A fluted bezel, a date magnifier, that oh-so-familiar combination of stainless steel and yellow gold. The [Rolex Datejust reference 16233](https://www.bobswatches.com/models/rolex-16233) is the epitome of a Rolex icon. Dating back to 1945, launched for the brand’s 40th anniversary, the Datejust remains one of the most popular and most recognizable Rolexes on the planet. What first grabbed attention in the era was the brand’s patented jumping date, which switched over instantaneously rather than taking the last few hours of the night to make its transition from one day to the next. Though not present on the first model, those three key design details were added to the Datejust model in the fifties, and have remained a core part of its design ever since. Its arrival in 1988 means the 16233 also takes advantage of the Rolex caliber 3135—the legendary workhorse that continued to power all of the 36mm Datejust references right through until earlier this year, as Rolex begins to phase in the new 3235. The penultimate example of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” the 3135 delivers impeccable accuracy and a 48h power reserve, using a parachrom hairspring, a Breguet Overcoil, and KIF shock protection, which when combined created yet another caliber cementing Rolex’s reputation of reliability and longevity. As a quick point of reference, the quickest way to determine whether the Datejust reference you’re looking at is fitted with a 3035 or 3135 is by looking at its reference number. Models starting with 162XX were all equipped with the newer caliber 3135, whereas 160XX use the earlier caliber 3035. Asking $5400 obo.