production endpoint.
|keywords=Rolex 16234, Datejust 16234, Datejust 36, Caliber 3135
|image=Ref 16234 hero.webp
|image_alt=Rolex Datejust 16234 with a silver Roman-numeral dial, steel case, white-gold fluted bezel, and Oyster bracelet
|type=Article
|og_type=article
|robots=index,follow,max-image-preview:large
}}

<small>Datejust → '''16234'''</small>

<div class="rp-lead">
[[File:Ref 16234 hero.webp|thumb|center|640px|alt=Rolex Datejust 16234 with a silver Roman-numeral dial, steel case, white-gold fluted bezel, and Oyster bracelet|Sotheby’s, Fine Watches, 21 December 2021, lot 62. Described as circa 2002.]]
</div>

The 16234 is a 36 mm Datejust with a stainless-steel case and fluted 18k white-gold bezel. Phillips dates its introduction to 1988 and records a sapphire crystal and Cal. 3135 in place of the preceding generation’s acrylic crystal. Auction catalogues document silver, blue sodalite, mother-of-pearl, and Roman-numeral dials. Monochrome gives 2004 as the end year; Fratello gives 2005. The final production year remains unconfirmed.

==Core facts==

{| class="wikitable rp-facts"
! detail !! value
|-
| reference || 16234
|-
| family || Datejust 36
|-
| documented dates || Introduced in 1988; examples catalogued from circa 1989 to circa 2002; published end dates conflict
|-
| case || 36 mm; stainless steel with fluted 18k white-gold bezel
|-
| crystal || Sapphire, with Cyclops date magnifier
|-
| movement || Automatic Cal. 3135; catalogued examples usually listed with 31 jewels
|-
| documented dials || Silver, blue sodalite, mother-of-pearl, and Roman-numeral examples; complete factory range unknown
|-
| bracelet || Oyster and Jubilee options reported; original fitment must be established from the individual watch
|}

==Where it sits in the line==

The 16234 belongs to the five-digit Datejust 36 generation introduced after the 160xx references. Phillips records the move from Plexiglas to sapphire crystal and Cal. 3135. Monochrome describes Oyster and Jubilee bracelet options. Keep the later six-digit 116234 separate; it is a different reference.

==Production outline==

Phillips states that Rolex introduced the 16234 in 1988. A Christie's catalogue dates one example to circa 1989; Antiquorum dates another to 1992, while Sotheby’s records examples from circa 1995, 1997, and 2002. Phillips catalogued examples from circa 2000 and 2001. The records document watches across that period; the factory's start and end dates remain approximate. Monochrome places the end in 2004, while Fratello gives 2005. Neither source identifies a serial-linked final example, leaving the endpoint approximate.

The caseback stamp <code>16200</code> appears on multiple catalogued 16234 examples. Christie's and a Bonhams description transcribed by Collector Square report the mark. Sweetroad describes it as a shared stamp used across the 162xx Datejust case group, and a Rolex Forums discussion makes the same claim. Use the between-lug engraving to identify the watch head; treat the shared inside stamp as supporting evidence.

==Movement notes==

Exact-reference catalogues identify Cal. 3135. Most list 31 jewels; Phillips lot 893 lists 27 for its circa-2000 example. The reason for the discrepancy is unclear. Check the movement on the watch itself rather than inferring its details from the reference number.

==Dial map==

The catalogued examples show several different executions. Sotheby’s lot 62 has a silvered dial with applied Roman numerals. Phillips lot 1091 shows a blue sodalite dial with diamond-set indexes; Phillips describes each stone dial as individually patterned. Sotheby’s 2020 lot 154 records a mother-of-pearl dial with diamond indexes. Antiquorum’s 1992 example has a silvered dial with eleven diamond indexes. These watches establish examples of the options; the complete factory list and its dates remain unknown.

<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
File:Ref 16234 hero.webp|Sotheby’s, lot 62: silvered dial with Roman numerals, circa 2002
File:Ref 16234 dial-sodalite.webp|Phillips, lot 1091: blue sodalite dial with diamond-set indexes, circa 2001
</gallery>

==Case, bezel, crystal, and crown notes==

The catalogued 16234 examples pair a 36 mm steel case with a fluted 18k white-gold bezel. Published photographs show case profiles and exterior backs; catalogue text from Christie's and a Bonhams description transcribed by Collector Square reports the inside-back stamp <code>16200</code>. Sweetroad describes it as a shared caseback mark. Use the between-lug engraving to identify the watch head.

Phillips and Antiquorum describe sapphire crystal with a Cyclops lens. A reliable serial cutoff for drilled versus undrilled lugs, lume compound, or other case transitions remains unknown. Collector discussions offer leads, but the available dated and photographed examples are too sparse for a chronology.

<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
File:Ref 16234 profile.webp|Sotheby’s, lot 62: case profile and fluted bezel
File:Ref 16234 caseback.webp|Sotheby’s, lot 62: exterior caseback
File:Ref 16234 crown.webp|Sotheby’s, lot 62: crown-side case profile
File:Ref 16234 profile-sodalite.webp|Phillips, lot 1091: case profile of the sodalite-dial example
File:Ref 16234 caseback-sodalite.webp|Phillips, lot 1091: exterior caseback of the sodalite-dial example
</gallery>

==Bracelets, end links, clasps, and packaging notes==

Both Oyster and Jubilee bracelets are recorded for the reference. The photographed Sotheby’s lot 62 is on an Oyster bracelet. Phillips lot 1091 and Sotheby’s lot 573 record Jubilee bracelets; Phillips identifies 555B end links and a clasp stamped <code>DE11</code>. Sotheby’s 2020 and Antiquorum’s 1992 examples are also catalogued on Jubilee bracelets. Bonhams records bracelet 62510H with 555B end links on its 1996-purchased watch. These are lot-level descriptions; original delivery and a universal bracelet-and-clasp pairing remain unverified.

Boxes, guarantees, and papers appear with some auction examples. They document the contents of those lots, not a standard package supplied with every 16234.

==Special branches==

The reviewed material identifies no separate production sub-reference within 16234. Sodalite, mother-of-pearl, and diamond-index dials are individual documented configurations. They show some of the variation among surviving examples; the complete factory list and the originality of any individual watch need separate evidence.

==Auction record==

{| class="wikitable"
! record !! catalogue details !! limit
|-
| Christie's, circa 1989 || Blue dial; steel and white-gold bezel; 36 mm; automatic Cal. 3135; Jubilee bracelet 62510H with 555B end links || Individual catalogue record; inside back marked 16200
|-
| Antiquorum, New York, 2009, lot 262 || Example dated 1992; silvered dial with eleven diamond indexes; steel and white gold; 36 mm; Cal. 3135/31 jewels; Jubilee bracelet || Catalogue date applies to this watch
|-
| Sotheby’s, 2020, lot 154 || Circa 1997; mother-of-pearl dial with diamond indexes; 36 mm; Cal. 3135/31 jewels; Jubilee bracelet || One dial and bracelet configuration
|-
| Sotheby’s, 2021, lot 62 || Circa 2002; silvered Roman-numeral dial; steel and 18k white gold; 36 mm; Cal. 3135/31 jewels; Oyster bracelet || Papers accompany the lot; no movement photograph
|-
| Sotheby’s, 2022, lot 573 || Circa 1995; blue sodalite dial with diamond indexes; Cal. 3135/31 jewels; Jubilee bracelet || One hardstone-dial example
|-
| Phillips, Hong Kong Watch Auction XII, lot 893 || Circa 2000; blue sodalite and diamond-index dial; Cal. 3135/27 jewels; Jubilee bracelet with 555B end links || Jewel count differs from most reviewed catalogue entries
|-
| Phillips, Hong Kong Watch Auction XIII, lot 1091 || Circa 2001; blue sodalite dial with diamond indexes; Cal. 3135/31 jewels; Jubilee bracelet with 555B end links; clasp marked DE11 || The guarantee is dated 18 February 2002
|-
| Bonhams Paris, 2024, lot 3044 || Purchased in 1996; white Roman-numeral dial; Cal. 3135/31 jewels; Jubilee bracelet 62510H/555B || Catalogue description transcribed by Collector Square
|}

==Gallery==

<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
File:Ref 16234 hero.webp|Sotheby’s, lot 62: circa-2002 silver Roman-numeral dial
File:Ref 16234 profile.webp|Sotheby’s, lot 62: case profile
File:Ref 16234 caseback.webp|Sotheby’s, lot 62: exterior caseback
File:Ref 16234 crown.webp|Sotheby’s, lot 62: crown-side profile
File:Ref 16234 dial-sodalite.webp|Phillips, lot 1091: blue sodalite dial
File:Ref 16234 profile-sodalite.webp|Phillips, lot 1091: sodalite-dial case profile
File:Ref 16234 caseback-sodalite.webp|Phillips, lot 1091: exterior caseback of the sodalite-dial example
</gallery>

== Sources ==

* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/159449 "Rolex Datejust ref. 16234, Phillips Hong Kong Watch Auction XIII, lot 1091", Phillips, 2022-11-26]
* [https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/HK080121/893 "Rolex Datejust ref. 16234, Phillips Hong Kong Watch Auction XII, lot 893", Phillips, 2021-05-23]
* [https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/christies-watches-online-play-time/rolex-datejust-ref-16234-101/62213 "Rolex Datejust ref. 16234, Christie's Watches Online, circa-1989 example", Christie's]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/watches/rolex-ref-16234-datejust-a-stainless-steel "Rolex Datejust ref. 16234, Sotheby’s 2020, lot 154", Sotheby’s, 2020-05-19]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/fine-watches-10/datejust-ref-16234-stainless-steel-and-white-gold "Rolex Datejust ref. 16234, Sotheby’s Fine Watches 2021, lot 62", Sotheby’s, 2021-12-21]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/important-watches-online/datejust-reference-16234-a-stainless-steel-and "Rolex Datejust ref. 16234, Sotheby’s Important Watches Online 2022, lot 573", Sotheby’s, 2022-11-10]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-212-262 "Rolex Datejust ref. 16234, Antiquorum New York 2009, lot 262", Antiquorum, 2009-03-05]
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/29794/lot/3044/rolex-a-stainless-steel-automatic-calendar-bracelet-watch/ "Rolex Datejust ref. 16234, Bonhams Paris 2024, lot 3044", Bonhams, 2024-10-22]
* [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/datejust/ref-rolex-16234/lpi "Bonhams Paris 2024, lot 3044, transcribed by Collector Square", Collector Square / Bonhams, 2024-10-22]
* [https://www.sweetroad.com/view/item/000000019618 "Rolex Datejust ref. 16234, 1989–90 example, Sweetroad", Sweetroad]
* [https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=285552 "Rolex Forums discussion of the shared 16200 Datejust caseback stamp", Rolex Forums, 2013-03-12]
* [https://www.fratellowatches.com/heres-why-the-rolex-datejust-16234-ticks-all-the-boxes/ "Here's Why The Rolex Datejust 16234 Ticks All The Boxes", Fratello, 2025-08-11]
* [https://monochrome-watches.com/rolex-datejust-complete-history/ Monochrome, "Monochrome Watches — The Evergreens: Complete History of the Rolex Datejust", Monochrome, current]

[[Category:Datejust]]

Reference:16234 - Revision history

Admin: Import reference 16234 article

Admin: Import reference 16234 article