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This Rolex Datejust Ref. 16030 is a superb full set example from 1988, complete with its original punched papers, box, booklets, wallet, calendar card and Rolex service history.
The Datejust 16030 is one of the most wearable vintage Rolex references, offering the classic 36mm Oyster case with the added character of an engine turned bezel. It gives the watch a slightly sportier, more understated feel than the white gold fluted bezel Datejust models, while still retaining all the elegance and practicality that makes the Datejust such an enduring design.
The watch features its original silver dial, which has a clean and classic look with applied baton hour markers, date window at 3 o’clock and cyclops magnification. The tritium lume has aged evenly across the dial, while the hands also retain tritium lume and show a speckled glow under UV light, giving the watch a charming and honest vintage character.
Inside is the Rolex calibre 3035 automatic movement, an important and practical movement within the Datejust family, known for its quickset date functionality. The watch is fitted to its original Rolex 62510H Jubilee bracelet, date coded M for 1988, correctly matching the year of the watch.
What makes this example especially appealing is the completeness of the set. The original punched papers show the watch was sold in the UK in 1988, and the included Rolex service history from 1995 adds further provenance. For collectors looking for a vintage Rolex Datejust with paperwork, correct bracelet, strong dial character and service history, this is a very compelling example.
Key Features
Rolex Datejust Ref. 16030
Year 1988
Rolex calibre 3035 automatic movement
36mm stainless steel case
Engine turned bezel
Original silver dial
Tritium lume with even ageing across the dial
Tritium hands with speckled UV response
Date function with quickset date
Acrylic crystal
Original Rolex 62510H Jubilee bracelet
Bracelet date code M for 1988
Original inner and outer Rolex box
Datejust booklet
Rolex wallet with matching serial number sticker
Translation booklet
Calendar card
Original punched Rolex papers
UK sold in 1988
Rolex service history from 1995
A Word on Condition
This Rolex Datejust presents very well and has the kind of honest character that makes vintage Rolex watches so appealing. The original silver dial remains clean and attractive, with a soft classic finish that suits the 36mm Datejust case perfectly.
The tritium lume has developed an even tone across the dial, and the hands retain their tritium lume with a speckled glow under UV light. This gives the watch a natural vintage look while preserving the clean, elegant feel of the silver dial.
The case and engine turned bezel show signs of age and use, as expected for a vintage watch from 1988, but the overall presentation remains strong. The original Jubilee bracelet is correctly date coded to 1988, adding to the period-correct nature of the piece.
Overall, this is a very attractive and complete vintage Datejust with strong originality, good provenance and the added confidence of Rolex service history.
Accessories / The Set
This watch is sold as a full set with its original inner and outer Rolex box, Datejust booklet, Rolex wallet with matching serial number sticker, translation booklet, calendar card and original punched Rolex warranty papers showing it was sold in the UK in 1988.
The watch also comes with Rolex service history from 1995.
All purchases are supplied with bespoke Watts On Watches packaging and full purchase documentation.
Why Buy This Watch
The Rolex Datejust 16030 is a brilliant choice for someone wanting a classic vintage Rolex that can be worn regularly and enjoyed without feeling overly delicate. The 36mm case, Jubilee bracelet and silver dial make it extremely versatile, while the engine turned bezel gives it a distinctive look compared with the more commonly seen fluted bezel Datejust references.
The full set is a major part of the appeal. Many vintage Datejust watches have lost their original papers, box and accessories over time, so finding one with punched papers, matching serial number wallet sticker, booklets, calendar card and Rolex service history is increasingly desirable.
This is not just a nice vintage Datejust. It is a complete, UK sold Rolex Datejust 16030 with original punched papers, original bracelet, service history and the charm of naturally aged tritium.
Every watch we sell is fully inspected to meet our exacting standards. We stand by the quality of our stock, which is why every purchase comes with a 12 month warranty as standard.