The Datejust ref 16000

[Juggernaut]

After shifting gears and exploring the sports models for several years, I'm thinking about adding a steel Datejust back into the lineup and want to go a 1980's model with an open date wheel and plastic crystal. I would also like a tapestry dial. I'm thinking of a 16000 because I like the smooth bezel.

Researching what's out there it seems that 16000's are more scarce and what is available have pretty simple dials in white or silver and I've yet to see one with an original tapestry dial which seem to come only on 16014's and 16030's.

Can anyone add any insight to my quest....?

[Juggernaut]

Another way to ask my question: between the 16000 and 16014 and 16030, were there certain dips that were exclusive to each model. So if I had a 16000 with a tapestry dial, would it be obvious that it's not original to that watch?

[U5512]

I am certain there were several dial options that you can have a dealer or Rolex put on for your watch back then and now, therefore, a tapestry dial for DateJust 16000 is appropriate and correct.

[Juggernaut]

Originally Posted by U5512

I am certain there were several dial options that you can have a dealer or Rolex put on for your watch back then and now, therefore, a tapestry dial for DateJust 16000 is appropriate and correct.

Yeah, I obviously meant to type certain dials in my above post.
I have doubts about Rolex being so open to such dial changes. I was firmly denied this request when I once tried to have a dial changed for a different color.

And based on my online searches and looking at some old catalogs since I first posted, I do think that Rolex kept the dials on the 16000 pretty basic: white Buckley, black sticks, etc. they matched the clean lines of the domed bezel and oyster (most of them) bracelet with the "cleanest" and least "dressy" dials.