1987 Rolex Datejust 16018 18K Yellow Gold Factory Onyx Dial Automatic 36mm
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Depth Of Natural Onyx The reference 16018 occupies a specific space in the Rolex timeline as the gold Datejust that bridged the gap between vintage aesthetics and modern utility with the introduction of the sapphire crystal and quickset movement. While the reference itself is a staple, the inclusion of a factory Onyx dial completely changes the character of the watch. This is a configuration defined by omission; there are no hour markers, no lume plots, and very little text. It is a single, deep black slab of polished stone that creates a level of contrast against the 18K yellow gold case that a standard painted dial cannot achieve. A Rare Stone Configuration Finding a vintage stone dial that has survived without cracking or spidering is the primary challenge for collectors. Onyx is particularly difficult because its uniform surface shows every imperfection, making an uncracked example a significant find. This 1987 example represents a peak era for Rolex stone dials...
Vintage 1980s Wrist Watches
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
