Hi all As the title says, what's the difference between a Datejust 16013 and a Datejust 16233? They look the exact same, but I guess something must be different? 16013: https://www.reddit.com/r/Watches/comments/ay0o27/rolex_brand_spankin_new_straight_out_of_the_box/ 16233: https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-datejust-16233-two-tone-roman.html Thanks
Different movement - 16013 has 3035, 16233 has 3135. Older 16013 has 14K mid-links on bracelet and 14K bezel (I had a 16013 with 18K bezel though which I believe was correct for later years). 16233 has 18K bezel and 18K mid-links. 16013 has acrylic crystal; 16233 has sapphire crystal. I have seen 16013 with sapphire crystal but from what I recall, the sapphire crystals on 16013 nullify water resistance and aren’t a technically correct replacement.
Wow, very detailed answer. Thanks very much. Final question(s): Do you think one of the watches is better than the other? If so, why?
The 3135 movement has a superior power reserve and is the “quintessential” Rolex movement used in many models for 30 years. Sapphire is more robust than acrylic, but scratches in acrylic crystals can easily be polished by hand with a product called Polywatch. I think a lot of it comes down to fondness of the decades. If you are into the 80s or if the 80s has a special meaning to you, the acrylic crystal is the hallmark of pre-90s models. If you want to go super 80s, look at the tapestry dials. If you are not attached to the 80s or you want the option of a 5 digit Datejust without lug holes (the newer 5 digit DJ do not have holes in the case) then get the newer one. Both models are extremely reliable. I am fond of acrylic models but it’s because I like vintage rolexes in general. If water resistance is important, it’s another reason to avoid the acrylic models. Pretty much nobody I’ve encountered would swim with an acrylic DJ but a sapphire DJ that has been pressure tested, I’d have no problem putting it in water, even if it’s a dress watch.