Rolex Datejust 'Boiler Gauge'

So-called “five digit” Datejusts (reference variants with five digits) evolved from the original Oyster Perpetual Datejust line and are a quintessential staple of the Neo-Vintage era. These models showed up in the late 70s and offer the added functionality of a higher-beat movement for accuracy and a quick-set date mechanism. They retain the classic 36mm case proportion of their predecessors and have similar variation for dial, bezel, and bracelet configurations. Luminous models also retain Tritium material, offering tremendous opportunities for unique characteristics of patina. This particular example, a Reference 16013, dates to circa 1985 and features an excellent Oyster case with 'holey lugs', a yellow gold fluted bezel, a matching solid link two-tone Jubilee bracelet, and last but not least - a stunning and rare 'boiler gauge' dial with applied yellow gold indices that has changed from a stark white to a lovely warm custard color. While remaining incredible versatile as all Datejust are, this outstanding piece flies under the radar and epitomizes the phrase, "if you know, you know..."