Rolex Datejust 36 Ref. 116200 'Mother of Pearl Diamond Dial'
Dress/Luxury Sport Watch · Rolex (Independent); Top-tier luxury manufacturer known for industry-leading vertical integration and quality control.
Period: Modern Luxury (2000s-2018). Distinctive for its six-digit reference and integrated rehaut engraving which began in the mid-2000s.
Type
Dress/Luxury Sport Watch
Brand
Rolex (Independent); Top-tier luxury manufacturer known for industry-leading vertical integration and quality control.
Movement
Automatic, Rolex Calibre 3135. Self-winding with 48-hour power reserve, 31 jewels, 28,800 vph frequency, and Parachrom hairspring.
Dimensions
Diameter: 36mm; Thickness: 12mm; Lug-to-Lug: 44mm; Lug Width: 20mm. Wears true to size with significant wrist presence due to the polished Oyster links.
Description
The Rolex Datejust Ref. 116200 is an icon of horological versatility. This specific execution pairs the ruggedness of the smooth-bezel Oyster case with the high-luxury aesthetic of a blue Mother of Pearl dial. The shimmer of the organic dial ensures no two pieces are identical, while the diamond indices elevate it from a daily tool watch to a jewelry-grade statement piece.
Key Features
Natural Mother of Pearl dial, 10-point diamond indices, 36mm 'Super Case' lugs, engraved 'RRR' (Rolex Rolex Rolex) inner rehaut, and solid end-link Oyster bracelet.
Dial Description
Natural Blue Mother of Pearl with 10 applied brilliant-cut diamond hour markers in 18k white gold settings. Baton hands and date window at 3 o'clock with 'Roulette' date wheel capability.
Case Material
904L Oystersteel featuring high-polish finish on the lugs and smooth bezel with brushed case sides.
Crystal Type
Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with Cyclops magnification lens (2.5x) over the date.
Bezel Details
Fixed, smooth polished stainless steel dome bezel.
Crown & Pushers
Twinlock screw-down crown with Rolex coronet logo; integrated crown guards within the case design.
Bracelet or Strap
Stainless steel Oyster bracelet (Ref. 72600) with polished center links and brushed outer links; fitted with an Oysterclasp and Easylink 5mm comfort extension.
Caseback Details
Solid, screw-down fluted Oyster caseback in stainless steel with no engravings, maintaining the classic Rolex tool-watch tradition for luxury models.
Movement Type
Automatic, Rolex Calibre 3135. Self-winding with 48-hour power reserve, 31 jewels, 28,800 vph frequency, and Parachrom hairspring.
Water Resistance
100 meters (330 feet); Suitable for swimming and snorkeling. Gaskets should be pressure tested annually if used in water frequently.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made; Manufacture located in Geneva and Bienne, Switzerland. 100% in-house movement and case construction.
Age Estimate
Circa 2005-2018; The presence of the 'ROLEX' engraved rehaut and the solid-link Oyster bracelet suggests a mid-to-late production cycle.
Cultural Significance
The Datejust is arguably the most recognizable watch in the world, embodying the archetype of the modern wristwatch. It has been worn by everyone from world leaders like Winston Churchill to pop culture icons.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. Noted surface scratches on the polished center links of the bracelet and small dings on the bezel at 12 and 1 o'clock. Dial and crystal appear clean; lume on hands shows no signs of degradation. Significant bracelet stretch is not apparent.
Value Estimate
$7,500 - $9,500 USD depending on the presence of original box and papers. Mother of Pearl dials command a significant premium over standard sunburst dials.
Care & Maintenance
Service every 10 years recommended by Rolex. Ensure crown is fully screwed down before water exposure. Clean with a soft brush and soapy water to maintain the luster of the Mother of Pearl and diamonds.
Similar Watches
Rolex Datejust 126200 (modern successor with 70hr power reserve), Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M (sportier alternative), Tudor Black Bay 36 (entry-level luxury equivalent).
Interesting Facts
The Datejust was the first self-winding chronometer wristwatch to display the date in a window. The Mother of Pearl used by Rolex is never artificially colored; instead, they use natural light-diffusing shells to achieve these specific hues.