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1988 Rolex Datejust 36 16234 - Steel & White Gold, Salmon Roman Dial

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Details

A Foundational Reference With A Rare Dial

The Reference 16234 is a pivotal Datejust, marking the transition from vintage charm to modern reliability. Introduced in 1988, it brought key technical updates that defined the model for decades. While the reference itself is a cornerstone of the brand, this example stands apart with its uncommon salmon dial. This specific dial color is a favorite among collectors, offering a warm and sophisticated alternative to the standard silver, black, or champagne options.

The Perfect Blend Of Sport And Dress

What elevates this Datejust is the specific combination of its features. The stainless steel case and Jubilee bracelet provide a classic, durable foundation, while the 18k white gold fluted bezel adds a subtle layer of luxury. Paired with the salmon dial and its applied Roman indices, the watch strikes a perfect balance. It's formal enough for any occasion without feeling overly precious, and the unique dial ensures it stands out in a world of more common configurations.

Excellent Condition, Ready To Wear

This example is in excellent overall condition. The unpolished case remains sharp, and the 18k white gold bezel is crisp. The matching 62510H Jubilee bracelet is in excellent shape. The salmon dial is clean and presents beautifully. As with every watch we offer, this piece has been verified as mechanically sound and is ready to wear.

A Modern Classic With Lasting Appeal

This is a knockout piece for the collector who appreciates the history and proportions of a classic 36mm Datejust but wants a dial that is genuinely special. The salmon color has a distinct character that works in any season and on any wrist. It combines the bulletproof reliability of a modern movement with a dial that many enthusiasts lust for. This is a watch that works as a daily wearer and a collection centerpiece with equal confidence.

Key Specs

Reference: 16234

Model: Datejust

Year: 1988

Movement: Automatic

Case Size: 36mm

Bezel: 18k White Gold Fluted

Bracelet: Jubilee Stainless Steel 62510H

Dial: Salmon with Applied Roman Indices

Metal: Stainless Steel & 18k White Gold

Bracelet Length: Fits up to 6.75in

SKU: 619

History

The Datejust is the foundational reference of the Rolex catalog. Introduced in 1945 to celebrate the brand's fortieth anniversary, it was the first wristwatch in history to feature an automatically changing date display at three o'clock. At a time when the industry was still defining what a wristwatch could be, Rolex used the Datejust to establish a standard that the rest of the market spent decades trying to meet. The fluted bezel, the Jubilee bracelet, and the cyclops lens over the date window all debuted with this reference and have remained defining visual elements of the brand ever since.

Over the following decades the Datejust evolved steadily without ever departing from its original character. Case sizes expanded, dial options multiplied, and movement generations improved, but the essential proportions and the logic of the design stayed constant. This is why a 1960s Datejust and a contemporary example are immediately recognizable as the same watch. The reference became the benchmark for what a Swiss dress watch should be, combining water resistance, automatic winding, and date functionality into a package that was both practical and refined.

For collectors, the vintage Datejust represents the most accessible entry into serious Rolex ownership. The breadth of dial variations, case materials, and bracelet configurations produced across sixty years of continuous production means that no two collections need to contain the same piece. The dressier executions in gold with champagne or silver dials remain the most traditional choice, while examples in steel with unusual dial colors have attracted significant collector attention as the vintage market has matured.

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!!!