Rolex Datejust 16238

Reference 16238 is the archetypal solid gold model from the 36mm Datejust 162xx series, which had a long production run from approximately 1988 to 2005. This reference is historically significant as it was among the first Datejust models to be powered by the Rolex Caliber 3135. The technical specification denotes a 36mm Oyster case constructed from 18k yellow gold (8), fitted with the classic fluted bezel (3 code). Key technical variants include the transition from drilled to non-drilled lug holes and the change in luminous material on the dial from tritium to LumiNova.