Rolex Datejust 36 Yellow Rolesor — Champagne Diamond Dial, 52-Diamond Cut Bezel | Ref. 116243

Reference 116243 belongs to the pre-2016 Datejust 36 generation — a lineage that was produced for many years and remains highly sought on the secondary market for its combination of classic proportions and demonstrable long-term reliability. The 36mm Oystersteel monobloc middle case pairs with an 18K yellow gold bezel set with 52 brilliant-cut diamonds in a precise channel, their facets aligned to maximise the amount of returned light at all viewing angles. The stainless steel caseback screws down firmly, and the 18K yellow gold crown with its twin-seal Twinlock system provides waterproofness to 100 metres.

Calibre 3135 — the self-winding manufacture movement that powered the Datejust family for three decades and which earned universal respect among watchmakers for its robustness and accuracy — beats within. Running at 28,800 vph with a Glucydur balance wheel, a Parachrom blue hairspring (in later examples), and Rolex's Microstella regulating system, the 3135 achieves chronometer certification with authority. Its bidirectional Perpetual rotor delivers a power reserve of approximately 48 hours, and the stop-seconds mechanism allows precise timesetting.

The champagne dial — a warm, golden-toned lacquer — carries applied diamond hour markers set into gold settings, their collective fire complemented by the diamond bezel's more lavish display. The Yellow Rolesor Jubilee bracelet, with its five-piece links alternating between polished gold centrelinks and brushed steel outer links, provides an easy, supple wear characteristic that has made the Jubilee configuration a perennial favourite. This is a Datejust 36 that speaks to collectors who value horological pedigree alongside aesthetic brilliance.