Rolex Datejust 36 Ref. 116200 'Blue Tuxedo Bullet' or 'Concentric Dial'
Luxury Dress/Everyday Watch · Rolex (Rolex SA). Top-tier luxury manufacturer known for durability and prestige.
Period: Modern Luxury (2000s - 2010s). The 6-digit reference (116200) and the specific concentric dial pattern are hallmarks of Rolex's experimentation in the mid-to-late 2000s.
Type
Luxury Dress/Everyday Watch
Brand
Rolex (Rolex SA). Top-tier luxury manufacturer known for durability and prestige.
Movement
Automatic/Self-winding; Rolex In-house Caliber 3135. Features a Parachrom hairspring, 31 jewels, 28,800 vph frequency, and approximately 48 hours of power reserve.
Dimensions
Case diameter: 36mm; Thickness: approx 11.5mm; Lug-to-lug: 44mm; Lug width: 20mm. This is the classic mid-size profile suitable for most wrists.
Description
The Ref. 116200 represents the 'modern classic' Datejust. This specific iteration features the rare and visually striking concentric dial, which offers a more avant-garde, sporty aesthetic compared to traditional sunburst or linen Datejust dials. The blue concentric rings catch light at varying angles, creating a dynamic 'tuxedo' effect that pairs perfectly with the oyster bracelet.
Key Features
Unique concentric circular texture on dial, radial Arabic numerals, 6-digit reference with hidden lugs, and the engraved rehaut for security.
Dial Description
Blue Concentric 'Tuxedo' dial featuring circular engine-turned grooves. It uses applied silver-tone Arabic numerals in a radial orientation and a white railroad minute track. Stick hands with a date window at 3 o'clock.
Case Material
904L Stainless Steel (Oystersteel). The finish features high-polish lungs and a smooth, polished steel bezel.
Crystal Type
Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with 2.5x Cyclops magnification lens over the date window.
Bezel Details
Fixed smooth/domed bezel in polished 316L/904L stainless steel.
Crown & Pushers
Screw-down, Twinlock double waterproofness system crown with the Rolex coronet logo. Integrated crown guards are not present on this model.
Bracelet or Strap
Rolex Oyster bracelet (Ref. 72200) in stainless steel with polished center links and brushed outer links; equipped with an Oysterclasp and Easylink comfort extension.
Caseback Details
Solid, screw-down 'Oyster' caseback with fine coin-edge fluting. It is devoid of engravings, consistent with standard Rolex production.
Movement Type
Automatic/Self-winding; Rolex In-house Caliber 3135. Features a Parachrom hairspring, 31 jewels, 28,800 vph frequency, and approximately 48 hours of power reserve.
Water Resistance
100 meters (330 feet). Suitable for swimming and snorkeling, but gaskets should be pressure-tested annually due to the age of the piece.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made. Entirely manufactured and assembled in-house (Geneva and Bienne, Switzerland).
Age Estimate
Circa 2005–2015. The engraved rehaut (inner bezel ring) with 'ROLEX' text visible in the image suggests a post-2005 production date.
Cultural Significance
The Datejust is the archetype of the modern watch, being the first self-winding chronometer wristwatch to display the date in a window. This specific dial variant is a favorite among collectors looking for a 'hidden gem' that deviates from standard Rolex aesthetics.
Condition Notes
Good condition. There is visible surface scratching and 'desk diving' marks on the polished center links of the bracelet and the bezel. The crystal appears clear. Moderate dirt buildup is visible between the end links and lugs, suggesting a need for ultrasonic cleaning.
Value Estimate
$6,500 - $8,500 USD depending on the presence of the original box and papers. Concentric dials often command a slight premium among enthusiasts due to their discontinuation.
Care & Maintenance
Recommended service every 10 years. Ensure the screw-down crown is fully tightened before water exposure. Regular cleaning with a soft brush and soapy water is recommended to maintain the finish.
Similar Watches
Rolex Datejust 126200 (modern replacement with Cal. 3235), Omega Aqua Terra 150m (teak dial), Tudor Black Bay 36 (smooth bezel tool watch).
Interesting Facts
The concentric dial is often nicknamed the 'Tuxedo' or 'Bullet' dial and was one of the few times Rolex moved away from their conservative stick or Roman indices for a more graphic, modern look.