Rolex 116200 Datejust fully brushed steel

[roamingcat]

Originally Posted by Pingparme

I sent it to an independent who used to work at Rolex. I wouldn't DIY myself.


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Ok, thanks. I'll take your advice.... I just need to find someone who can do it then.

[Pingparme]

It all started out late last year when my friend and I got ourselves into vintage Rolexes. Purchased a couple of 1803 white gold, 1601, 1680 red sub, 5513, 1675 fuschia, 6265 and 6239 amongst ourselves. There is really something very special about these vintages. I found the new modern Rolexes very robust, especially with the 904L steel, but the PCLs are a little too dressy for me (but I acknowledge that it is attractive if you are looking for something less plain). I stumbled on Benjamin Clymer's article on the modern 116200 Datejusts and I agree that it has a place on its own, between modern and vintage, so I decided to experiment and modify it to fully brushed, and I do like the outcome. Btw, just to let you know, if you do this, Rolex will void the warranty on your watch even though it is purely cosmetics and no modification to dial, hands nor movement, so I need to disclose on this before you decide to go ahead. What reassures me is that Rolexes are so robust that the chances of your watch mulfunctioning is so low.


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[Rocket_Man]

Obviously it is your watch and you can do what suits you. If you like it that is all that counts. I have a 30 year old DJ with polished center links (a jubilee bracelet of course) so vintage doesn't equal brushed. The Oyster bracelet lends itself to being brushed more so than the Jubilee. I personally like polished links on dress watches. On sport models with an Oyster bracelet the brushed center links look more 'sporty.' But on dress watches I prefer the polished links. But I do like the PCLs on my GMTc. On a watch like the Explorer I think I prefer the brushed look.

[Pingparme]

Rocket_Man, yes the jubilee is another fantastic design and is also very vintage. I actually prefer the vintage jubilee like the one on your 30 yr old DJ as it is slightly tapered with the distinctive folding clasp which gives it the sporty look, as opposed to the modern jubilees with the same width throughout and hidden clasp which imo looks more jewelry


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[roamingcat]

Thanks again and appreciate your advice on the warranty. I bought my 116200 new in 2006 so it is way past the warranty period so no issues there. I share your passion on the vintage DJ look. I think the mod achieves both the DJ vintage / low key look with a modern updated movement and bracelet. Its the best of both worlds imo. As it is, the PCL and polished lugs are just too blingy for me.

[Pingparme]

Exactly what I thought roamingcat. Best of both worlds


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[Pingparme]

Btw, if I am not wrong Rocket_Man, the very first Datejust were introduced with the jubilee bracelet


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[Pingparme]

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[roamingcat]

Good article. That fluted silver stick dial + oyster bracelet looks awesome having a classic look with a modern twist. I know this may not be everyone's cup of tea especially for purists (fluted DJ must go with jubilee), but its interesting to note with the DJ 2 fluted bezel, Rolex itself currently only offers the oyster bracelet, whereas jubilee is not an option.

[cjohns]

Very nice and thanks for sharing.I was a whisker away from pulling the trigger in May on a 116(white stick,smooth) that was FS here but it must have sold,actually I think the listing just disappeared ? My AD watchmaker said he could easily do it and thought it would look great.The only question he had was what grain pattern I would like on the lugs,,angled like an old DJ or inline with the band like a newer style Rolex.

[RKTudor]

Originally Posted by Pingparme

I sent it to an independent who used to work at Rolex. I wouldn't DIY myself.


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I was going to ask if you did it yourself... I'm not brave enough either ;)

[Pingparme]

Cjohns, I asked myself that question too. And I finally decided to go with the vertical brushed to be period correct.


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[cjohns]

Yes it really makes it a great daily wearer almost a tool watch with that stick dial IMHO.

[Pingparme]

And brushed is less dressy than PCL


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[Perpetual888]

I prefer the more subdued look of all brushed

[ibzk]

Looks very sporty!