Reference:16234: Difference between revisions
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Import reference 16234 article |
Import reference 16234 article |
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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 | 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 | 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 | ||
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| Bonhams Paris, 2024, lot 3044 || Purchased in 1996; white Roman-numeral dial; Cal. 3135/31 jewels; Jubilee bracelet 62510H/555B || | | 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 | ||
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