1979 Rolex Datejust 16013 Steel & Gold with Box & Swing Tags
Ref: 16013

Points of Mention

This watch is sold with an original Rolex box and serial matching swing tag. The watch comes paired on its original Rolex steel & gold bracelet with a signed clasp, the bracelet will fit up to a 7inch wrist. The watch is from Circa. 1979 and is sold in worn, vintage condition with signs of wear and age throughout, the watch is in all original condition. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.

The Watch

Hans Wilsdorf founded Rolex in 1905 at the age of 24, along with Alfred Davis in London. In 1919 they moved their operation to Geneva, Switzerland. This move was brought about by high wartime taxes on Gold and Silver in the UK after the Great war 1914-1918. They were now closer to their suppliers in Bienne.

The Rolex Oyster case was released in 1926. Marketed as the world's first “waterproof” watch. The notches on the bezel and case back meant they could be screwed down to the middle case with a special tool invented and manufactured by Rolex to hermetically seal the case. In 1927 a young swimmer Miss Mercedes Gleitz swam the English channel wearing the “Oyster”. Later in 1933 the team of the first expedition to fly over Everest wore them. It was also famously worn by Sir Malcolm Campbell, “King Of Speed”, on the 4th September 1935. An advert of the time made a big splash with him saying “The Rolex watch is still keeping perfect time- I was wearing it yesterday when Bluebird exceeded 300 mph” He broke the world land speed record 9 times between 1924 and 1936. 1931 saw the debut of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, their first self-winding watch that was also water-resistant and dustproof. The Oyster Perpetual 1013 was first introduced in 1965. The 16014 was launched in 1977 and was in production until 1988.

Our 1979 Rolex Datejust 16013 has a 36mm Oyster case in stainless steel and solid 18k yellow gold. The slender case has a subtle curve towards the lugs with a lug to lug length of 43.5mm and a thickness of 11mm ensuring a comfortable fit on your wrist. On the right side, a signed crown. A fluted 18k yellow gold bezel adds character to the watch creating an impressive wrist presence. Flat plexiglass sits above a vibrant blue sunburst dial. Applied double baton indexes catch the light as you rotate your wrist. Tritium lume pips sit atop of the indexes marking the hours. At 3 o’clock a framed date window with a cyclops magnification on the above crystal. Slim beveled edged baton hands are complemented with a tapered sweeping center seconds hand. At 12 o’clock an applied Rolex crown. On the reverse, a coin-edged screw-down gold case back. Inside an Automatic Rolex Cal. 3035, 27 jewels, 28,800 beats per hour. The watch comes fitted on its original stainless steel and 18k yellow gold 20mm Jubilee bracelet with brushed outer links and Gold center secured on the wrist by a signed folding clasp and also comes with its Rolex presentation box, swing tags, and papers.

Personal Note