Rolex Datejust Silver Dial 16220

The Rolex Datejust Ref. 16220 Silver Dial is a quintessential example of Rolex’s Datejust 36 mm lineup that perfectly balances classic elegance with genuine everyday practicality. Produced from 1988 through the mid-2000s, the 16220 was part of Rolex’s stainless-steel Datejust series that ushered the model into the modern era by combining traditional design cues with contemporary durability. It features a 36 mm stainless steel Oyster case with a steel engine-turned bezel (distinctive to some 16220 variants) and is typically fitted to either a Jubilee or Oyster bracelet, giving owners the choice between a dressier or sportier character. The silver dial (often seen in a refined “tapestry” or sunburst finish) complements polished baton hour markers and hands, offering a crisp, versatile look that works as seamlessly with a suit as it does with casual attire. A date window at 3 o’clock with Rolex’s signature Cyclops lens enhances practicality and legibility.

Under the hood, the 16220 is powered by Rolex’s Caliber 3135 automatic movement, a COSC-certified chronometer celebrated for its reliability, smooth performance, and quickset date feature—allowing the date to be adjusted independently of the time. The watch also benefits from a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, water resistance to 100 m, and a refined finish that has helped it age well in the secondary market as a neo-vintage classic. Collectors appreciate the 16220 not only for its build quality and timeless design but also for bridging Rolex’s traditional aesthetics with more modern technology.

Reference: 16220

Date: 2002

Serial: K,145,XXX

Bezel: Steel Engine Turned Bezel

Dial: Silver

Bracelet: Stainless Steel Jubilee Bracelet

Case Size: 36mm x 12mm Thickness - Stainless Steel

Lug Width: 20mm

Movement: 3135 - Automatic

Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date

Accessories: Inner/outer boxes, and warranty papers


Crystal: Sapphire

Bracelet size: 7.5”

Case has light wear with one little mark at the edge of a lug. Bracelet has light wear but is tight. Bezel has light normal wear. Dial, hands, and crystal have no wear. Watch is running (+4 s/d 302 amp).

Rolex was founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis in London, before moving to Geneva in 1919 to be closer to the heart of Swiss watchmaking. From the start, Wilsdorf envisioned a wristwatch that was not only elegant, but also precise and reliable—an ambitious goal at a time when pocket watches dominated. Rolex went on to pioneer key innovations in horology, including the first officially certified chronometer wristwatch, the Oyster case (the world’s first waterproof wristwatch), and the Perpetual rotor—the self-winding mechanism that became the standard for modern automatic watches. These technical breakthroughs laid the foundation for Rolex’s enduring reputation for rugged luxury and mechanical excellence.

Today, Rolex is arguably the most recognized name in watches, with models like the Submariner, Daytona, Datejust, and GMT-Master becoming cultural icons in their own right. Whether tied to deep-sea exploration, motorsport, aviation, or mountain summits, each model reflects the brand’s commitment to performance and precision under extreme conditions. The brand’s status is bolstered by its unmatched consistency in design, rigorous in-house testing, and long-standing associations with exploration, sport, and achievement. For collectors and enthusiasts, Rolex represents more than a timepiece—it’s a benchmark of mechanical reliability, timeless design, and global prestige.