Datejust (5-Digit Vintage)

Rolex Datejust 16233

5-digit two-tone Datejust (steel + yellow gold)

  • 36mm
  • Oystersteel and 18k yellow gold
  • Cal. 3135
  • 1988 to 2009
  • Men's
The Rolex Datejust (5-Digit Vintage), reference 16233. Produced 1988 to 2009. The reference breaks down as: 5-digit two-tone Datejust. 16 series case, the 2 denoting Rolesor (steel and gold) construction with a yellow-gold fluted bezel, the trailing 3 the Cal. 3135 generation. Below are the full specifications, plus what each part of the reference number means. If you own this reference and want to know what it is worth today, we buy it outright and appraisals are complimentary.

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This reference at SDJB

The Datejust (5-Digit Vintage) 16233 we have listed. Ask us about any of them.

Full specifications

Case

Case size36mm
Case materialOystersteel and 18k yellow gold (Rolesor)
Thickness12mm
Lug to lug44mm
Lug width20mm
CrystalSapphire with Cyclops
Water resistance100m

Bezel

Bezel typeFluted
Bezel material18k yellow gold

Dial

Dial variantsMany dials including champagne and diamond

Band

BraceletOyster or Jubilee
ClaspFolding

Movement

MovementCal. 3135
Caliber3135
Power reserve48 hours
Beat rate28800 vph
Jewels31
FunctionsHours, minutes, seconds, date

Reference

Wears asMen's
Produced1988 to 2009

What reference 16233 means

5-digit two-tone Datejust. 16 series case, the 2 denoting Rolesor (steel and gold) construction with a yellow-gold fluted bezel, the trailing 3 the Cal. 3135 generation.

How the 16233 compares

Side by side with the other Rolex Datejust references we document. Only the specs that actually differ are listed.

16233 vs 116188

Spec16233 116188
Produced 1988 to 2009 2006 to 2016

16233 vs 116189

Spec16233 116189
Produced 1988 to 2009 2006 to 2016

16233 vs 116300/116334 Wimbledon

Spec16233 116300/116334 Wimbledon
Case size 36mm 41mm
Lug width 20mm 21mm
Produced 1988 to 2009 2009 to 2016

Common questions about the Rolex Datejust 16233

How big is the Rolex Datejust 16233?

The case measures 36mm across and 12mm thick, with a 20mm lug width. Case material: Oystersteel and 18k yellow gold (Rolesor). Case size alone is a poor guide to how a watch wears; lug-to-lug length and how the bracelet drops off the case matter more, which is why we suggest trying one on before you commit.

What movement is in the 16233?

Cal. 3135. Power reserve is 48 hours. It beats at 28,800 vph. The movement uses 31 jewels.

Is the 16233 water resistant?

It is rated to 100 meters, about 328 feet. That is enough for swimming and snorkeling, but not for scuba diving. One caution that applies to every watch on this page: a water resistance figure describes a new watch with fresh gaskets. On a piece that is years past its last service, treat the rating as unknown until it has been pressure tested.

When was the Rolex Datejust 16233 made?

Rolex produced this reference from 1988 to 2009. Production years matter when you are valuing one, because dial, bezel and bracelet details often changed inside a single reference run.

What does the reference number 16233 mean?

5-digit two-tone Datejust. 16 series case, the 2 denoting Rolesor (steel and gold) construction with a yellow-gold fluted bezel, the trailing 3 the Cal. 3135 generation.. Reading the reference is the fastest way to confirm that a watch is what the seller says it is, before you get anywhere near the movement.

Does the 16233 have a nickname?

5-digit two-tone Datejust (steel + yellow gold). Collector nicknames are not official Rolex names, but they are what people actually search for and what they are called across a showroom.

Does San Diego Jewelry Buyers buy the Rolex Datejust 16233?

Yes. We buy this reference outright, and we lend against it if you would rather keep it. We are a family-owned San Diego buyer established in 2006, our appraisers are GIA-trained, and the appraisal is complimentary with no obligation to sell. You can bring it to our Gaslamp showroom at 907 Sixth Ave or start online. If you are looking to buy this reference instead, tell us and we will let you know when one comes in.

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  • Family-owned in San Diego since 2006
  • Paid on the spot, in person

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Own a Datejust (5-Digit Vintage) 16233?

We buy this reference outright, and we lend against it. Bring it to our Gaslamp showroom or start online. Appraisals are complimentary and there is no obligation to sell.

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