[WTS] *RARE* 1985 Rolex Datejust 16013 - Authentic “John Bull” Finish
[WTS] *RARE* 1985 Rolex Datejust 16013 - Authentic “John Bull” Finish
Hey everyone! Today I’m listing something that doesn’t show up very often. This is no ordinary 1985 Datejust. This Rolex pretty much screams 80’s. This 16013 was confirmed to be originally retailed by John Bull, a jeweler in the Bahamas. In fact, the person that sold this to me, a trusted friend and watchmaker, ended up traveling to their location, which is still open in Nassau, and confirmed that the numbers and finish quality do indeed match up to the time that this was factory-ordered. For those who don’t know, John Bull had received a very limited number of Submariners that ended up with this finish: 50 to be exact. To be able to directly act upon the finish of a Rolex is essentially unheard of, especially today. Günter Miethe, the watchmaker for John Bull, was tasked with making these pieces come to existence. After the limited 50-piece run, a few select clients were able to order the model of their choice with Günter’s unique finish. This Datejust is one of them. A few GMT-Masters and Daytonas have been auctioned off by the likes of Phillips and Monaco Legend Auctions, each bringing a strong five-figure hammer price. This piece features a black dial that has started to patina into a stunning, deep chocolate hue in sunlight. Being a later 16013, the gold on this is 18k. Another added benefit is its quickset date feature! It is currently running at an exceptional \~ -2 s/per day based on my observations, although YMMV. About 2 years ago the bracelet was out to Mark Sirianni, AKA “The Watch Doctor” and he was able to repair the bracelet stretch to the point where there is very little flex. This watch has not been polished to my knowledge and retains very sharp lugs. The acrylic crystal was replaced about 2 years ago with a NOS OEM crystal and is still in fantastic condition. Apart from that, nothing else has been done to change the original look of this watch. The goal with this piece was to get it back to 100% daily driver condition, while changing as little as possible in regard to aesthetic aspects. This piece really needs to be seen in the metal to fully appreciate its appeal. I’m generally not a fan of two-tone watches, but this one just hits different! In the sun it really shines and the finish adds a little 'je ne sais quoi' to its appeal. It’s by far the watch that gets the most double takes and questions from discerning eyes! — REFERENCE: 16013 DATE: Serial dates this to 1985 CONDITION: See pictures for condition. The cool thing about this remarkable finish is that it really doesn’t show scuffs or scratches. There are a few expected scratches on the clasp and the polished sides of the case, but besides that it’s pretty clean! MOVEMENT: 3035 automatic Swiss-made Rolex movement. BRACELET: Two-tone jubilee bracelet with authentic John Bull finish. Aside from the links pictured, it also comes with one extra link. (Obviously, links can’t be purchased for this bracelet as it’s one of a kind.) The bracelet was recently restored by Mark Sirianni, AKA “The Watch Doctor", so it has very minimal stretch, especially for a 1985 jubilee! ACCESSORIES: Watch only. PRICE: I’m asking a very fair $5950 OBO which will include fully insured, 2-Day FedEx shipping anywhere in the CONUS. PAYMENT: Crypto preferred (USDT). Wire transfer also possible. Sale only, no trades. TIMESTAMP: [https://imgur.com/a/19E8wwb](https://imgur.com/a/19E8wwb) — Thanks for checking out this beautiful and UNIQUE Rolex!
Valeur privée estimée $3 413 — $4 788
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