A solid platinum Datejust. The icon of the line up in the Rolex collection? Quite possibly! Also, being that this is no longer in the current collection, does this just make this watch even more desirable? We think so… Not to mention this is a watch that resides in Ms. Wallner’s aka Dimepiece’s collection. Therefore, it’s a “must have”! However, this watch is even more special for 2 reasons: factory made sapphire pear shape hour markers at the 6 and 9 o’clock positions. And all platinum case and bracelet.
This is from 1999, so this features a sapphire crystal, which makes these just a little more durable and water resistant than their earlier plastic/acrylic siblings. These models also went through a number of other quite extensive upgrades during this time. Being platinum, it can be paired with a Tiffany sterling necklace and the white gold diamond ring.
The dial colour is a crisp silver colour with these stunning sapphire hour markers and applied very rare platinum pear shape hour markers that mimic the stones it flanks. The serif printing of the text and hash marker minute ring, which runs along the edge of the dial, is all in black, which sits well with the dial background. One of the upgrades that Rolex introduced by this point is a new luminous material. Out went the “T Swiss T” marking at the base of the dial for Tritium, and in came the “Swiss Made” Super Luminova dials. A better, more stable material which also retains its luminosity much better over time. However, this is actually a “no lume” watch. Meaning there is no luminous material applied to the dial or hands.
The classic baton hands are also in platinum, and unusual again. Like the hour markers, they have black enamel paint running through the center of them. No detail was spared in making this watch, and no corner cut. Everything on this watch is just a little more special.
The case is in good overall condition throughout and appears to be unpolished. This is a “no holes” case, meaning that the lug holes are not drilled and exposed from the sides of the case, making for a cleaner finish – another improvement made.
The final big change to this watch is to the jubilee link bracelet. There is a new “hidden” deployant buckle which is taken from the top of the line Day-Date model. This is opened via using a nail on the Rolex coronet. The end links going into this watch are also solid. The overall feel is much better than the bracelet that preceded it. It is in excellent condition throughout with no sag or heavy scratching to the deployant buckle.This watch really is a fine example of clean and classic Rolex, but with a little extra! If you love all things Datejust, but just want the best example out there, this is it.
The watch comes with a Foundwell one year warranty against mechanical. failure.
