Rolex Datejust 16013 Owner's Guide
Rolex Datejust 16013 Owner's Guide
Congratulations on your Rolex Datejust 16013.
Whether you've just purchased your watch from WJD Exclusives or have owned it for years, this guide is designed to help you confidently operate, maintain and enjoy one of Rolex's most iconic two-tone Datejust references.
Introduced in the late 1970s, the Rolex Datejust 16013 represents an important milestone in the evolution of the Datejust collection. It combines stainless steel with 18K yellow gold—known by Rolex as Rolesor—and is powered by the Rolex Caliber 3035 automatic movement. Unlike earlier references such as the Rolex Datejust 1601, the 16013 features the convenient Quickset Date function, allowing the date to be adjusted directly without repeatedly rotating the hands through 24-hour cycles.
In this guide, you'll learn how to manually wind your watch, understand each crown position, correctly set the time and Quickset Date, properly screw the crown back down, care for your watch, understand its water resistance, troubleshoot common questions and keep your Datejust performing at its best for years to come.
At WJD Exclusives, we've specialized in luxury watches and fine jewelry for more than two decades. Our goal is to help every owner enjoy their watch with confidence while avoiding common mistakes that can lead to unnecessary wear or costly repairs.
What You'll Learn
- How to identify a Rolex Datejust 16013
- Understanding the crown positions
- How to manually wind the watch
- How to set the time
- How to use the Quickset Date feature
- How to properly screw down the crown
- Daily wear recommendations
- Water resistance and care tips
- Routine servicing recommendations
- Frequently asked questions
- Common troubleshooting solutions
- Technical specifications
About the Rolex Datejust 16013
The Rolex Datejust 16013 was produced approximately between 1977 and 1988 and remains one of the most sought-after vintage Datejust references. Its classic 36mm Oyster case, acrylic crystal with Cyclops magnifier, fluted 18K yellow gold bezel and Jubilee or Oyster bracelet have made it a favorite among collectors and everyday wearers alike.
One of the biggest upgrades over previous Datejust references is the Rolex Caliber 3035 movement, which introduced the Quickset Date function while also increasing the beat rate for improved accuracy and smoother seconds-hand movement.
Rolex Datejust 16013 Specifications
- Reference: 16013
- Production Years: Approximately 1977–1988
- Case Diameter: 36mm
- Case Material: Stainless Steel & 18K Yellow Gold (Rolesor)
- Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold Fluted
- Crystal: Acrylic with Cyclops Date Magnifier
- Movement: Rolex Caliber 3035
- Movement Type: Self-Winding Automatic
- Date Function: Quickset Date
- Water Resistance (Original Specification): 100 meters (330 feet)
Continue Exploring
Looking for another Rolex reference? Visit our Luxury Watch & Fine Jewelry Guides for additional owner's guides, care tips and educational resources.
You can also browse our collections of Rolex watches to discover additional Datejust, Day-Date, Submariner, GMT-Master, Explorer and other iconic references.