187 Rolex Fine and Attractive, Datejust, Automatic Wristwatch in Steel, With Sodalite Dial, Reference 116 234
Estimate: €9,000 – 18,000
Sold (Premium)€11,700
Model: Datejust
Reference: 116 234
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Bracelet Material: Stainless Steel
Year: 2010s
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 3135
Case N°: 0L3481T8
Dimensions: 36 mm
Signed: Dial, Movement and Case
Accessories: Tag
Introduced in the 1940s, the DateJust is one of the most iconic collection from Rolex’s repertoire. Exclusively produced in yellow gold when it was first launched, Rolex only introduced stainless steel variants of the model in the 1950s alongside its two-tone counterpart and during the years Rolex has been experimenting with different dial and case materials for the collection, which resulted in flavorful combinations appreciated by collectors. In 2005, Rolex released the ref. 116 234 featuring its classic white-gold fluted bezel, an upgraded cal. 3135 with quick-set function as well as adopting a new case design no longer with pinholes. Featuring an enigmatic sodalite dial, the present 116 234 is cased in very versatile stainless steel and complete with a charming Jubilee bracelet. Sodalite is a rich royal blue tectosilicate mineral commonly used as an ornamental gemstone. Rolex often favor to use sodalite to enhance standard production pieces, such as the Daytona, Day-Date and DateJust. Requiring extreme precision and delicacy to execute, Rolex hardstone dials are rare and unique as each hardstone dial will never be identical to another. Rolex has showcased their mastery through the painstaking printing of text and diamond setting on the dial and the present example is enhanced with such a decoration complemented by 10 diamond-set numerals.