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1978 Rolex Datejust 16013 - Blue Buckley Dial

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Details

The Buckley dial, done properly

At a glance it’s a classic two-tone Datejust. Then you see the dial. The blue Buckley configuration changes the entire tone of the watch. Printed Arabic numerals, crisp white text, and that deep blue that reads rich instead of flashy. On a 1978 two-tone 16013, this combination lands in a very narrow window of production. Not common, not easy to replace, and immediately recognizable if you know what you’re looking at.

Buckley dials already sit in a smaller category of Datejust collecting.

In blue, and paired with yellow gold, they become even tighter. The warmth of the 18k fluted bezel and Jubilee center links gives the graphic dial some depth, while the printed numerals keep it grounded and legible. It’s a configuration that feels intentional rather than decorative. This is the version that collectors stop on.

Condition backs it up.

The dial is in strong condition with sharp printing and clean tone. The case remains unpolished and well preserved, and the original Jubilee bracelet is in great overall shape. It’s running exceptionally well on the bench at +1 seconds per day with strong amplitude, exactly what you want to see.

This works for someone who wants a Datejust that isn’t standard issue.

It still wears like a classic 36mm two-tone Rolex, but the dial gives it an edge that most examples simply don’t have. Harder to find than it looks, easy to wear once it’s on.

Key Specs

Reference: 16013

Model: Datejust

Year: 1978

Movement: Automatic

Case Size: 36mm

Bezel: 18K yellow gold

Bracelet: Two-tone Jubilee

Dial: Blue Buckley

Wrist Size: Fits 6.15–6.9 inches

SKU: 275

History

The Datejust debuted in 1945 as Rolex’s 40th‑anniversary timepiece.  It combined the brand’s major innovations — a waterproof Oyster case, self‑winding Perpetual rotor and chronometer‑certified movement — and added a new feature: a date window that automatically advanced at midnight.  This simple, yet practical display marked the first time a wristwatch offered a self‑winding movement with a date indication in a dial aperture.  The watch was launched on the Jubilee bracelet, designed for comfort and flexibility, and its fluted bezel underscored its dressier appeal.Rolex continued to refine the Datejust after its launch.  In 1953 the company added a magnifying Cyclops lens over the date to improve legibility.  The mid‑century models maintained the original 36 mm case size and time‑only simplicity while introducing new dial colours and precious metal options.  The model eventually expanded into smaller and larger sizes and, in 1957, the Lady‑Datejust provided the same functionality in a watch designed for women.Through its long production run the Datejust has remained a cornerstone of the Rolex line because it blends practicality with versatile styling.  Its combination of automatic winding, chronometer accuracy and instantaneous date change serves everyday needs without excess ornamentation.  The enduring form, an Oyster case with screw‑down crown and bracelet — resists moisture and dust.  Collectors appreciate early Datejusts for their historical significance and the way later iterations carry forward the original design language.  Even today the Datejust remains a reference point for a classic, reliable wristwatch.

1978 Rolex Datejust 16013 - Blue Buckley Dial
1978 Rolex Datejust 16013 - Blue Buckley Dial Sale price$8,500.00 USD

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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)

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4 months ago

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