Rolex ref 16013 Buckley Dial (from 1985)

When it was launched in 1977, the ref. 16013 represented the next generation of the two-tone Datejusts. Transitioning away from the famed ref. 1601 which encompassed both mono and two-tone watches, the then-new 16013 introduced to the Datejust design family a solo two-tone reference number, a contemporary flat dial, a wide array of new and reimagined dial styles, and an upgraded mechanical movement that helped secure the watch a lasting place in Rolex's catalog until the late 1988. Some collector has nickname the ref. 16013 as the American Psycho Rolex, after it found a certain amount of fame on the wrist of the movie’s appalling Patrick Bateman. This was the In watch during the 1980s..

This is a Rolex 16013 Buckley dial from 1985. Rolex Buckley dials are some of the most desired there are, and for good reason – the painted black Roman numerals really lend a sort of enhanced dressy nature to the watch, while giving it the vibe of something like a classic field watch at the same time. What is interesting is that the Buckley dial must come with a black hour, minute and seconds hands. One way to tell the difference between the Rolex 1601 versus the 5 digits 16013 is the pie pan dial versus the flat dial. Moreover for the latter, the bracelet is also more solid.

Beside the 16013, there are other references. The ref. 16003 was identical except for its smooth bezel. The ref. 16008 and 16018 were the solid yellow gold pieces (smooth and fluted surrounds). Likewise with the white gold models, the 16009 and 16019. The stainless steel versions are slightly different. The ref. 16000 is all steel, with a smooth bezel. The ref. 16014 has a steel case with a fluted white gold surround, while the ref. 16030 is also exclusively in steel, but with an engine turned bezel. It comes with a quick set caliber 3035 until 1988 where it was replaced by 3135.

And as with previous generations, the 5 digits ref. 160XX references still had lug holes present, one of the very few things that can help identify the watch as vintage—in most other respects, there is very little aesthetic difference between them and the latest iteration.

Rolex 16013 & 16014