The 1989 two-tone Datejust with the grey Roman dial.

The Datejust 36 is the watch Rolex built its reputation on: the first self-winding wristwatch with a date that changed at midnight, launched in 1945, and made ever since in a 36mm Oyster case with a screw-down crown, an automatic chronometer movement, the date under its Cyclops lens at three, a fluted, smooth or engine-turned bezel, and a Jubilee or Oyster bracelet. Because Rolex made it for eight decades in every dial and metal, the pre-owned market is deep and this is where the money goes when people search for a Rolex that is not a Submariner.

Rhodium is Rolex’s name for its silver-grey dial, a shade darker than silver, and with Roman numerals on a two-tone 16233 it is the dial that ages best: it does not yellow like champagne and it does not show the gold as loudly. The L-series serial puts this one in 1989, early in the 16233’s run, on the calibre 3135 with the quickset date. The box is included; papers are not stated. It is sized to a 9 inch wrist, so ask whether the links come with it.

WGACA gives the reference as 16233, the size as 36mm, the bezel as 18k gold fluted, the dial as rhodium with Roman numerals, the crystal as sapphire, the bracelet as a Jubilee with an Oyster clasp, the box as included, the serial as L54xxxx, the wrist as 9 inches and the condition as Excellent with minor scratching. It does not state papers. The photograph matches; the calibre, chronometer rating, reserve and 100 metres are Rolex’s published figures for the 16233.

WGACA authenticates in-house and is not a Rolex authorised dealer, and Amazon adds its 30-day return window. Ask for the serial, whether box or papers come with it, and when it was last serviced. Nothing here was measured on the watch.

This unit is sold by What Goes Around Comes Around (WGACA) through Amazon Luxury Stores, authenticated by the seller with Amazon’s 30-day return window on top; it is one piece, and when it sells the listing goes away, so the second button opens the live search for 36mm Datejusts.

Steel and two-tone Datejusts have resold close to what pre-owned buyers paid, sometimes more, sometimes less; that is a pattern, not a promise, and nothing here is investment advice.