Updated
Rolex Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) vs Rolex Datejust 36 "Wimbledon"
Two timepieces compared — $10,000–$25,000 vs $10,000–$25,000
Quick Verdict
The Rolex Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) ($10,000–$25,000) and Rolex Datejust 36 "Wimbledon" ($10,000–$25,000) are closely matched timepieces at similar price points. The Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) emphasizes Rolex 1570, chronometer certified engineering while the Datejust 36 "Wimbledon" focuses on Swiss Made craftsmanship.
Transparency — We earn a small commission on purchases made through our Amazon links. This doesn't affect our editorial independence.
Rolex
Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box)
$10,000–$25,000
Specifications Compared
| Feature | Rolex Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) | Rolex Datejust 36 "Wimbledon" |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $10,000–$25,000 | $10,000–$25,000 |
| Case Size | 36mm | 36mm |
| Movement | Automatic, Rolex calibre 1570 (non-quickset date) | Automatic Caliber 3235 |
| Caliber Type | Rolex 1570, chronometer certified | Rolex In-House Automatic, Superlative Chronometer (-2/+2 sec/day) |
| Power Reserve | About 48 hours | 70 Hours |
| Water Resistance | 50m (5 ATM) per Rolex for the period | 100m (10 ATM) |
| Crystal | Acrylic, Cyclops | Sapphire Crystal with Cyclops |
| Case Material | Stainless steel, smooth domed bezel | Oystersteel |
| Origin | Swiss Made | Swiss Made |
Category-by-Category Analysis
Design & Aesthetics
Rolex's design language vs Rolex's approach
The Rolex Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) features a Stainless steel, smooth domed bezel case at 36mm with Acrylic, Cyclops protection. The Rolex Datejust 36 "Wimbledon" offers Oystersteel construction at 36mm with Sapphire Crystal with Cyclops. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
Automatic, Rolex calibre 1570 (non-quickset date) vs Automatic Caliber 3235
The Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) runs the Automatic, Rolex calibre 1570 (non-quickset date) (Rolex 1570, chronometer certified, About 48 hours power reserve) at standard frequency. The Datejust 36 "Wimbledon" uses the Automatic Caliber 3235 (Rolex In-House Automatic, Superlative Chronometer (-2/+2 sec/day), 70 Hours reserve) at standard. The Datejust 36 "Wimbledon" offers a longer power reserve.
Wearability & Fit
36mm vs 36mm — different wrist presence
At 36mm, the Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) is similarly sized compared to the Datejust 36 "Wimbledon" at 36mm. Water resistance differs: 50m (5 ATM) per Rolex for the period vs 100m (10 ATM).
Value & Cost of Ownership
Same tier — different value propositions
The Rolex Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) sits at $10,000–$25,000 and the Rolex Datejust 36 "Wimbledon" at $10,000–$25,000. On the specs that outlast any price: the Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) uses Acrylic, Cyclops with About 48 hours, against Sapphire Crystal with Cyclops and 70 Hours on the Datejust 36 "Wimbledon". Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
50m (5 ATM) per Rolex for the period vs 100m (10 ATM)
The Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) is rated to 50m (5 ATM) per Rolex for the period while the Datejust 36 "Wimbledon" handles 100m (10 ATM). The Datejust 36 "Wimbledon" offers superior water resistance.
Our Verdict
Rolex
Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box)
Choose the Rolex Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) if you prioritize Rolex 1570, chronometer certified engineering, Swiss Made craftsmanship, and 50m (5 ATM) per Rolex for the period water resistance. At $10,000–$25,000, it delivers Automatic, Rolex calibre 1570 (non-quickset date) with About 48 hours power reserve.
Check Price on AmazonRolex
Datejust 36 "Wimbledon"
Choose the Rolex Datejust 36 "Wimbledon" if you value Rolex In-House Automatic, Superlative Chronometer (-2/+2 sec/day) technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 36mm proportions. At $10,000–$25,000, the Automatic Caliber 3235 with 70 Hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
Check Price on AmazonThe Bottom Line
The Rolex Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box) and Rolex Datejust 36 "Wimbledon" represent two distinct approaches to the timepiece category — the Rolex bringing Swiss Made tradition while Rolex delivers Swiss Made engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
More Comparisons
Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph vs Rolex Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box)
Tag Heuer's chronograph meets Rolex's timepiece
Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph vs Rolex Datejust 36 "Wimbledon"
Tag Heuer's chronograph meets Rolex's timepiece
Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 vs Rolex Datejust 1600 (steel, smooth bezel, blue Buckley dial, about 1971, box)
Two timepieces compared — $500–$1,000 vs $10,000–$25,000
Explore These Watches
How This Page Was Made
Our comparisons are generated from a hand-maintained specification database and reviewed under our editorial standards. We use AI tools to assemble pages from that data. We don’t invent specs: every number traces back to the database, and when we correct an entry, the fix is applied site-wide. As an Amazon Associate, The Horologist earns from qualifying purchases.