16018, Datejust, Mahogany Wood Dial, Yellow Gold

The ref. 16018 Datejust debuted in 1977 and encompassed the very core of Rolex’s most experimental era of dial production. Following Stella dials, Rolex expanded their catalogue through use of both stone and wood dials, embracing the flashiness of the time. This rise in elevated, distinct materials mirrored the Day-Date and Datejust’s rise towards conspicuous symbols of luxury. This is a glossy mahogany dial 16018, equal parts unorthodox and individual, Rolex at their most daring. 

In the early 1970s, Rolex introduced wood dials to the Day-Date and Datejust. Debuting first in the four-digit Day-Date, Rolex’s initial sequoia wood dials appeared rough and unlacquered with rough text quality. By the later 1970s and five-digit models, Rolex employed three types of wood. All were cut, sanded, and lacquered to create a consistent print and minute track. At this point in time, four woods were employed in the creation of these dials: birch wood, African mahogany, walnut, and madrone. There is some debate as to if Rolex replaced walnut with madrone or if the two were produced simultaneously.

This mahogany dial is absent any tritium on the dial despite the T Swiss T signature (which is correct), although its handset is luminous. It features cylindrical gold applied indices with gilted print and a gold-framed date aperture.

The 16018 introduced quick-set to the Datejust in calibre 3035, a deeply needed feature. In addition, the crystal was now for the first time made of sapphire. These two updates made for a much more usable and easy-to-live-with Datejust. The case remained classically sized at 36mm with a variety of bezel and bracelet options available. This era of the Datejust was very tailored to Rolex’s individual clients and their needs. This example sports a solid-link Jubilee. 

The wood dial is an unusually beautiful, somewhat whimsical Datejust that is not often seen so well-preserved. While earlier sequoia patterns are certainly rarer, later five-digit productions are undoubtedly the more usable option with better-made dials. The beauty of natural materials, Datejust design, and some level of expertise in manufacturing methods all coalesce here.

This 16018 presents in excellent condition. The case is spectacular, with factory proportions and effectively perfect edges. The right hand lugs near the bezel sport light oxidation that should be mentioned. All hallmarks are deep and crisp. Its dial shows no signs or damage or marks. All wood dials we've ever encountered have a very slight warp at the edge outside the indices, as is the case here, however this example is much more flat than most. It is just something that comes with the territory of wood dials that most retailers don't even mention. This dial is flatter and more perfect than 98% of examples. All lacquer and print is present and unperturbed. Its calibre 3035 is operating well in specification on our timing equipment. Quick-set works perfectly. The factory caseback sticker is still applied. It should be noted that the solid bracelet links are not removable, but the clasp is drilled for multiple sizes in the same way an Oyster Submariner bracelet of the time was. The bracelet is uncut.

This example is modelled on an average-sized 7-inch wrist.