We are celebrating Rolex’s Date Just 80th birthday, so I thought it would be a good idea to choose the most favourite of all time for a Fratello writer. The biggest challenge of writing articles in the tail end of this dating just series is that other writers have already argued for some of my favorite picks. But there’s no one overboard. That being said, I have changed the focus of my article to my favorite date. It’s something I buy and in my eyes it has become the best date ever produced. That change in perspective made me choose the absolutely amazing Rolex datejust ref. 16019 with burl wood dial. It’s rare and expensive, but it’s my favorite date. period.
Let’s quickly return to my comments about other writers who already claim to just my favorite date. As I explained in an article I wrote earlier this year, I would like to add a Rolex dating just to my collection. In this article, we have selected five affordable dating options that are worth checking out when you’re in one market. Two of them are classic Refs. 1601 and slightly modern references. 16234. These two references are at the top of my list. If you read this series, you know that Thomas and Robert Jean have chosen them as their favorite date just.
I’ll set some basic rules for my Rolex dating pick
As for the date just, I have two possible non-negotiables. First, it must be 36mm, and secondly, the watch needs a grooved bezel in white gold. That’s how me and most of the writers of Fraterêtre encourage their dates. If possible, I would pair the case with a jubilee bracelet, but as you can see, it’s not necessarily a must.
Stainless steel ref. 1601 and ref. 16234 was taken and it left two options. The first is a two-tone date. For me, it’s a typical gold and steel watch. If you need room for a gold watch, or simply love the steel and gold look, a date is something to do.

Image: Bulang & Sons
But is that the best option? Honestly, that won’t be my first bunch choice. This led me to a series of top 5 articles I wrote on DateJust. One of them focused on a date-just model with an exotic dial. And when it hits me: it’s where I find my favorite Rolex dating just. Once connected, it was easy to choose your favorites.

Image: Bulang & Sons
I love the perfect date in yellow gold with stone dials, but they tend to be too close to comforting my brother. When it comes to the combination of material and dial, I prefer the date. But that’s when I remembered the sparkle of the White Gold DateJust Ref. 16019 with burl wood dial. It’s a very rare bird going for ridiculous money. But it’s my favorite date choice, the budget is pitiful.

Image: Vintage Amsterdam watch
Rolex dateJust Ref. 16019 Barwood
Those who know and recognize the references for DateJust will notice that the references are not displayed. 16019 It’s all often. The DateJust Reference 160XX series was introduced in 1977 as a follow-up to the popular Ref. 16xx series. Their most important advantage was the upgrade of the Calibre 3035 with quick set date features.

Image: Vintage Amsterdam watch
What remained was acrylic crystals and a classic date-just appearance. That being said, one important thing has changed in the regular model. The attractive shaved dial disappeared in favor of a simpler dial. But that’s an omitted for my ref. 16019 will not “suffer” as it compensates for it with a special wooden dial.

Image: Vintage Amsterdam watch
This special dial canvas is a white gold version of 36mm DateJust. The exotic dial, at first glance, may look like a normal stainless steel date just for date, providing a stealthy, luxurious feel. But it’s a very rare white gold version of the classic date just.
Rolex produced very few white gold date just compared to the yellow gold or stainless steel version. However, as you can see, the material has a different appearance and feel compared to stainless steel. The brushed parts look softer, while the polished parts look even more gorgeous. That’s the overall look I love.

Image: Vintage Amsterdam watch
One of the few oyster bracelets is just a date and great
For this particular watch seen in the photos, vintage Amsterdam watches sold white gold cases that matched classic oyster bracelets. However, we also saw a perfect date model in white gold equipped with a white gold bracelet. I would usually prefer the latter.

Image: Vintage Amsterdam watch
But this exceptional ref. 16019, I really like the appearance of the riveted oyster bracelet. It looks very cool with sophisticated central links and visible rivets on the sides. Create a wonderful background with unique dials.

Image: Vintage Amsterdam watch
The “Radial” dial is the star of the show here. The unique burl wood dial has almost invisible colors and depth. If you are a regular Fratero reader, then you know I have one for the dark brown dial, so this is in my alley. But it’s more than just a colour. Burlewood’s unique presence is nothing but spectacular.

Image: Vintage Amsterdam watch
It gives the watch a spectacular specific depth and detail. The dial matches the vibrant white gold minute track that perfectly integrates time markers. They are all the same length, but the time markers become slightly thicker and more noticeable. The truck is suspended only by the Rolex Cyclops at 3am and by the brand Coronet at 12am.

Image: Vintage Amsterdam watch
Rolex dateJust Ref. 16019 Barwood is my favorite date ever produced
What you’re done is just the atypical Rolex date. As you know, the dating just universe is very diverse. However, in all variations, this reference. 16019 stands out immediately. The combination of the white gold case and bracelet and the burlwood “radial” dial makes for an absolutely fantastic date. For me, this is the best date ever generated.

Image: Vintage Amsterdam watch
It has all the elements of a classic dating just with a glorious twist. Plus, it’s the “stealth wealth” that I enjoy a lot. Watches do not have the outstanding presence of yellow gold models. That’s what I’m grateful for. Plus, unless you know what you’re seeing, it doesn’t stand out as an incredibly rare Rolex. But you’re looking at a clock trading six figures by hand. But as you hopefully understand, it’s not what makes this date just that good. If anything, that’s one thing I’m trying to make sure I don’t buy it.