Rolex Datejust 36 Ref. 116233 with Blue Concentric Arabic Dial
Luxury Everyday/Dress Watch · Rolex (Independent). Tier: High-end Luxury. Rolex is the world's most recognized luxury watch brand, known for durability and value retention.
Period: Modern Luxury (2004-2018). This reference introduced the 'super case' with heavier lugs and the hidden Crownclasp on Jubilee versions, marking the transition from vintage to modern Rolex construction.
Type
Luxury Everyday/Dress Watch
Brand
Rolex (Independent). Tier: High-end Luxury. Rolex is the world's most recognized luxury watch brand, known for durability and value retention.
Movement
Automatic, Rolex Caliber 3135. Features 31 jewels, 28,800 vph (4Hz), and a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. Known for the Parachrom hairspring and COSC certification.
Dimensions
36mm diameter, 12mm thickness, 44mm lug-to-lug, 20mm lug width. It wears slightly larger than previous generations due to thicker, more rounded lugs.
Description
The Datejust 116233 represents the perfect bridge between classic Rolex design and modern robustness. This specific example features the rare and sought-after 'Blue Concentric' dial, which provides a more contemporary and sporty appearance compared to traditional sunburst dials. The two-tone gold and steel construction remains the quintessential 'Rolex look' recognized worldwide.
Key Features
Concentric circle dial texture, applied Arabic numerals, fluted gold bezel, and the upgraded 116xxx series solid-link bracelet.
Dial Description
Blue Concentric dial featuring circular snailed texture. It has applied white gold Arabic numerals and baton hands with Super-LumiNova. A date window is positioned at 3 o'clock with a 'roulette' (alternating red/black) or standard black date wheel.
Case Material
Yellow Rolesor (a combination of 904L stainless steel and 18k yellow gold). The case sides are high-polished, and the lug tops are brushed.
Crystal Type
Scratch-resistant sapphire with a 2.5x magnification Cyclops lens over the date. Laser-etched crown visible at 6 o'clock.
Bezel Details
Fixed fluted bezel made of 18k yellow gold. The sharp edges reflect light, characteristic of the Datejust's iconic aesthetic.
Crown & Pushers
Twinlock screw-down crown in 18k yellow gold with the Rolex coronet and a single bar/dot indicating gold material.
Bracelet or Strap
Oyster bracelet in Yellow Rolesor (Ref. 72203). Features polished yellow gold center links and brushed stainless steel outer links with an Oysterclasp and Easylink extension.
Caseback Details
Solid, screw-down stainless steel caseback with a fluted edge for Rolex-specific tools. Devoid of engravings, consistent with standard Rolex production.
Movement Type
Automatic, Rolex Caliber 3135. Features 31 jewels, 28,800 vph (4Hz), and a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. Known for the Parachrom hairspring and COSC certification.
Water Resistance
100 meters (330 feet). Suitable for swimming and snorkeling, but should be pressure tested annually if used in water.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made. Manufactured in-house in Geneva and Bienne, Switzerland.
Age Estimate
Circa 2005-2015. The presence of the engraved rehaut (Rolex serial number on the inner ring) indicates a production date after 2005/2006.
Cultural Significance
The Datejust is arguably the most successful watch design in history, worn by countless world leaders and celebrities. It defined the 'everyday luxury watch' category.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. Visible micro-scratches on the polished gold center links and bezel. The lugs appear to retain their factory thickness. Dial and crystal are clear. Minimal bracelet stretch is expected for this age.
Value Estimate
$8,500 - $11,500 USD depending on the presence of original box/papers and bracelet condition. The 'Concentric' dial can carry a small premium for specific collectors.
Care & Maintenance
Recommended service interval of 10 years. Ensure crown is fully screwed down before water exposure. Soft cloth cleaning of the gold links to prevent oxidation buildup.
Similar Watches
Rolex Datejust 126233 (newer movement), Tudor Black Bay 36 S&G (more affordable alternative), Omega Aqua Terra Two-Tone (competitor with different aesthetic).
Interesting Facts
The Datejust was the first self-winding chronometer wristwatch to display the date in a window on the dial (1945). The concentric dial was often marketed as a more youthful, avant-garde option for the Datejust line.