Rolex Datejust 16233 "Stella Boiler Gauge"

Summary

This is an introduction of Rolex's Datejust Ref.16233.

Datejust was born in 1945. It is no exaggeration to say that it is the most representative automatic watch of Rolex.

It is widely known as a watch that anyone can recognize at a glance from its distinctive appearance.

The Datejust mechanism, which instantly changes the date at midnight, is considered one of Rolex's three greatest inventions, along with the Oyster case and the self-winding Perpetual mechanism, and the Datejust collection is the culmination of all these features.

Ref. 16233 is a vintage model that was introduced around 1988 and produced until 2005.

It is a so-called five-digit reference and is sometimes referred to as a neo-vintage watch.

It follows the basic design of the Datejust established in the 1960s fluted bezel, jubilee bracelet, and bar indexes.

Let's take a look at the features of each part.

Case

The Oyster case is the most distinctive feature of Rolex watches.

Ref. 16233 is a combination design of stainless steel (SS) and yellow gold (YG), with a beautifully cut fluted bezel for a luxurious look.

The combination of stainless steel and gold is registered by Rolex under the name "Rolesol.

According to that rule, this one is called "Yellow Rolesolezole," but it is generally referred to as a "combination.

As a change from the previous generation model Ref. 16013, the windshield has been changed from plastic to sapphire crystal.

With this change, the water resistance has been increased to 100 meters, and the main point is that although it is a vintage model, it can be used without hesitation just like a current watch.

The case is finished with diagonal hairline finish on the lugs and polished finish on the sides.

The current model also has polished lugs, which gives a slightly different impression.

Size

*Model arm circumference is approximately 16.5cm

The case size is 36mm.

The current Datejust also has a 41mm model, but this 36mm size is that Datejust is known for.

Because of the shape toward the lugs, it may appear slightly smaller than the numerical value.

It is a size that is not too conspicuous, yet not too small.

Although it is a men's size Datejust, it is also an option for women.

Bracelet

Bracelet is Jubilee bracelet 62513H with single buckle.The bracelet has a dressy look and is truly a bracelet for the Datejust.

The flush fit is 455B the clasp code is R8, matching the year of manufacture of the watch. It has 20 links in length and is adjustable up to an arm circumference of approximately 18 cm.

Dial

Stella" refers to a very shiny dial with a thick enamel-like lacquer finish, and is found mainly on rare Day-Date watches made for the Middle Eastern market.Bob's Watches

The "Boiler Gauge" is so called because, as the name suggests, it resembles the design of a pressure gauge.

Breguet numerals with Arabic indexes is a combination rarely seen in Rolex watches.

Combined with the inner railway minute circle, it gives the watch a very distinctive appearance.

The stellar boiler gauge dial is found only on watches of limited age, and is known as a very rare variation.

It is used on the Datejust model and rarely on the Oyster Perpetual.

Most boiler gauge dials are white or cream, so blue is an even rarer variation!

A Collected ManBulang&Sons

This is the blue boiler gauge

It looks glossy black in the picture.Looks black in most situations when you actually wear it.

When the light hits it and you look closely at it from different angles, you can see that it is dark blue.

Here is a close-up shot of it in the light.

You can see that it is blue, especially in the second photo.

Combined with the gold Arabic numeral indexes, this makes it unique.

 

Both the dial and hands are in good condition with tritium luminous and are slightly aged.

Movement

Conclusion

Again, while boiler gauges themselves are rare, the color blue is rarely seen.

Also, since most boiler gauge dials were manufactured in the 1980s, most of the combination models are Ref. 16013.

The truth is that the next generation Ref. 16233 is quite difficult to find even if you look for it.

This watch is rare, good looking, and suitable for daily use.

It is in very good condition, and the fact that it comes with a warranty card is one of its main attractions.

I try not to say this too often, but I think it is at a level where you never know if a similar piece will appear next time.

The product page can be viewed below.

Rolex Datejust 16233 Stella Boiler Gauge with Box and Paper