When people ask me why I love the Rolex Datejust references so much, I always tell them the same thing: these watches just work anywhere. You can be in shorts and a t-shirt hanging with friends, or you can throw on a suit for a wedding—the watch never looks out of place. That’s the beauty of it. I truly believe that any vintage collector should have at least one Datejust in the rotation. We all know there are levels of vintage Datejust, but a simple silver 1601 would do it for anyone. The Datejust has this neutral, timeless style that makes it one of the most versatile watches you can wear.

Let’s start with my favorite and the best value out there, the four-digit references. 1601, 1603, and 1600—all of these are classic steel Datejusts, but their bezels set them apart. The 1601 comes with a white gold fluted bezel, giving it a dressier, more elegant vibe. The 1603 features a stainless-steel engine-turned bezel, which feels sportier and a little more rugged. Then there’s the 1600, with a smooth bezel—less common than the others, but to me, a 1600 on a Jubilee has the perfect mix of character and formality. We currently have a 16000 black dial, if you put it next to a 16030 it even seems a little smaller, just from the subtle change in bezel type. Three watches that look similar at first glance, but the bezel detail really defines their personality.

Getting into dials, the four-digit references have a pie-pan dial that gives the watch this classy, vintage charm. It’s subtle, but once you notice it, you’ll never unsee it—it just adds so much depth to the dial. This can be seen on a high variety of dials: silver, blue, black, matte, glossy, tropical dial. At a simple glance, it’s easy to spot the stepped or pie-pan dial, and that assures us it’s a four-digit reference.

If we go further into the five-digit references—like the 16014, 16030, and 16000—things change a bit. The most obvious difference is the dial: it’s flat. Same designs, same classic layout, but without that pie-pan step. At first it feels like a small change, but it really gives the watch a more modern look. On top of that, the five-digit Datejusts usually come with the quickset movement, which is a huge upgrade for everyday wear. With the quickset, you can change the date instantly without having to spin the hands around endlessly like on the four-digits. Trust me, if you actually wear your watches, that little detail saves a ton of time.

The bezels on the five-digit models still follow the same logic: fluted (16014), engine-turned (16030), and smooth (16000). But the vibe is slightly different—they feel just a touch more modern and refined compared to the rattly vintage charm of the four-digits. That being said, they’re still vintage, just a step into the ’80s and ’90s rather than the ’60s and ’70s.

Now, the bracelets—this is another area where these Datejusts stand out. Most of the time, you’ll see them on vintage Jubilee bracelets, with the folded-link construction for early four digits that gives them that light, rattly feel.. The Oyster bracelet was also an option, especially on the sportier 1603, but the Jubilee is really the signature look for the Datejust. What I love about the Jubilee is how comfortable it is. You barely feel the weight, but at the same time, it adds a ton of elegance to the look.

Again, this is why the Datejust is perfect whether you’re at a formal event or just chilling at a BBQ. It’s effortless. At the end of the day, the Datejust is the perfect mix of elegance, versatility, and vintage charm. They’re watches you can truly live with, watches that adapt to your lifestyle, and pieces that carry all the character of their years. That’s what makes them so addictive and why we always have a couple in stock.

The Beauty of the Rolex Datejust

Watch Hunting - Mexico City