Rolex DateJust 116201 Review

[bsodmike]

@eicalis Good point. While ceramic tends to be scratch proof, they certainly aren't shatter proof. Of course, there are ceramic composites (I believe Hublot and AP use them quite a bit) but I'm not sure how well they stand up to a full on blow.

[deviatea]

I'll stick to my Casio I purchase for 99 cents on ebay, tells me the time...and i keep 5k

[bsodmike]

@deviatea certainly, each to their own. Of course, you'd be hard pressed to get this model, with the diamond dial for just USD 5k. FYI This is now retailing for over USD 13k in most parts of the world.

[deviatea]

@bsodmike Thats just swell, maybe a retirement type of item the rolex watch is, casio is tacky but thats life. thx

[bsodmike]

@deviatea I'm only 28 so I've got a while before I'm thinking of retirement; personally, an 18k Patek, AP, and/or Rolex are far more justified of retirement but that's just my 2 cents on the matter.

[Rolexwatchguide]

Hmm i think if you had the rough bazel it will look better but i think the bracelet you have is alot nicer than the jubilee to be honest! :D! please check out my reviews ;) and also i got the same gmt as you ! :)

[bsodmike]

@Rolexwatchguide thanks for the kind words mate - it's good to have constructive criticism for once. This bracelet design is the Oyster - the only problem is I've owned over five or so Rolexes in the past and they've all had oyster bracelets. I might go as far as saying I'd certainly like a change! Looking forward to picking up an AP RO next year...that should hit the spot just nicely :)

[MrLuis781]

Hello i just got a question Rolex are Scratch proof like Rado.

[bsodmike]

@MrLuis781 You are referring to a sapphire crystal, and yes, of course. I believe Rolexes have had sapphire crystals for over 20 years, possibly longer.

You will find that even the low tier brands such as Rado, Tissot etc (anything from the Swatch group) have also featured sapphire crystals for many many years. "low tier" does not mean low quality though, so I hope no one takes me out of context. I am a big fan of Omega too!

[cartmanpiggy]

I want this model, but featuring a black dial with roman numerals. It's just classic elegance! Saw it a couple of days ago and it will be definitely mine before a Day-Date. Can you imagine, here in Mexico Rolex watches are one or two thousand dollars up than in the USA, so as I hope to get almost four in my life, I'll be buying them there.

Have you ever thought of buying a Day-Date?

[bsodmike]

@cartmanpiggy My current DateJust, profile wise, is identical to the original Day-Date (36 mm model); while I would certainly love to own one - at that particular price point, I would much rather pickup an Audemars Piguet RO and/or an annual calendar from Patek.

If you can get one though, don't hold back :)

[justinlow1990]

how much in US dollar are you going to have to pay for a rolex dayjust?? what is the price range??

[bsodmike]

@justinlow1990 I've not kept in touch with the US market, but the last I checked the SS DJs were going for anything upwards of USD 7k?

I'm basing this on UK and Middle Eastern prices, and these tend to be much higher than the US any ways, so it might be less. Considering all the economic gloom, it might be even lower in the US.

[justinlow1990]

@bsodmike ok thanks...i've got another question...what gold or material show i get for a rolex so that it will be able to become a heirloom watch or have a decent resale value??? platinum is really good but its also really expensive...would white gold, yellow gold or maybe rose gold be good??

[bsodmike]

@justinlow1990 well, those are the only options when it comes to the all gold models :) As a brand new purchase, you will be baring the brunt of depreciation; however, being all gold, it will certainly keep its value. However, remember, the value of a Rolex is subjected to its year of manufacture, condition etc. - because it is gold, it does not get traded as bullion does!

The steel sports models tend to net a profit even after a couple years of ownership; I've experienced this personally.

[MrRolexYacht]

this is a replica???

[bsodmike]

@MrRolexYacht highly unlikely -.-

[exploreryen]

too much bing for a man but very nice watch you got especially the TT GMT II C.

[TheMystro1971]

Very good review. Sometimes it helps to turn the crown counter clock wise a half a turn and then while pushing in, turn the crown clock wise to screw it back in. It helps align the threads of the stem easier.

[bsodmike]

@TheMystro1971 aye, I've done that several times. It's also a good idea to wait for the stem to pop out once unscrewed before attempting to wiggle it; they can stay a bit "stuck" at times.

[goldmetalwinner]

does rolex make a datejust with a see-through case on the reverse side? i think i just bought a FAKE!

[bsodmike]

@goldmetalwinner AFAIK Rolex have never made a production watch (for sale) with a display back. Many enthusiasts have, however, had custom display backs made and fitted.

The Rolex movement is built to be rugged, and therefore its finishing it rather minimal. It's not the same as looking at say a highly finished Patek movement or IWC movement etc.

There is a small chance you may only need a replacement caseback, though unlikely. Take it to a Rolex trained watchmaker. All the best!

[Davidjay22]

whats the best watch for a 23year old? money not something to worry about

[bsodmike]

@Davidjay22 That's a tough question tbh, as there are so many factors to consider. However, if you're mature enough I do not see why a fine Swiss wristwatch would be an issue. Your choice is wide and varied and you'll obviously look to get a piece that not only matches your lifestyle but your budget as well. Do your homework and do be very careful buying used; avoid at all costs if possible.

I always purchase brand new from boutiques only; better safe than sorry is my motto!

[in12233]

@bsodmike

if your spending a lot of money..get only a Gold rolex,

the gold has value for a long time 30-40 ys,

and it is much more beautiful/.

[bsodmike]

@in12233 sure, but at that price point I would much rather invest in an Audemars Piguet or Patek Philippe. I personally prefer having an all gold watch head on a smart leather strap with gold deployant. The typical "gold" Rolex is far too much of a cliche and doesn't really appeal to my style.

This DJ, however, is just about OK for daily wear; it is comfortable and keeps decent time too. My next watch will definitely be an AP or PP.

[nblincoe]

@bsodmike I think you should look into Martin braun (EOS) or Franck Muller. I have both watches and they are in the same price range.

[MRFEDORGEO]

@bsodmike if you have money go with PATEK;because this is the highest level of manufacture.

[PatientZeroThree]

@bsodmike

Indeed, as Audemars Piguet is one of the only watch manufacturers that has a moment which frequency is higher than the legendary El Primero.

[scotfreak]

@Davidjay22 get something from the rolex oyster professional line (sports watches) or a flashy non sports rolex. though, im 16 and wear a sporty date model (more of a dressy non sports watch) but i did my homework for a year and came to this decision, so definitely look it up and know all about the watch you are buying

[scotfreak]

@Davidjay22 also, if you do choose to vintage (like me) or pre owned, go to a reputable jewler that will give you a writtien guarentee of authenticity, that way if it turns out to be fake, they are legally bound to guve you a refund

[ChicaWolverina]

I'm sure you camera must have an adjustment for white-balance... I'm going to inform Rolex SA if you don't correct this!

[scotfreak]

are the center links in yours solid? because i noticed in mine and many watches from this decade and at the right angle, i saw they were hollow. thoug the only exeption was the daytona and the jubilee

[bsodmike]

Yes! It's a 'dirty' secret of Rolex, but if you have the modern bracelets with the properly machines clasps - the links are solid!

My Datejust has completely solid SS/RG links. This is the same with the TT GMTIIC I had, again completely solid SS/YG links. This adds to the heft of the watch, sure, but it also prevents the dreaded issue of 'head-flop' and offers a much nicer weight distribution.

The Lady DateJust I got for my Mum also has a new bracelet with solid 'Jubilee' links, SS/YG.

[bsodmike]

If the watch has the older stamped steel bracelet, even the SS links tend to be hollow inside.

I've always thought Rolex lacked in their bracelet department. Some time ago when I had my Coke 16710 GMTII, I purchased a SS Daytona bracelet to compliment it. Spectacular weight distribution, and was wonderfully comfortable.

Looking forward to the SS Sub this year @ Baselworld; but I prefer having some 'gold' in my watches :)

[scotfreak]

@bsodmike are there currently any ones with hollow links, i know they just made the exporer 1 links solid this year at basel

[Fortyn9n3]

Do you re-sell these watches?

If so where do you buy them from?

[bsodmike]

Only if, and when, I tire of a particular model and design. The 116201 is my oldest Rolex and is definitely here to 'stay'.

Over the years, I've found that I like this design the most and I hope to eventually upgrade to a RG DD (36 mm) with the BR2 (meteorite diamond) dial.

[bsodmike]

I'm rather pedantic about owning the authentic article and therefore only purchase brand new from Rolex boutiques and reputed Authorised Dealers (ADs) such as Bucherer in Geneva.

Rolex also tend to offer a fair discount on their watches that has 18k gold in them, be they TT or solid gold. While certain models can be harder to 'flip' at a later date, they will retain their value in the long term.

If you are looking to flip regularly, stick to the "Sports" models, as they are the most in demand

[scotfreak]

beautiful, it looks similar to my perpetual date two tone, keep up the good work!!!

[bsodmike]

Hi Scott, hope all is well with you mate. All the best for 2010!

[scotfreak]

@bsodmike thanks, right back at cha!!

[Fortyn9n3]

I'm curious as to how you can afford these watches.

[fp5carbon1]

terrific review, great details

[bsodmike]

Cheers, glad you liked it :)

[PatientZeroThree]

Interesting review... I suppose the LEC was near impossible to catch with your video camera. Well at least you did mention/show it on your website.

[bsodmike]

Catching the LEC (that's the laser etched "coronet" for everyone else!) would be quite tricky especially considering I was only using regular pocket-cameras for the recordings.

It is much easier to catch as a still photo though, if you play with flash lighting.

[TechnicalFreak]

@destroyersteak, it's a Rolex. It speaks for itself, it's like getting a Rolls Royce, when you drive it for the first time you feel "rich"...

[bsodmike]

Odd, this was my fourth Rolex; technically, fifth Rolex purchase though (bought another as a gift).

[destroyersteak]

you talked more about the clasp and bracelet than you did about the watch.

[bsodmike]

This watch does not have any complication apart from the date, and there really isn't anything more to be said about the 3135 movement that cannot be found online, and in much more detail.

That is exactly my point though, the bracelet is an integral part of any Rolex, they just flow into the cases. Not an afterthought like you seem to consider them to be, and Rolex have really done it justice with this fully machined version in comparison to the older 'stamped steel' bracelets.

[flatpat1]

I saved for two years and almost threw up when I made the purchase of my $6,000 Submariner, but I absolutely love that watch and I never get tired of it. If your thinking about getting one of these beauties you won't regret it!.

[drummerdude667]

any one know if a rolex has 3135 movement is it fake? or real?

[bsodmike]

You're comment doesn't make must sense as you are not too clear. The 3135 is the older movement found in the Submariner and many of the DateJusts. It is not like the GMT movement which as support for an independent hour-hand.

With regards to being fake or real, one would need to have it inspected by a Rolex trained technician with the case back removed. There is nothing preventing the Chinese fakes being marked 3135 but that does not make them authentic. Hope this helps. Cheers, Mike.

[drummerdude667]

Ok thanks man. Thats all I needed to know. Helped out a lot thanks man, and I love you're watch. Really beautiful watch you have.

[bsodmike]

My pleasure dummerdude. If you have any doubts, get it checked by Rolex. In the UK the service centre is in St. James Square. For other locations check the Rolex site. I'm sure they'll pop the back off for free.

If there is something out of place they are always discrete and polite. You can of course state you received it as a gift.

[v5dan]

Stunning watch! I have the 16610 ss sub date, which i have had the pleasure of owning for 13 years, still runs/looks beautiful.

I love the shape of the traditional oyster case, and how they get such a finely mirror polish on there it is amazing!

Its also nice to see how the bracelet has changed, love the new catch on the clasp, very cool, also the comfort link is also a great feature, very similar to the submariner, but thats for wearing over a wetsuit!!!

[bsodmike]

Hi Dan; yes, the mirror polishing of the Oyster casing is just stunning. The shape of it is also something I've come to love over the years.

What I find to be just perfect about the Oyster design is how the bracelets (jubilee, Oyster, President) are just flow into the design of the case; this is not the case, pardon the pun, with many other brands. The watch heads are 904L steel hence it is more shinier that other brands too.

The comfort link is a definite bonus. Enjoy your sub, a keeper!

[snipeyoass420]

ya mine has the same dimensions just not the same precious metals well the roman numerals are white gold haha thanks though ill enjoy it im getting it all polished up next week by certified rolex ppl had its since valentines day 08 i love it

[bsodmike]

If you add me on facebook (search for 'bsodmike') I'll show you how my DJ came back from the Singapore RSC. Although they only had it for < 10 mins, they gave it a stunning polish ~ for a moment I thought they gave me a 'new' one off the shelf ^^

[bsodmike]

numerals and hands are 18K gold on all modern Rolexes; something they introduced quite a long time back to prevent them from corroding over time. SS models have WG used; other models have either yellow or rose gold.

[snipeyoass420]

ps i from usa and u from europe and callin u a fuken g is a compliment btw

[bsodmike]

"G" for gangster? Not really my day job LOL. I'm actually an engineer, researching in Robotics. I think my street-cred just took a nose dive there eh ^^

Thanks for the compliments; enjoy your DateJust too - I really love this model; perfect dimensions too for any occasion.

[snipeyoass420]

yo that datejust 116201 is one of the nicest rolexs ive seen period congrats im 16 saved up love rolexs its like a lifesyle bought mine at tourneau time machine on 5th avenue nyc got the blue face roman numeral datejust all ss always loved the white faced oyster turn o graph but that is one beautiful timepiece u have seriously congrats wear it well ya fuken g

[wjjh81]

Hi mate, can you tell me what this watch retails for? it's beautiful.

[bsodmike]

Since the October price increase in UK, it was at the time retailing for £5,920.- for this particular configuration: Oyster bracelet, smoothe bezel and pink diamond dial.

This is not a typical configuration that you'd find in any boutique; you may have to buy a regular 116201 and hand it in to the service centre to change the dial for you. Just make sure it has a diamond dial, else you'd have to buy one like I did for well over £1,300+VAT just for the diamond dial!

[RockOnGoodPeople5394]

and even it is a fake,hey $5.oh well.

[RockOnGoodPeople5394]

i have a similar one but mine is a 2 tone 18k gold and stainless steel oyster perpetual datejust i paid $5 for but is broken(because it's old) .

[bsodmike]

It is *not* similar in any ways, yours is quite plainly a fake and is dead due to this fact. If you took the case back off yours you'd find a Chinese movement in the back.

The 116201 I wear has solid 18k rose gold links, bezel and winding crown - these are not plated like the fakes. The much older DateJusts did have hollow links etc, and that is why I like this particular model so much - the gold bits are 100% solid.

[RockOnGoodPeople5394]

i'm not sure if it is or isn't,but they don't only use rose gold and i'm not sure if it's 18k or yellow and there is no chinese movement because at he very least 4 local jewelry shops have said they're not sure and if it is fake it's he bst fake they've ever seen and plus i live in a rural area (i have no accent thank god) and no one really knows anything except me.

[RockOnGoodPeople5394]

also, mine has the pie tin style front unlike yours,supposedly typical of the 60s or 70s.

[RockOnGoodPeople5394]

if you look on the website, they have several different kinds,some with the rose gold pie tin front(bezel,right?)and are NOT fake.

[bsodmike]

Well, the reason I came to the conclusion that it is a fake is simply because you stated that you paid $5 for it.

Apologies for ranting at your comment but fake Rolexes (or a fake anything for that matter) are a pet peeve of mine. I have never owned anything fake and never will. I personally feel that it is in very poor taste to wear a fake and have others think you're wearing the original article - thankfully, I'm not bad at telling fakes apart once I get a chance to look up close.

[RockOnGoodPeople5394]

apology accepted.nobody i knew thought that it was real either and because i live in a very rural part of arkansas,nobody probably knows what it is at all(exploiting sterotypes,mainly).however,the reason for the price is because the hairspring is broken and there is no band.probably because of the visible aging.i bought it at a flea market,so people there often just want junk gone.also, i agree with your aggravation with fakes and imitations.

[bsodmike]

Thanks for your explanation - that makes a whole lot more sense. Ironically, here's a fun fact: Rolex Geneva produce ~1 million authentic watches, China produces ~5 million fakes!

This is sadly one of the stigmata associated with the success of Rolex as a brand itself. I debated during many moons of going Rolex or not, but once you own the original article, there is no hope of going back. They are well built, beautiful and a pleasure to wear.

The new bracelets are great; visit an AD to see.

[SlikkTim]

Great review, I like the detail of the video, the finish and assembly quality looks marvellous..

[goweb172]

Great, detailed review.

[RolexRob09]

Hi mate im looking at getting a datejust II as my first rolex what do you think? i want the one with the black face and dark steel strap with the green tint on the romen numberals, have you got any ideas of which one to get? i want one with a lot of black on it :D thanks btw very nice collection. Rob

[bsodmike]

Hey Rob, if you've got your heart set on that one go for it. Get the watch that "sings" to you and from the sound of things this particular model just does that for you. There are more photos on my blog (bsodmike and add '.com' afterwards) if you click on the 'Baselworld' tag in the Tag Cloud as I covered the Rolex 2009 Collection as well :)

Thanks for posting and let me know how it goes!

Cheers

Mike

[MrPlanetOcean]

Does this Datejust have the same bracelet as your GMT Master 2? Looks v. similar to me.

[bsodmike]

It is of the newer type of bracelet, i.e. solid links, even the links in rose gold (or yellow gold with regards to my GMTIIC), and SEL with fully milled clasp.

The difference is that this bracelet simply snaps such, based on catching pressure of metal to metal. The GMTIIC bracelet, in comparison, holds itself by the tension of a spring and even has flip-over catch, and hence is called the "Flip-Lock" Oyster bracelet.

The difference is quite subtle, and suits the elegance of the DateJust :)

[MrPlanetOcean]

Oh I see, thanks. Another thing is how come there is no Rolex hologram sticker on the caseback? NOT that I'm saying your watch is fake, it most certainly isn't! I've seen other rolexes with no sticker on the casebacks, too.

[bsodmike]

No worries mate! Rolex changed to a clear stick with model number on black around the time the credit card type warranties were released (late '07, early '08) My DJ is a "Z" serial and I of course removed it as I rather have steel against my skin.

My GMTIIC is a "M serial and came with the CC type warranty, and I have even preserved the sticker with box and hang tags.

Send me a PM via YouTube if you like and I'll send you links to various photos of all this if you're interested :)

[MrPlanetOcean]

I didn't think you could remove the stickers without destroying them completely! :-)

[bsodmike]

Actually that was the case with the green holograms as they sorta "self destructed" at least as I recall when extracting them off my (now sold) Sea-Dweller and GMT 16710. The clear sticker was far easier to remove and had nowhere as much residue adhering it to the caseback.

I've already sent you a PM, yes, private message with many links to lots of photos for your enjoyment :)

[Jez2008UK]

Nice review.

I recently purchased a Rolex 115200, black dial with batons, domed bezel.

I did try the 116203 ( think it was), basically same as your watch only gold not rose gold and batons, no diamonds. A nice watch but I found it uncomfortably heavy. How do you find the weight of your watch ??

My 115200 is a 34mm model, which I feel has a more smoother shape from watch to strap. The 36mm watches look more chunky which I did not feel comfortable with.

[bsodmike]

Yours is the Oyster Perpetual 'Date' model, very nice! You're correct, the 116203 is the same as mine but in SS/YG and would as heavy as the 116201.

The gold content in the bracelet is what really adds to the weight. In terms of comfort though, I find my DJ to be the most comfortable - and this is comparing with the 16710 GMTII, 16600 Sea-Dweller, and 116713 SS/YG GMTIIC.

My other daily "beater" is the 116713 (see my other review). FYI, the Platinum DD is 220 g :) :)

[bsodmike]

When you're handling the watch it'll feel heavy, after about up to an hour you'll notice the weight. Give it a day and your body will adjust and if you try on something 'light' you'll actually be quite shocked.

Congrats on your Oyster Date :)

[bsodmike]

"after about up to an hour you'll notice the weight. Give it a day and your body will adjust and if you try on something 'light' you'll actually be quite shocked."

Oops, this is with it on your wrist :p

[ACfreestyles]

Nice review Mike, both pieces are beautiful. See u around on TZ.

Andy

[foodindependant]

how muchw ere thye

[bsodmike]

More expensive than the plain SS models for sure ;) You can obtain a pricelist from any Rolex boutique or service centre with their catalogue if you're interested.

[kristianGTI]

how many years do you think it will last pleas reply

[bsodmike]

That will never be an issue, as Rolex will service a movement upto 30 years after that movement has been discontinued. Watches such as these tend to get handed over to the next generation anyway.

[foodindependant]

thast nice but a u never told me how much lol.

[bsodmike]

As of the May price increase, the 116201 has a MSRP of £5,920 in this particular configuration, i.e. with the pink diamond dial, smoothe bezel, and oyster bracelet.

[razorhacker1]

nice review of both the datejust and the GMT master 2

ps: could you tell me how much a stainless steel (SS) GMT master 2 would cost brand new THANKS

[bsodmike]

As of the 2nd Feb 2009 Price Increase in the UK by Rolex, the MSRP is £4,360.- for the 116710 GMTIIC (SS). With the current economic crisis though, you should easily be able to find one for far less as LNIB/BNIB unworn!

Check out the TimeZone Sales Corner and New Turfers ~ Thanks for commenting :)

[P1votE1ite]

nice review,realy nice watch.

[somendnguy]

great review, and beautiful watches!