What model is this rolex?

[rolexwah]

Hello everybody,

I am new to TRF, just recently I am interested of trying to know more about the Rolex watches.... I have a rolex that was given by my grandfather, not sure which model is it? Can anyone of you help with your expertise?

Thank you!

[padi56]

The name is on the dial a Datejust ref 16234.

[rolexwah]

Thanks! yes, the specific model no. 16234 is what I am looking for. How do you guys know right away which model is it? I only can tell it is a datejust...

[DLCU2]

That looks like an engine turned bezel - so I would have to guess its a Datejust Ref. 16220. 16234 generally comes with the 18k white gold fluted bezel. The best way for you to check is to take the bracelet off and look for the code.

P.S. Congrats on receiving such a beautiful watch. Wear it in good health.

[Lordofrolex]

Yeah thats def not a fluted bezel

[padi56]

Yes its a 16220 can see it better now on PC when I replied was on phone.

[rolexwah]

thank you!

[Alpino]

.

The indexes make me guess it could be a 16030, not a 16220.

An easy way to verify is to check if hands turn CCW or CW when turning the crown CW.

[rolexwah]

I wish I can undo the bracelet and check... but I don't know how and I don't want to damage it... :(

Just tried... when I turn the crown CW, the hands turn CCW. So which model is it?

[Alpino]

Originally Posted by rolexwah

Just tried... when I turn the crown CW, the hands turn CCW. So which model is it?

Definitely not a 16220 with the 3135 and its hands turning CW.

It's a 16030 with a 3035 (if it have the date quickset) or maybe an older 1603/0 (if it haven't).

[red1108nyc]

Almost a 16234! I also got mine from my grandpa :-)

[Fresh_1]

Originally Posted by red1108nyc

Almost a 16234! I also got mine from my grandpa :-)

Wow, pristine condition, looks great. Nice to hear pass down stories.
It makes gives a sense the watch was really appreciated by its owner.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by rolexwah

Thanks! yes, the specific model no. 16234 is what I am looking for. How do you guys know right away which model is it? I only can tell it is a datejust...

What is written on the bottom of the dial picture is not clear is it just Swiss or TswissT.?

[GeorgeK]

nitpicking, but that should not be called engine.turned...

This is engine turned:

[bdex75]

Whatever it is, it is a great dial/bezel combo. Great story as well, congrats. Get it serviced and wear it proudly.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[rolexwah]

Thank you guys! At the bottom of the dial is just one word "SWISS"... Should I get it to service? I don't think this watch ever got serviced and I think it must be +20 years old. I've got two questions:

1. Is it normal that it stops running if I don't wear it for a couple of days? I've always have to wind it manually if I don't wear it more than 2 days... is that a mechanical problem?

2. The crystal of the watch is getting lots of scratches, makes it sometimes hard to see... can they service it by re-polishing it?

3. How much roughly to service a watch or re-polish the crystal?

Don't want to spend too much for now because I want to get a new 214270 in a few months!

Thank you again!

[fitzs]

Originally Posted by rolexwah

Thank you guys! At the bottom of the dial is just one word "SWISS"... Should I get it to service? I don't think this watch ever got serviced and I think it must be +20 years old. I've got two questions:

1. Is it normal that it stops running if I don't wear it for a couple of days? I've always have to wind it manually if I don't wear it more than 2 days... is that a mechanical problem?

2. The crystal of the watch is getting lots of scratches, makes it sometimes hard to see... can they service it by re-polishing it?

3. How much roughly to service a watch or re-polish the crystal?

Don't want to spend too much for now because I want to get a new 214270 in a few months!

Thank you again!

1. Yep, that's normal. Just means the power reserve ran out, and it will not harm the watch to let it run down. Just wind it up, swing it a few times side-to-side to spin the rotor, and it should fire right up.

2. Get a little bottle of Polywatch and you can polish it yourself with ease. It is abrasive though, so take care in not rubbing it into polished metal surfaces.

3. Depends on who you take it to. Rolex Service will charge you several hundred dollars, and a reputable watchmaker experienced with Rolex or certified to work on Rolex will probably charge you less. Shop around.

[Tony64]

"Swiss" alone on the bottom of the dial is rather rare. Until 1999 this dial would have read "t Swiss t" to indicate the tritium on the indices and hands. Most Rolexes thereafter had "Swiss made" on the dial. I think that "Swiss" alone probably dates the watch to around 2000.

Others will correct me if I'm wrong, and I'm far from a Rolex expert.

[rolexwah]

Thank you guys, I am going to buy some polywatch and try to polish the crystal myself! I will keep you guys posted!

So I suppose my watch does not need to be serviced?

[Speed]

Originally Posted by rolexwah

Thanks! yes, the specific model no. 16234 is what I am looking for. How do you guys know right away which model is it? I only can tell it is a datejust...

If you take off the bracelet, you can see the number is engraved on the case.

If your watch keeps good time, it may not need to be serviced. If you want to take it in and have it overhauled inside and out, you can do that if you like. It will then serve you well for years.

[Trailblazer]

Remove the bracelet at 12 o'clock and you should see the model ref engraved on the case.