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1979 Rolex Datejust 16013 - Blue Dial

Details

This Is The Datejust Everyone Recognizes

If you picture a vintage Datejust, this is usually it. Two tone case, fluted yellow gold bezel, Jubilee bracelet, and a blue stick dial. By the late 1970s, Rolex had this formula sorted, and it became so recognizable for a reason. It works from every angle and never tries too hard.

Why This Configuration Matters

The blue stick dial is the quiet flex here. Cleaner and more modern than Roman or champagne options, it keeps the watch versatile and easy to wear. Against the gold bezel and two tone bracelet, it adds contrast without overpowering the design. The fluted 18k yellow gold bezel is the anchor. It gives the watch its identity and is the reason this reference still reads as a Datejust from across the room. Paired with a Jubilee bracelet, this is the classic execution Rolex leaned on for decades.

What You Need To Know Before Wearing It

The watch runs well. The case is in good condition with wear consistent with age. The dial is in good shape and presents cleanly. The Jubilee bracelet shows stretch consistent with age, and runs well after passing by the test bench. 

Why This Watch Still Makes Sense

This is an honest vintage Datejust that wears exactly how these are supposed to wear. Familiar, comfortable, and easy to live with.

It works for someone who wants the classic two tone Rolex look without pretending it is something else. Correct parts, honest condition, and a configuration that has aged well because it was never chasing novelty.

Every watch we offer has been authenticated and mechanically looked over to ensure immediate usability.

Bracelet extension, cutting, or sizing is available upon request through our professional in-house jewelers.

 

Every watch we offer has been authenticated and mechanically looked over to ensure immediate usability.

Bracelet extension, cutting, or sizing is available upon request through our professional in-house jewelers.

Key Specs

Reference: 16013

Model: Datejust 36

Year: 1979

Movement: Automatic

Case Size: 36mm

Bezel: 18k yellow gold fluted

Bracelet: Two-tone Jubilee bracelet

Dial: Blue stick dial

Wrist Size: Fits 6.75–7.5 inches

SKU: 317

History

Introduced in 1945 to mark Rolex's 40th anniversary, the Datejust was the first self-winding, waterproof wristwatch to display the date in a window at 3 o'clock. The name said everything: the date, just there, automatically.

The watch debuted alongside the Jubilee bracelet — a five-piece link design created specifically for the occasion and still one of the most copied bracelet patterns in watchmaking. Later iterations added the iconic cyclops lens, magnifying the date 2.5x directly above the aperture, a detail so practical it became a Rolex signature.

Over the decades the Datejust evolved through generations of references — from the early 1600-series with engine-turned bezels to the 1603 in yellow gold, the 16013 and 16030 two-tones of the 1980s, the 16233 and 116233 of the 1990s and 2000s — yet the core proposition never changed: a 36mm case, an automatic movement, and a date that flips at midnight.

It's the Swiss watch equivalent of a white oxford shirt. Timeless in steel, versatile in two-tone, proper in solid gold. Collectors prize the earlier sigma-dial examples for their textural richness; later smooth-dialed pieces wear as effortlessly today as they did the day they left Geneva. Few references have ever achieved this level of consistency across six decades of production.

What Our Clients Say About Us

Dan Young
4 months ago

I knew I was gonna like Danny, based on his name, but nothing could’ve prepared me for how great of an experience this was. He had the most beautiful 70s Seamaster Cosmic on his website and I was set to be married 2 days later - I arranged to buy it but before leaving we both realized it needed to be serviced. I panicked, because I was literally buying this for my wedding, and Danny being the legend he is, loaned me a nearly identical Seamaster to make sure I could get through the event Never have I had someone go so above and beyond for me, especially while purchasing one of the lesser priced items in their inventory. He serviced my watch and exchanged it with me after the wedding on a super fast turnaround timeline. I would sincerely recommend you visit this guy, you will not be disappointed Edit: adding a pic of the loaner (two tone) and the owner (crosshair)

Patrick Farella
5 months ago

Great service and shop. Danny and his team were incredibly accommodating, professional, and kind. Great selection of vintage watches. Their store is the hidden gem in the diamond district.

Zee06
2 months ago

This was my first real luxury watch purchase, a Rolex 15200 Date 34mm, I own Tissots and a Laco, but those are entry level luxury watches. I found Danny’s Vintage Watches online, and had great feedback both on Google, Chrono24 and the Reddit watch community. So decided to give him a shot as buying online can be a crap shoot. Ordered Monday night, was at my doorstep Friday morning. Despite the watch being over 30 years old, serial number says it’s from 91, the watch looked new. Didn’t come with box or papers, and was shipped in a plastic sleeve wrapped in bubble wrap. Danny was always available to answer questions. I’ll be buying from Danny again for the next purchase…saw a couple of Speedmasters on his site I liked….

Mohammed Islam
4 months ago

Can't recommend Danny's vintage watches enough!!! My first Omega ever and im in love have been wearing every day since I purchased it. Danny's shop is a must visit if you are in NYC looking for a watch!!!