Rolex Datejust 36 “Grey Buckley” Ref. 16014 (circa 1983)

WHY WE CURATED IT:
Far more than just a Rolex Datejust with Roman numerals! In 2007, singer John Mayer discussed a certain Daytona dial on Vintage Rolex Forum and suggested that if he proved their authenticity, these dials should be called “Mayer Dials”. OG dealer John Buckley dismissed Mayer’s attempt at horology fame and joked that collectors might as well call his favourite painted Roman Datejusts “Buckley Dials”. The community agreed, and the name stuck. Buckley dials are high-legibility variants with elongated, impossibly fine printed (not applied) Roman numerals and contrasting painted hands. Most are white, some champagne, very few in blue and the rarest are grey ones like this. Even rarer with intact, “pumpkin” tritium lume and no aging/staining/tritium burn. Only 2–3 surfaced globally in the last 5 years, but none in this condition. Overhauled in 2022 (with receipt) and in stellar mechanical health. A true collectible!

CONDITION:
9/10; shallow hairlines but very few signs of prior polishing. White gold fluted bezel is sharp, tall and looks untouched. Original signed crown. Dial and hands in exquisite condition with beautiful patinated “pumpkin” tritium plots responding correctly to UV for age. Crystal is clean. Only thing keeping this from a 9.5 is a small spot of paint loss from the XI marker. Movement overhauled in 2022 and continues to run with to-spec power reserve, high amplitude, low-to-zero beat error and accurate to ±5 secs/day averaged from 6 timegrapher positions.

DIMENSIONS:
36.3mm width excl. crown
44mm length incl. lugs
12.5mm thickness excl. cyclops
20mm lug width
Visual dial width ~27.5mm
Wrist in photos is 15.8cm in circumference

CRYSTAL:
Acrylic

CASE:
Steel, 18K white gold

WATER RESISTANCE:
Assumed none, as per vintage watches

STRAP:
Rolex 62510H Jubilee bracelet, 555 endlinks, period-correct “H” code clasp. Fits max. 16.5cm wrists

CALIBRE:
Rolex Cal. 3035, 3-hander automatic, quickset date

COMES WITH:
Watch, bracelet, service receipt

TERMS OF SALE:
Please see our stories Highlight entitled “Terms” on our Instagram profile. Thanks!