Rolex Datejust Ref. 16238 'Quickset' - 'Burlwood' Dial Unpolished

Hard to believe - but the Datejust has been around since 1945. It is far older than its bigger and attention-hogging Submariner brethren. The Datejust was Rolex’s idea of the perfect everyday watch. The robustness of the Oyster case, combined with the elegance of an Oyster Perpetual. The ‘4 digit’ series of Datejust are particularly attractive for their pie-pan dials which offer a layer of three-dimensionality to the dials that went away with the advent of quickset date and 5-digit Datejusts. These early Datejusts were available as the 1601, with a fluted white gold bezel, or the 1603, with an engine-turned steel bezel. The 4-Digit Datejusts wear also the first series to become available with a myriad of dial colors and case and bracelet materials. This particular piece, for starters, is a solid-gold Datejust, which are rare to begin with, full stop. Rolex did not make a lot of these so it didn’t compete with its more expensive sibling, the Day-Date, which were exclusively produced in solid gold. However, this isn't your run of the mill gold Datejust... Dating to circa 1990, the Reference 16238 that we have here features a special lacquered wood dial. It remains in outstanding overall condition, with a smooth glossy surface and clear gold printing throughout. It has applied indices, a framed date aperture, an applied logo at the 12 o'clock position, and a matching handset. The case, bracelet and bezel are also in excellent condition overall, seemingly devoid of any previously polishing and show uniform normal wear throughout. Additionally, this piece features the almost magical 'quickset' movement function for setting the date. A real treat if you have ever owned a 4-digit Datejust. The combination of the brown wood dial within the yellow gold case is undeniably a very of-it's-time combination... We think it had aged beautifully and collectors seem to agree. As a result, these remain sought after and collectible — and its not everyday that one surfaces, let alone in condition like this.