An automatic stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust reference 16220 model. This example has a black glossy dial, simple and classic silver 'stick' markers, with a white Roman chapter ring, and white printing throughout. A very clean monochromatic look. The only thing that can quickly differentiate this watch from a similar, but much older example are the slightly wider hour markers.
The watch comes on a Rolex Oyster style stainless steel. The smooth bezel is also in steel, and not eighteen carat white gold, which tones the watch's appearance down. This is a more modern case that has the lug holes covered now. Known as the "No holes" case. This was an improvement that Rolex made to the case toward the end of the 1990's, making this an early iteration of this case. These dials also mark a move away from Tritium luminous material to the superior "Super Luminova" material. This also marks a change to the dial iteration. No longer do you find the "T SWISS T" at the six o'clock position, but simply "SWISS MADE" now.
The watch is powered by a Rolex, Swiss made, thirty-one jewel automatic calibre 3135 movement that powered the majority of all Rolex models since its launch in 1988, from the Datejust to the Submariner. These later models can be identified as they do not have the earlier, characteristic, 'pie pan' style dial. This model also comes with the more ergonomic 'Quick Set' date function, and the newly designed smaller profile case, all of which were introduced in the 1970's. This case has the spring bar holes exposed from the side, a 'holes' case, which was phased out around the early 2000's. The watch is fitted to its original Rolex Jubilee stainless steel bracelet with removable links in place, which, if needed, can be removed to make the bracelet smaller.
The watch was made circa 2002 with serial number Y177XXX. The watch is in excellent original condition, lightly unpolished. The dial is perfect with all the original superluminova luminous material present and glowing evenly blue under UV light. The Oyster bracelet is very tight with little sign of sagging. It is a hollow link version of the Oyster bracelet. The watch comes with a Foundwell one year warranty against mechanical failure. A classic, very easy to wear more modern and robust execution of this ultimate classic that turns twenty years old next year!
