Finding a Rolex for my birth year

[alexwumbo]

Hello everyone!

I am looking to purchase a Rolex Datejust 36 that was manufactured in the year 2000, the year I was born. I have been researching the models and it seems like there were three reference models made.

1. 16234
2. 16200
3. 16220

Upon looking at eBay and Chrono24, I am a little confused with the design features and characteristics. If anyone is knowledgable about these models I would greatly appreciate a message.

Thank you!

[OG1982]

Welcome.

In the first instance, I would use Google or similar to find out as much as you can about these references. Following from that, if there are any gaps that need filling, come back with specific questions and I'm guessing there will be someone here that knows the answer.

[inadeje]

Here are examples of how you’d refine the search on chrono24. As you can see I limited to the first reference, only in United States and only 2000





You can then create an “off chrono24” list of grey dealers for the watches you see as attractive and contact them directly. Be aware that I think C24 charges around 6% to the seller so you’d be looking to at least get that discount through a direct sale. It’s better not to contact them saying you saw the watch on c24 instead say “I see you have a X available for sale, is it still available?”




Hope that helps. Good luck.

[brandrea]

Welcome to the forum and good luck

[pk552502]

don't forget about the 16233 that's the two tone model and may just be the most classic of the bunch. I would lean toward a 16233, 16234 or 16220. The 16200 I believe has the smooth bezel and I don't like that one as much.

[alexwumbo]

Alright sounds good. Thank you

[alexwumbo]

The two tone isn't quite my style, but thanks for the info of that model.

[alexwumbo]

Thank you for the help in narrowing down the search results.

[EricH]

Just bought a watch born the same year I was as well (1977 Rolex Sub - 1680). Good luck on your search. My love of Rolex started around 2000 so pretty familiar with the references you list. The main difference is the bezels.

16234 - has the white gold fluted bezel
16220 - has the SS "engine turned" bezel - looks kinda of like the fluted but the bezel was steel. Rolex doesn't do this one anymore so may be a cool watch to have in the collection
16200 - has the smooth SS bezel

[alexwumbo]

That is awesome you got a Sub the same year you were born. Do you have any recommendations for watches made in 2000?

[Orangeface]

Though it’s not on your select list, I’ve always liked the 16610 Sub from 1999/2000 era with the “SWISS” only dial. Comfortable, unique, not ghastly overpriced (usually) and worthy of the hunt. Comes in both date and no-date configurations.

Also consider setting up a WatchRecon search for your preferred timepiece.

[EverCloserUnion]

Originally Posted by alexwumbo

Hello everyone!

I am looking to purchase a Rolex Datejust 36 that was manufactured in the year 2000, the year I was born. I have been researching the models and it seems like there were three reference models made.

1. 16234
2. 16200
3. 16220

Upon looking at eBay and Chrono24, I am a little confused with the design features and characteristics. If anyone is knowledgable about these models I would greatly appreciate a message.

Thank you!

Nothing to add to the great advice already posted, but wanted to say 'welcome' and congratulate you on being in a position to buy a Rolex at the age of 24 - that's a great achievement.

[Sublovin]

Why is this a thing? Just curious. Not criticizing at all, just curious to hear what the appeal is.

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by Sublovin

Why is this a thing? Just curious. Not criticizing at all, just curious to hear what the appeal is.

In my case it was just another avenue in which to take my collection. I only have the one and that’s it. If you enjoy the new watch hunt then this is the ultimate hunt since the complex search parameters are well defined being your- birth year, desired reference, watch overall quality and other basic factors. It’s a twist on neovintage without necessarily being a neovintage fan (although I am). The cost is relatively small and it makes for a great conversation piece in any collection. There isn’t any other reason for me. Hats off to the OP though, it looks like this will be their first Rolex which isn’t usual. Usually it’s us veteran collectors who swing this way for a bit of fun.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Sublovin

Why is this a thing? Just curious. Not criticizing at all, just curious to hear what the appeal is.

I have a birth-year Air-King (matching serial and caseback stamp) from the 1960s, and while that was a coincidence it's kind of appealing that the watch was ticking though all my childhood memories, wherever it was. It's a connection of sorts and maybe slightly more meaningful than all those "stumbled upon" vintage pieces that folks talk themselves into buying. For the OP, I would go Grand Seiko, which will tell you not only the year, but the month of production from the serial number, if you're looking for a same-age piece.

[Sublovin]

Originally Posted by inadeje

In my case it was just another avenue in which to take my collection. I only have the one and that’s it. If you enjoy the new watch hunt then this is the ultimate hunt since the complex search parameters are well defined being your- birth year, desired reference, watch overall quality and other basic factors. It’s a twist on neovintage without necessarily being a neovintage fan (although I am). The cost is relatively small and it makes for a great conversation piece in any collection. There isn’t any other reason for me. Hats off to the OP though, it looks like this will be their first Rolex which isn’t usual. Usually it’s us veteran collectors who swing this way for a bit of fun.

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

I have a birth-year Air-King (matching serial and caseback stamp) from the 1960s, and while that was a coincidence it's kind of appealing that the watch was ticking though all my childhood memories, wherever it was. It's a connection of sorts and maybe slightly more meaningful than all those "stumbled upon" vintage pieces that folks talk themselves into buying. For the OP, I would go Grand Seiko, which will tell you not only the year, but the month of production from the serial number, if you're looking for a same-age piece.

Thanks for that. These are interesting perspectives.

[worldofoyster]

that shouldn't be too difficult

[pk552502]

Have you considered a 14270 explorer? I see tropical watch .com has one from 1999 and one from 2000 and also a 114270 from 2001 right now. The 14270 from 2000 looks to be in good shape and he's asking $5,350 and you could negotiate cheaper. I recommend these watches frequently I really like mine.

[ltmgeller]

Looks like you're looking for a K Serial watch. Happy hunting

[Edwardfry3]

Welcome to TRF.

[alexwumbo]

Originally Posted by Orangeface

Though it’s not on your select list, I’ve always liked the 16610 Sub from 1999/2000 era with the “SWISS” only dial. Comfortable, unique, not ghastly overpriced (usually) and worthy of the hunt. Comes in both date and no-date configurations.

Also consider setting up a WatchRecon search for your preferred timepiece.

I prefer the no date option. My uncle convinced me the no date version would be better. He has a no date version from the 2000s and he says he doesn't need to look at the date when diving. That makes a lot of sense honestly.

[alexwumbo]

Originally Posted by EverCloserUnion

Nothing to add to the great advice already posted, but wanted to say 'welcome' and congratulate you on being in a position to buy a Rolex at the age of 24 - that's a great achievement.

Thank you and everyone for the warm welcome. I got into watches towards the tail end of last year, and oh man watches are sick! I like the idea of growing old with a watch that is the same year as me. It is interesting because when I was born, my parents purchased a 2000 landcruiser and we still have it today. It is cool to say that car is as old as me, and I want that in a watch form.

[alexwumbo]

Originally Posted by pk552502

Have you considered a 14270 explorer? I see tropical watch .com has one from 1999 and one from 2000 and also a 114270 from 2001 right now. The 14270 from 2000 looks to be in good shape and he's asking $5,350 and you could negotiate cheaper. I recommend these watches frequently I really like mine.

Yes I have considered that one. I prefer the newer 124270 model though. I really like the lume on the 3 6 9 hour markers.

[alexwumbo]

Originally Posted by ltmgeller

Looks like you're looking for a K Serial watch. Happy hunting

I thought it was a P serial?

[alexwumbo]

Originally Posted by pk552502

Have you considered a 14270 explorer? I see tropical watch .com has one from 1999 and one from 2000 and also a 114270 from 2001 right now. The 14270 from 2000 looks to be in good shape and he's asking $5,350 and you could negotiate cheaper. I recommend these watches frequently I really like mine.

Yes I have considered that one. However, I like the newer updated 124270. I love the lume on the 3 6 9 hour markers.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by alexwumbo

I thought it was a P serial?

2000 could be A, P or K. I had a GMT-Master with A8 serial and late-2000 papers. Bear in mind that the charts after 1973 are compiled from warranty paper dates, not actual production dates, and Rolex watches often sat in dealer displays for a long time back then.

[alexwumbo]

Originally Posted by Sublovin

Why is this a thing? Just curious. Not criticizing at all, just curious to hear what the appeal is.

When I first got into automatic watches, I came across this romantic perspective: an automatic watch is a living machine, and if you stop wearing it, it will eventually stop ticking. To keep it alive, it needs you—it relies on your movement to continue its own. In a way, it becomes a symbiotic relationship; the watch depends on you to live, just as you depend on it to tell time.

Building off of that, having a birth year watch adds an additional layer to that meaning. This is not all to say you should fall in love with your watches though haha.

It would be meaningful to one day pass this watch down to my children. It carries a part of me, a tangible connection to my life, even after I’m gone.

[alexwumbo]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

2000 could be A, P or K. I had a GMT-Master with A8 serial and late-2000 papers. Bear in mind that the charts after 1973 are compiled from warranty paper dates, not actual production dates, and Rolex watches often sat in dealer displays for a long time back then.

Got it!

[Andad]

Hi Alex,

A 'K' 14060 Submariner would suit your birth year requirement and is the classic Rolex.

My "K' submariner is my most worn and my most accurate Rolex watch at 24 years old.