For the last year I've lusted after this watch. The two-tone and steel variants of this vintage Rolex to me represent the perfect balance of dress and sport. While it certainly leans heavily more toward the dress watch side, put it on a nato or leather strap and it brings out a more causal look. In getting my hands on this watch from Ben at Windsor Jewelers, I was afraid I would end up finding something I didn't like about it, but I can honestly say it is, to me, perfect.
Let's get into the design. It is 36mm in width, which by today's standards sounds quite small, but having worn it for a month, to me wears very nicely on the wrist. It comes on a jubilee bracelet. The jubilee bracelet was introduced in 1945 to celebrate Rolex's 40th anniversary. The design of the bracelet to me it very comfortable, and wears a bit more comfortable than most metal bands. It was not until the President bracelets introduction in the mid 1950’s, that the Jubilee was offered in two-tone, and eventually, stainless steel options. Previous to this, the jubilee was only offered in gold (facts via Bobs watches). To me it wears more comfortably than Rolex's oyster bracelets and comes off a bit more dressed-up.
This watch has gone great with just about everything I have paired it with thus far. The ideal setting in my mind is with anything between a button-down and a suit. While I certainly have worn it with a t-shirt and jeans, the average person will more than likely see this as a more sporty dress watch option.
To conclude, this watch in my eyes represents the perfect watch. While the vintage Rolex market is currently up, you can still pick up a very nice example of the Datejust 16013, 1601 or 1603 for easily under $4,000. This watch to me represents massive value as you can buy into the Rolex brand for a relatively low cost and wear what looks to be in most people's eyes a not-so-old watch.