Rolex Datejust White Rolesor — Blue Roman Dial, 52-Diamond Bezel | Ref. 116244

Reference 116244 occupies the moment in Datejust history when Rolex's 36 mm model was at its most technically mature before the 2016 transition to the current 126xxx series. In White Rolesor — Oystersteel paired with 18 ct white gold — the Oyster case achieves a cool, silvery coherence across all surfaces. The bezel is set with 52 brilliant-cut diamonds in a continuous pave arrangement, a factory configuration that distinguishes these examples from countless aftermarket alternatives and underpins their secondary-market premium. The Blue Roman dial, in Rolex's sun-swept lacquer with applied gold Roman numerals, offers a classically legible hour chapter in a colour that photographs with extraordinary depth.

The 116xxx Datejust 36 is powered by Calibre 3135, one of the longest-serving and most respected movements in Rolex's portfolio — produced continuously since 1988 and widely regarded as the benchmark by which all self-winding date movements are measured. The 3135 features a Parachrom hairspring, Microstella regulation and the Paraflex shock absorber system. Running at 28,800 vph with a 48-hour power reserve, the movement carries full COSC and Superlative Chronometer certifications.

For collectors, the 116244 with a factory diamond bezel and blue Roman dial represents one of the most satisfying configurations in the pre-2016 Datejust catalogue — the combination of white gold/steel tones with electric blue lends the piece a particularly versatile elegance. As the current 126xxx generation has supplanted these references at retail, well-kept 116xxx examples with documented provenance are appreciating steadily. The 3135 movement's proven longevity provides an additional confidence floor for serious buyers.