Rolex Datejust 36, Ref. 16234 · Blue Dial · circa 1997
The ref. 16234 holds a specific place in Datejust history: 1997 marks the final year Rolex used tritium lume on the indices and hands. From 1998 onwards, all Datejusts switched to SuperLuminova. On this example, that tritium has aged to a warm, creamy tone that makes the watch instantly recognisable as a product of its era. The dial itself has held up remarkably well: the blue remains deep and clean, with none of the fading you often see on watches of this age. A honest split between a dial that stayed true and hands that moved on.
The combination remains one of the most elegant in the Datejust catalogue: a deep blue dial behind a fluted white gold bezel, on a steel jubilee bracelet. Understated in the right light, rich in another. A blue Datejust from this era is one of those watches that tends to look better in person than in any photograph.
Case and bracelet are in fair, well-worn condition. The dial is original and untouched.
Come and see it at our private lounge in Amsterdam, or get in touch via the website. At Lorièn Watches, we believe a worn watch with an honest history is often more interesting than a perfect one.
