They also did for the Datejust.
I found one in Riad, Saudi Arabia in 1996 and almost bought it because I fell in love and fitted my wrist perfectly. It was a
18 k mid size Datejust with president bracelet, bark finished in the center links and the bezel. It was wonderful and at the price I had paid 2 years earlier for my current GMT in Greece.
Expecting a baby then, kept me back from spending the money, a stupid thought as I could sell the GMT when I was back home. I always regret that moment of conservatism
but back then owing a gold watch or keeping both was out of my way of thinking