16234 or 116234

[Johnpierpontmorgan]

noted the nicer hidden clasp, solid centre and end links.


would you purchase a

i) no box no paper 116234 for 5.1k usd

ii) no box no paper 16234 for 3.0k usd


same dial designs (roman numerals)


could you justify the 70% higher price?

if the watch is not regular worn. among a rotation of 5 rolex

[AndyWright]

I would go definitely with the lower cost. I couldn't justify getting almost the same thing for a higher cost.

[Johnpierpontmorgan]

similar to 16600 vs 116600.

55% high price. (largely the better bracelet)


as for 16234 and 116234 (also largely the key factor is bracelet)


70% higher price

[zjd168]

It depends on if you like the jubilee hidden clasp. To me that is an important feature.

[jgottsman11]

I would assume that at 5.1k it wouldn’t be the best condition example 116234. You generally don’t see them that cheap unless they’ve been quite polished

[Johnpierpontmorgan]

Originally Posted by jgottsman11

I would assume that at 5.1k it wouldn’t be the best condition example 116234. You generally don’t see them that cheap unless they’ve been quite polished

How about the five digit at usd 3k

[jgottsman11]

Originally Posted by Johnpierpontmorgan

How about the five digit at usd 3k

Same thing. That's what resellers will offer you for most 16234. I would spend a little extra and get a good example. $3k for a 16234 will not be the best example or even close unless you're lucky and found a hidden gem. Closer to ~$4,000 and then you're getting somewhere. Just trying to help out.

[Gerardus]

116234 would be my pick.

[dbhak22]

Outside of the price and bracelet differences, it's worth noting the design differences (as small as they may seem). I own a 116234 and have owned multiple 16234s (and some 1601s too)...have to say the newer bracelets are SO NICE.

Anyway, some design differences worth noting:

- although both 36mm, the 116234 wears/looks larger
- polished lugs vs. thinner and brushed lugs
- wider/bigger markers
- lume within markers vs. on the outer track of dial (assuming you're looking at stick dials)

Here a couple pics:

[Johnpierpontmorgan]

Tough call

[Rado63]

My opinion is not meant to be advise you to purchase one reference over the other. I will say that this is a subject I really enjoy discussing. You are referencing two different eras of 36 mm datejust. the 16234 and the 116234. Those 36mm datejust have the greatest combination of metals, dials, and straps. Only issue for many of us is the size,36mm. My wrist almost 8 inch not a good choice for me. If you can wear the 36mm Rolex, then the world is your oyster, buy them, sell them, trade them and wear a different one all the time. Find the piece you like, bargain on the price, and enjoy it. My personal favorite are the older precious metal Datejust 36 on straps, pure sophistication, and cool.

[Bruno Datejust]

116234 is much heavier and solid than 16234. The clasp of the 16234 is not the best working one. Optics are not so different, but feeling quite much. Take a nice piece, check out especially the fluted bezel.

[LastSecond]

I would take the 116234 , my favorite of all DJs.
It has a very solid built, an elegant solution for closing (hidden clasp).
I guess it also has lower stretch probability compared to the older ones.
wearing a 126234 , i am very pleased with the watch, though the older jubilee is much more "handsome".
116234 is best Combi of a solid and elegant built

[doramas]

Datejust 16234. It has the classic and original design.


Anyway, 3.0K is very cheap. Are you sure it's in good condition?

[Johnpierpontmorgan]

Originally Posted by doramas

Datejust 16234. It has the classic and original design.


Anyway, 3.0K is very cheap. Are you sure it's in good condition?

Will be meeting up to view before purchase

[doramas]

Originally Posted by Johnpierpontmorgan

Will be meeting up to view before purchase

Perfect. Make sure it's in good condition

[Johnpierpontmorgan]

Originally Posted by doramas

Perfect. Make sure it's in good condition

My first datejust purchase.

Not sure how to tell if the no holes case has much metal or not. All my other pieces r sports models

Will take note of the clasp crown logo depth and bracelet stretch.

[Johnpierpontmorgan]

Originally Posted by doramas

Perfect. Make sure it's in good condition

It’s running 20 seconds fast per day


Probably in need of a servicing which I have to take into account if I bring it to third party service, it would not cost as much


So 3k is for sure a bargain if excluding that servicing cost

[doramas]

Originally Posted by Johnpierpontmorgan

It’s running 20 seconds fast per day


Probably in need of a servicing which I have to take into account if I bring it to third party service, it would not cost as much


So 3k is for sure a bargain if excluding that servicing cost

3k is cheap, and it should be serviced.

I have a 1989 16234 and it's -0.5 seconds a day.

[LastSecond]

Originally Posted by Johnpierpontmorgan

It’s running 20 seconds fast per day


Probably in need of a servicing which I have to take into account if I bring it to third party service, it would not cost as much


So 3k is for sure a bargain if excluding that servicing cost

OK so the watch for 3k has probably a strechted Band and a movement wich needs revision.
Rolex Service: 800 bucks.

Would Take the Other one, though the are some goof fakes out, especially 116234 fakes.

[Johnpierpontmorgan]

Originally Posted by LastSecond

OK so the watch for 3k has probably a strechted Band and a movement wich needs revision.
Rolex Service: 800 bucks.

Would Take the Other one, though the are some goof fakes out, especially 116234 fakes.

I’ve look at the band, not much stretch and clasp logo is still sharp.
Just wonder how to tell case shape has lots of metals left


No.. why would I buy fake? Prices will keep climbing if I get genuine ones

I think the key note here is that i won’t be wearing it often. So probably I can regulate it and mostly put it aside for rotation wear and service it couple years later with a third party

[Vinnee]

3k??? That's way too cheap, are you sure the watch is in good shape??

[Johnpierpontmorgan]

Originally Posted by Vinnee

3k??? That's way too cheap, are you sure the watch is in good shape??

No box no papers no full links(19).
Condition alright, movement needs servicing soon.

These r worth less just couple years ago. Well it’s a DJ. Price is reasonable after factoring the service costs


Private sales. Around usd 3050
Will spend another usd 50 for authentication fee

[jgottsman11]

Again, that’s super cheap. Service will be at least $500 from a reputable source and around $800 from Rolex. Then you have the condition to worry about. I would really suggest you find a better example is near mint for closer to $4500