Rolex Datejust 36 Ref. 116200 with Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial
Luxury Dress Watch · Rolex (Rolex SA); Tier: High-end Luxury. The world's most recognized luxury watch brand, known for durability, precision, and value retention.
Period: Modern Luxury (2000s-2018). This reference belongs to the 6-digit generation characterized by 'Super Cases' with thicker lugs and the introduction of the 'Rolex' engraved rehaut (inner bezel ring).
Type
Luxury Dress Watch
Brand
Rolex (Rolex SA); Tier: High-end Luxury. The world's most recognized luxury watch brand, known for durability, precision, and value retention.
Movement
Automatic/Self-winding, Rolex Calibre 3135. Features a Parachrom hairspring, 31 jewels, 28,800 vph frequency, and a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. COSC certified Chronometer.
Dimensions
Case diameter: 36mm; Thickness: 12mm; Lug-to-lug: 44mm; Lug width: 20mm. Wears larger due to the beefier modern lug profile.
Description
The Rolex Datejust 36 is the quintessential daily luxury watch. This specific iteration, reference 116200, combines the ruggedness of a stainless steel Oyster case and bracelet with the high-jewelry elegance of a Mother of Pearl dial and diamond indices. It represents the perfect mid-size balance that fits almost any wrist, transitioning seamlessly from formal wear to casual outings.
Key Features
Engraved Rolex rehaut (inner ring), Mother of Pearl dial, diamond hour markers, smooth domed bezel, and caliber 3135 movement.
Dial Description
Light blue/white Mother of Pearl (MOP) dial with natural iridescent texture. Features 10 applied brilliant-cut diamond hour markers in 18k white gold settings. Baton-style silver-toned hands. Date window at 3 o'clock under a Cyclops lens.
Case Material
904L Stainless Steel (Oystersteel); features a high-polish finish on the smooth bezel and case sides with brushed finish on the lug tops.
Crystal Type
Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with Cyclops magnification lens over the date. Appears to have some surface smudging but no major visible chips in the provided image.
Bezel Details
Fixed, polished smooth domed bezel in stainless steel.
Crown & Pushers
Screw-down, Twinlock double waterproofness system crown with Rolex Coronet logo. Integrated subtle crown guards.
Bracelet or Strap
Stainless steel Oyster bracelet (72600), three-piece flat links. Outer links are brushed, center links are polished. Features an Oysterclasp with an Easylink 5mm comfort extension link.
Caseback Details
Solid, screw-down fluted case back in stainless steel. Typical of Rolex, it is devoid of engravings.
Movement Type
Automatic/Self-winding, Rolex Calibre 3135. Features a Parachrom hairspring, 31 jewels, 28,800 vph frequency, and a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. COSC certified Chronometer.
Water Resistance
100 meters (330 feet). Suitable for swimming and snorkeling, provided the crown is screwed down and gaskets are serviced.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made. Manufactured in-house in Geneva and Bienne, Switzerland.
Age Estimate
Circa 2005-2018. The 'T SWISS MADE T' at 6 o'clock is atypical for this late-model rehaut case (usually just 'SWISS MADE'), which may suggest a service dial or specific regional variation.
Cultural Significance
The Datejust is one of the most iconic and copied watch designs in history. It has been worn by countless world leaders and celebrities, symbolizing professional success and timeless taste.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. The bracelet and center links show significant surface scratches and scuffs consistent with daily wear. The 'T SWISS MADE T' marking is unusual for this reference generation and warrants movement/serial verification to ensure authenticity.
Value Estimate
$8,000 - $11,000 USD. Value is heavily influenced by the presence of original box/papers and the premium commanded by factory diamond/MOP dials.
Care & Maintenance
Recommended service every 10 years by Rolex. Ensure the crown is fully screwed down before water exposure. Soft cloth cleaning for the MOP dial's brilliance and ultrasonic cleaning for the bracelet.
Similar Watches
Rolex Datejust 126200 (the successor caliber 3235), Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150m (diamond dial versions), Tudor Black Bay 36.
Interesting Facts
The Datejust was the first self-winding chronometer wristwatch to display the date in a window on the dial (1945). The Mother of Pearl used by Rolex is never artificially colored; the hues are entirely natural.