Yellow Gold Rolex Datejust Reference 16238 Onyx Dial

The Day-Date may have claimed the presidential throne, but its golden Datejust sibling has a few tricks of its own! The reference 16238 takes Rolex’s tried-and-tested 36mm formula and gives it the full 18k yellow gold treatment, right down to the Jubilee bracelet. Often overlooked in favour of its more illustrious cousin, the gold Datejust becomes a different proposition altogether when fitted with one of Rolex’s more exotic factory dials. 

Enter this 1989 example, sporting a glossy black onyx dial that does away with traditional hour markers in favour of a beautifully minimalist canvas. An applied gold coronet and diamond-set 6 and 9 provide just the right amount of sparkle, while the concealed clasp keeps that solid-gold Jubilee looking the part. Add the original box and papers, and you have a rather special slice of late-1980s Rolex extravagance! 

Please refer to the high-resolution pictures to assess the condition of the watch.

MODEL / REFERENCE: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust, reference 16238. This yellow gold wonder was originally sold in 1989 and comes as a full set. Inventory code: 2609-18. 

DIAL + HANDS: The Onyx dial is complemented with perfectly preserved gilt printing, an applied coronet at 12 o’clock and diamond-set hour markers at 6 and 9. The flawless surface presents no cracks or blemishes. 

The date window at 3 o’clock features a clean date disc showing slight, even aging for added character. 

The non-luminous golden baton hands are seemingly original, showing light traces of age. 

CRYSTAL: Sapphire crystal with the signature Cyclops date magnifier. 

CASE: The 36mm 18k yellow gold Oyster case retains its classic profile and sharp fluted bezel. It shows crisp hallmarks and signs of use, notably hairline scratches and light scuffs throughout.  

Following a professional restoration, the brushed and polished surfaces remain in superb condition. 

CASEBACK: Yellow gold case back, in excellent condition with intact knurling. It displays light surface marks and hairline scratches throughout.  

The inner side is factory engraved and carries the 16200 reference number along with the correct hallmarks. 

CROWN: Signed “Twinlock” crown in yellow gold. It screws-down down tightly and operates perfectly.  

MOVEMENT: Rolex Calibre 3135, an automatic, COSC-certified chronometer movement with hacking seconds and a quickset date function.  

The movement has been inspected for timekeeping accuracy in various positions. It shows good performance, keeps precise time, and the date disc changes at midnight. 

BRACELET: Fully linked, 18k yellow gold “Super Jubilee” bracelet, featuring a concealed folding clasp for a seamless, uninterrupted gold finish. The clasp is stamped 6368 and retains a crisp coronet emblem. The overall construction remains composed despite some apparent stretch. The surface displays various scratches commensurate with age. 

ACCESSORIES: Full set, including the original box, warranty documentation and accompanying accessories.  

WARRANTY: We guarantee the authenticity of the watch. We also provide a 12-month guarantee for the correct function of this timepiece. All guarantees are subject to the General Terms and conditions. 

Please feel free to ask questions, we will be glad to answer. Virtual or face-to-face viewing is available by appointment.