Why I Bought a Vintage Rolex Datejust (Ref 16030)

This watch is a Rolex Datejust, reference 16030. It was most likely produced in 1984 or 1985, which makes it almost exactly as old as I am. It’s a 36mm steel Oyster case on its original jubilee bracelet.

This Datejust features the iconic “Cyclops” date magnification bubble, which is designed to make the date appear larger (and therefore more legible). It also features a quickset date, a convenient feature that Rolex invented in 1977 that lets you set the date quickly, rather than turning the hour hand to manually advance the date.

The Datejust was introduced in 1945 and is still one or Rolex’s most popular models. It’s got a lot of history and has been worn by the likes of Winston Churchill and Dr. Martin Luther King.

For most people, the most remarkable thing about this watch - what makes it special - is the fact that it’s a Rolex. Partly due to innovation and craftsmanship, and partly due to really great marketing, the Rolex brand is synonymous with luxury.

While there are many watch brands that are much more expensive than Rolex, none have the same cachet or brand awareness. Most Rolex watches are purchased and worn as status symbols, and guess what: that’s totally fine. I’d be lying if I said that I bought this watch only for the craftsmanship, and not at all for the brand.

Rolex is the most recognizable watch brand, and it’s one of the most well-known luxury brands, in general. These days, buying or receiving a Rolex is often a celebration of some milestone (typically related to business or money).

I remember seeing my friend Barron’s Datejust and absolutely loving the size of it. He told me that he got a great price on the secondhand market, and the seed was officially planted.

I decided that I would reward myself with a Rolex if I hit a certain financial milestone. Then I hit it, and a couple other things happened in my personal life that warranted a celebration.

When I met Christian from Theo & Harris, and it was over. He said he’d keep an eye out for a Datejust that met my preferences - quick set, original bracelet, non-white dial.

He texted me two days before I left for my wedding with pictures of this watch. Freshly serviced with a unique (and rare) dial, he offered it up at a price I couldn’t refuse. He even overnighted it to me so I could wear it while I got married. And I’ve been wearing it almost every day since.

To me, this watch represents a few things. It will always remind me of the end of 2017 and the beginning of 2018, a time when business was better than ever, I married an amazing woman (my greatest accomplishment to date), and I got to be best man in my older brother’s wedding. It was an exciting, whirlwind 3-4 months, and this watch is a celebration and memento of that time.

#rolex #datejust #16030

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[ggndrums]

"...and by the way, I'm walking through first-class to get my seat in coach."

Truly modest. Congrats, Brock!

[TeddyBaldassarre]

Great and unique looking DJ, Brock. You can’t do much better when it comes to value in vintage watches. It looks great on you btw.

[TheoandHarris]

Was such a pleasure to help you, brother!!!!

[The_Kavalier]

6:21-6:25 That's the most genuine smile- it just glows through the screen. Congratulations Brock!

[SageMained]

I own a 1978 Rolex OPDJ, best watch I’ve ever bought. There’s something about this vintage watches that you don’t see and feel anymore.

[TheRVRD]

I love watches. I think it says so much about a gentleman. Classy watch. Classic items don’t usually impress the common man or woman. But the quality shows. Congrats on finding a great watch for one arm and a great bride for the other. I’m sure she is a lovely and remarkable individual. Many happy years.

[anthonyfitts]

I went in the Rolex dealer in Athens in 1980 to by the Pepsi. My wife was with me and said that is quite ugly, lol. I bought this very Datejust instead, yes I lost on the resale value end but I have love this watch from Day one. Btw at a certain angle in the water the face becomes a perfect mirror, I have worn it at the beach for the first twenty plus years without any problems. My wife is Hawaiian and we have spent many happy hours in the Pacific ocean, all I do is rinse it off. Now I don't wear it everyday, I keep it in rotation, but it has served me very well, its beautiful, its functional, and it gives great satisfaction.

[gc]

That feeling that you describe with your first Rolex, in my opinion is everlasting. Every time you wear it, I'm sure you're thrilled. I was like that with my first Rolex also. Congratulations on such a superb watch and for achieving those milestone's. Christian from Theo & Harris is definitely Top-notch!

[MariaSydneyacww]

I just bought my first (vintage) Rolex Datejust today and I couldn’t be happier! Thanks for the vid

[spencerfarrow]

Absolutely an excellent choice. The watch I get the most complements on is a rose gold plated seiko 5 diver, but my rolexes, tudor or swiss watches never turn a head other then a watch nerd. Thankfully, we buy them for us, it turns my head and gets a smile many times a day.

[maxwelllanerolle]

Nice simple honest guy. I wish him success in everything he does in life.

[Hueguh]

Perfect wedding watch, loved the video!

[MrBuckaroo]

Very nice, indeed! Purchased my 1987 Datejust last year to celebrate a milestone, as well. Gray tapestry dial. Absolutely love it! Don't worry about people reacting to it. You purchased it for your enjoyment. Enjoy!

[solidstream]

Awesome. I have the exact watch. Same engine turned bezel and all. I got it as a birthday gift from my father in 1989. I beat the crap out of it. I’m a firefighter in a tough town and have been in countless fires, training ect with it. I go shooting, camping, yard work ect. No need to baby it. I’ve serviced it like 3 times and it always comes back looking brand new. I could only imagine the beating a solid link submariner would be able to take so I bought one. Now I daily wear the sun and keep the date just for when ever is see my father or feel a little more dressy.

[Rudey]

It's possibly the best looking watch I have ever seen IMHO.

[mrpmoreira]

that is such a nice approach about other people noticing your watch. Makes total sense!! most people won't even look at our wrist, and feeling ''special'' because we have a Rolex, in the end, is about how we see ourselves, and not how we think other people see us. That is so great

[exhalesolutions]

This is awesome. My brand new wife got me a 1988 date just and gave it to me when we were alone after our wedding and this guy is right - no one looks or cares unless they're into watches but it should mean everything to the wearer.

[SinatraCollector]

Congratulations! Its really an amazing watch. I recently bought a datejust from 1980 for my 40th birthday and I am so happy.

[joshuadow]

I bought a 83 datejust in January. I had a great year and milestone in my life and I wanted to reward myself. I promise you... no one has said anything to me yet that i have a great time piece..you were right about that lol... just remember we got this watch 4 us to use and not the world to see.!!!

[tkc]

Congrats man. After owning a bunch of Rolexes, the date just still has a special spot in my collection. Easily one of the most versatile but under rated watch that only pairs well with...EVERYTHING! ... wear it in good health buddy.