My newly inherited Rolex Datejust
Discussion
Firstly, I must apologise for breaching rule 17 subsection c with my previous post. But, if I may I'd like to repost the story behind receiving my first ever Rolex without the addition of a request for help with an insurance valuation.
My dad has just handed this watch down to me. He bought it as a gift for his dad in the mid 90's, however, my grandad was diagnosed with cancer of the stomach at that time and it sadly consumed him within 6 months so my dad was never able to gift it to him. My dad was making a very good living in the 90's/early 00's as a Barrister and often when his fee cheques cleared he would purchase new shiny things. I think this gift intended for his father would probably have been one of the first of these splurges. Sadly his own health is now failing and he's begun to gift a lot of these items to my sisters and I. I've no idea what he's going to hand down to my sisters but I'm apparently in line for his vintage and rare guitars and his Moto Guzzi motorcycle.
The watch. From the label I can see it's a Datejust and I know that it was purchased around the mid 90's. It's still in it's original box and as far as I can tell has rarely if ever been worn. He couldn't find the warranty certificate or the papers but I'm sure they'll be in his study somewhere. Sadly one day in the not too distant future I'll get the pleasure of going through of all that clutter and will most likely find them.
I don't think I'll ever wear it as a daily watch unless it can be upgraded to count my steps or track my runs but I will get a few links removed in order that I can wear it for special occasions. I got married during lockdown and would have loved wearing it that day as none of my family were able to attend.
But, for now, I'll up my household insurance and start looking for a reasonable home safe.
My dad has just handed this watch down to me. He bought it as a gift for his dad in the mid 90's, however, my grandad was diagnosed with cancer of the stomach at that time and it sadly consumed him within 6 months so my dad was never able to gift it to him. My dad was making a very good living in the 90's/early 00's as a Barrister and often when his fee cheques cleared he would purchase new shiny things. I think this gift intended for his father would probably have been one of the first of these splurges. Sadly his own health is now failing and he's begun to gift a lot of these items to my sisters and I. I've no idea what he's going to hand down to my sisters but I'm apparently in line for his vintage and rare guitars and his Moto Guzzi motorcycle.
The watch. From the label I can see it's a Datejust and I know that it was purchased around the mid 90's. It's still in it's original box and as far as I can tell has rarely if ever been worn. He couldn't find the warranty certificate or the papers but I'm sure they'll be in his study somewhere. Sadly one day in the not too distant future I'll get the pleasure of going through of all that clutter and will most likely find them.
I don't think I'll ever wear it as a daily watch unless it can be upgraded to count my steps or track my runs but I will get a few links removed in order that I can wear it for special occasions. I got married during lockdown and would have loved wearing it that day as none of my family were able to attend.
But, for now, I'll up my household insurance and start looking for a reasonable home safe.
PistonGuy66 said:
What a nice story,lets hope your dad will be about for many more years. Dont ever sell it, you will regret it. Nice classic watch that. 
Definitely not looking to sell it. This will be locked away in order than I can in turn hand it down to my own kids some day. As a family we don't really have many heirlooms, this will be the start of me collecting artifacts and passing a burden on. 
SHutchinson said:
Definitely not looking to sell it. This will be locked away in order than I can in turn hand it down to my own kids some day. As a family we don't really have many heirlooms, this will be the start of me collecting artifacts and passing a burden on.
I would suggest wearing it and enjoying it, get some memories for you and your kids with it. They’re not fragile.Most men who are into watches, if asked why, will say ‘well my dad had this watch and…’
SHutchinson said:
Firstly, I must apologise for breaching rule 17 subsection c with my previous post. But, if I may I'd like to repost the story behind receiving my first ever Rolex without the addition of a request for help with an insurance valuation.
And without providing any guesstimate, I'd say if you want to know what a watch is likely to be worth just search for similar models on chrono24.com. Firstly very sorry to hear about your dad and granddad!
As said above it looks to be a Rolex Datejust 16233 and as you said hasn't been worn much at all.
My dad died in 2018, he left me his 16203 and left my sister his 16223, neither of us had an interest in watches at the time which is a shame because its a passion me and dad could of shared, the day after I started wearing it and wore it religiously for about 3 months until I decided I needed a daily wearer (since gone on to buy 2)
Because of the sentimental value alone, neither of them get much wrist time, I'm at my uncles wedding this weekend so the Rolex will make an appearance.
Keep it for special occasions and enjoy it.
As said above it looks to be a Rolex Datejust 16233 and as you said hasn't been worn much at all.
My dad died in 2018, he left me his 16203 and left my sister his 16223, neither of us had an interest in watches at the time which is a shame because its a passion me and dad could of shared, the day after I started wearing it and wore it religiously for about 3 months until I decided I needed a daily wearer (since gone on to buy 2)
Because of the sentimental value alone, neither of them get much wrist time, I'm at my uncles wedding this weekend so the Rolex will make an appearance.
Keep it for special occasions and enjoy it.
Edited by AJB88 on Friday 3rd September 07:18
That is really cool.
I agree with the others though, I would absolutely be wearing that regularly.
These watches are not museum pieces, they really can be worn as much as you like. My mum has worn her Datejust almost every single day for over 30 years and it still looks great. My wife wears hers everyday as well.
Get it worn! A few little marks will only add to the nice story of this lovely watch
I agree with the others though, I would absolutely be wearing that regularly.
These watches are not museum pieces, they really can be worn as much as you like. My mum has worn her Datejust almost every single day for over 30 years and it still looks great. My wife wears hers everyday as well.
Get it worn! A few little marks will only add to the nice story of this lovely watch
Barchettaman said:
Mate, you’ve absolutely got to wear that and get some
Use out of it.
Double wrist if necessary, have a small fitness tracker on the other arm!
Beautiful watch. It needs to see the light of day.
Heartily agree. I wear a decent watch on my left and an apple watch on my right.Use out of it.
Double wrist if necessary, have a small fitness tracker on the other arm!
Beautiful watch. It needs to see the light of day.
I don't care what people think.
I had the same model, bi-metal with gold tapestry dial, for 15 years then "got into" watches and bought the obligatory Submariner which I felt was too common and p/ex'd it back to a datejust, a DJ42.
My dad passed June 20 and left me his '67 pre-moon Speedmaster which he bought new for £35 in Mexico whilst covering the Olympics for TV.
That's what's on my wrist every day now. No more a Rolex man. Thanks dad.
My dad passed June 20 and left me his '67 pre-moon Speedmaster which he bought new for £35 in Mexico whilst covering the Olympics for TV.
That's what's on my wrist every day now. No more a Rolex man. Thanks dad.
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