Vintage Datejust Bezel Question

[swish77]

Here is my old Datejust (model 16030; serial 971XXXX) from about 1986. I'm trying to figure out if the bezel is stainless steel or white gold. I've read on this forum that "fluted" bezels on this model were always white gold, but I'm not sure about the difference between "fluted" and "engine-turned" bezels. So, can anyone say, based on this photo, if this bezel is steel or white gold? Thanks!

[flyback]

That's an engine-turned stainless steel bezel. I've got one just like it, purchased new in 1989.

The engine-turned pattern consists of a raised detail every 6 degrees separated by a series of finer radial lines.

The fluted white gold bezel consists of an even pattern of ridges and valleys. It's the classic Rolex bezel design seen, for example, on most Day-Dates.

[swish77]

Great. Thanks for that!

[CharlieG]

Your bezel may not be original if your watch is a 16030?

I thought Rolex went with the following numbering system:

The fourth number corresponds to the bezel finish: 0, Polished/Smooth; 1, Finely Engine Turned; 2, Engine Turned; 3, Fluted

[swish77]

Hmmmm ... I'm no expert, but I've seen dozens of photos of Datejusts 16030 with bezels that look just like mine. Perhaps someone else can offer some insight.

[swish77]

Hmmmm ... I'm no expert, but I've seen dozens of photos of Datejusts 16030 with bezels that look just like mine. Perhaps someone else can offer some insight.

[Davvan]

....3 DJ 16030´s with that very same bezel. Correctomundo....I hope

[CharlieG]

You guys are probably correct.
I did dig this up on the net and maybe and expert can chime in:

Bezel Style Identification Number
Rolex designs and produces many different Bezel styles, which are available upon request. Rolex has given an identification number for the Bezel type in the 5-digit or 6-digit Case Reference Number (also known as the Model Reference Number) that is engraved on every Rolex watch. For the watches produced from the mid 1980s to 2000, the Case Reference Number consists of 5 digits. On watches produced since 2000, the Reference Number consists of 6 digits. The Bezel type is indicated by the second to last digit in both 5-digit and 6-digit Model Reference Numbers. The table below lists the digits and the corresponding bezel styles indicated

Digit Bezel Type
0 Polished
1 Finely Engine Turned
2 Engine Turned
3 Fluted
4 Hand Crafted
5 Pyramid
6 Rotating Bezel

[swish77]

Based on that list, the bezel should be "fluted" on a 16030, not "engine turned." Is my watch, the one in the photo at the beginning of the thread, actually a "fluted" bezel then?

[kcmo]

Originally Posted by swish77

Based on that list, the bezel should be "fluted" on a 16030, not "engine turned." Is my watch, the one in the photo at the beginning of the thread, actually a "fluted" bezel then?

The watch in the photo DOES NOT have a fluted bezel

[rkb]

Originally Posted by swish77

Based on that list, the bezel should be "fluted" on a 16030, not "engine turned." Is my watch, the one in the photo at the beginning of the thread, actually a "fluted" bezel then?

No, yours is engine turned, below are examples of each-

Engine turned, two variants then a fluted. The fluted should appear like facets on a gemstone.

[swish77]

Oh, I see, there are no "lines" on the fluted bezels. I wonder about that list, though. As I said before, I've seen many Datejusts just like mine, listed as 16030s. So that "3" in the model number must not always mean a fluted bezel as the list suggests.