{"product_id":"case-488-rolex-datejust-36mm-ref-16620","title":"Case #488 — Rolex Datejust Silver Dial with Engine-Turned Bezel Ref. 16220","description":"\u003cp\u003eCase #488 — Rolex Datejust Silver Dial with Engine-Turned Bezel Ref. 16220\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"289\" data-end=\"425\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"289\" data-end=\"300\"\u003eStatus:\u003c\/strong\u003e Active Investigation\u003cbr data-start=\"321\" data-end=\"324\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"324\" data-end=\"338\"\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good Pre-Owned\u003cbr data-start=\"353\" data-end=\"356\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"356\" data-end=\"366\"\u003eScope:\u003c\/strong\u003e Box, Papers, and Cards\u003cbr data-start=\"389\" data-end=\"392\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"392\" data-end=\"401\"\u003eYear:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approx. 1991 (E Serial)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1xxz1s1\" data-start=\"427\" data-end=\"447\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"430\" data-end=\"447\"\u003e🔎 Case Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"448\" data-end=\"803\"\u003eThe Rolex Datejust Ref. 16220 is one of the cleanest classic five-digit Datejust references — a watch that carries the familiar Datejust formula in a more understated configuration thanks to its engine-turned bezel. Paired with a silver dial, it has a distinctly traditional Rolex feel: versatile, balanced, and easy to wear without ever looking overdone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"805\" data-end=\"1167\"\u003eWhat makes this reference especially appealing is the combination of classic proportions and subtle detail. The engine-turned bezel gives the watch more texture and character than a smooth bezel, but in a quieter way than a fluted one. The result is a Datejust that feels especially wearable and a little less expected than the more common modern configurations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1169\" data-end=\"1503\"\u003eThis example is an \u003cstrong data-start=\"1188\" data-end=\"1200\"\u003eE serial\u003c\/strong\u003e, placing it at approximately \u003cstrong data-start=\"1230\" data-end=\"1238\"\u003e1991\u003c\/strong\u003e, and is presented in \u003cstrong data-start=\"1260\" data-end=\"1288\"\u003egood pre-owned condition\u003c\/strong\u003e. Overall, it shows honest wear consistent with use. It includes a \u003cstrong data-start=\"1355\" data-end=\"1372\"\u003every full kit\u003c\/strong\u003e with \u003cstrong data-start=\"1378\" data-end=\"1404\"\u003ebox, papers, and cards\u003c\/strong\u003e, has an \u003cstrong data-start=\"1413\" data-end=\"1435\"\u003eengraved case back\u003c\/strong\u003e, and is currently sized to fit approximately a \u003cstrong data-start=\"1483\" data-end=\"1502\"\u003e7.25-inch wrist\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"153bhp\" data-start=\"1505\" data-end=\"1528\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1508\" data-end=\"1528\"\u003e🕰️ The Evidence\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1529\" data-end=\"1916\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1529\" data-end=\"1543\"\u003eReference:\u003c\/strong\u003e 16220\u003cbr data-start=\"1549\" data-end=\"1552\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1552\" data-end=\"1562\"\u003eModel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rolex Datejust Silver Dial with Engine-Turned Bezel\u003cbr data-start=\"1614\" data-end=\"1617\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1617\" data-end=\"1626\"\u003eCase:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stainless Steel\u003cbr data-start=\"1642\" data-end=\"1645\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1645\" data-end=\"1655\"\u003eBezel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Engine-Turned\u003cbr data-start=\"1669\" data-end=\"1672\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1672\" data-end=\"1684\"\u003eCrystal:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sapphire with Cyclops\u003cbr data-start=\"1706\" data-end=\"1709\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1709\" data-end=\"1718\"\u003eDial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Silver\u003cbr data-start=\"1725\" data-end=\"1728\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1728\" data-end=\"1741\"\u003eMovement:\u003c\/strong\u003e Automatic\u003cbr data-start=\"1751\" data-end=\"1754\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1754\" data-end=\"1767\"\u003eBracelet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stainless Steel Bracelet\u003cbr data-start=\"1792\" data-end=\"1795\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1795\" data-end=\"1812\"\u003eBracelet Fit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 7.25\" wrist\u003cbr data-start=\"1838\" data-end=\"1841\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1841\" data-end=\"1850\"\u003eYear:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approx. 1991 (E Serial)\u003cbr data-start=\"1874\" data-end=\"1877\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1877\" data-end=\"1893\"\u003eAccessories:\u003c\/strong\u003e Box, Papers, and Cards\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1918\" data-end=\"2030\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1918\" data-end=\"1938\"\u003eCondition Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good pre-owned condition overall, with honest wear consistent with use. Engraved case back.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1qbx8ia\" data-start=\"2032\" data-end=\"2058\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2035\" data-end=\"2058\"\u003e⌚ Datejust Heritage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2059\" data-end=\"2542\"\u003eThe Datejust is one of the foundational watches in modern watchmaking, and the five-digit references occupy a particularly appealing middle ground for collectors. They retain the classic proportions and charm of earlier Datejust generations while benefiting from more modern usability and everyday practicality. Five-digit Datejusts launched in the late 1980s are often favored for exactly that blend of vintage character and modern reliability. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2544\" data-end=\"2754\"\u003eThat matters here because the 16220 feels especially balanced within that era. The engine-turned bezel gives it a little extra identity, while the silver dial keeps the watch easy to wear in almost any setting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"olqnr0\" data-start=\"2756\" data-end=\"2786\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2759\" data-end=\"2786\"\u003e🌟 Collector Provenance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2787\" data-end=\"3199\"\u003eThe appeal here is rooted in classic configuration, strong wearability, and the appeal of the five-digit Datejust generation. The engine-turned bezel is a particularly nice detail because it gives the watch a more distinctive look than a smooth bezel, without pushing it as formal as a fluted model. The 16220 is specifically the engine-turned five-digit Datejust reference. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3201\" data-end=\"3511\"\u003eA \u003cstrong data-start=\"3203\" data-end=\"3220\"\u003every full kit\u003c\/strong\u003e always strengthens the package, and this one benefits from that presentation as well as the added individuality of the engraved case back. For someone looking for a classic Rolex Datejust with a slightly less common bezel style and strong everyday versatility, this is a compelling example.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1i62gsk\" data-start=\"3513\" data-end=\"3543\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3516\" data-end=\"3543\"\u003e🌟 Celebrity Provenance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3544\" data-end=\"3921\"\u003eThe broader Rolex Datejust family has long had strong visibility across sports, politics, and public life. It remains one of those references that feels immediately recognizable without ever being tied to just one type of wearer. The model’s long-running popularity and cultural visibility are a large part of what has kept it so enduring. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1m0aqgo\" data-start=\"3923\" data-end=\"3951\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3926\" data-end=\"3951\"\u003e🧾 From the Case File\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3952\" data-end=\"4175\"\u003eRecovered as a Rolex Datejust Silver Dial with Engine-Turned Bezel Ref. 16220. E serial, approximately 1991. Good pre-owned condition overall. Very full kit with engraved case back. Sized to approximately a 7.25-inch wrist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1tceir8\" data-start=\"4177\" data-end=\"4199\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4180\" data-end=\"4199\"\u003e🗝️ BST Verdict\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4200\" data-end=\"4465\"\u003eCase #488 delivers a classic five-digit Datejust in one of the more understated and appealing configurations of the era. With its silver dial, engine-turned bezel, very full kit, and honest overall character, this is a very attractive example of the Datejust 16220.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4467\" data-end=\"4508\"\u003e👉 \u003cstrong data-start=\"4470\" data-end=\"4508\"\u003eEvery case deserves a closer look.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Baker Street Timepieces","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58052688281903,"sku":null,"price":5275.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0948\/5359\/5439\/files\/IMG_4798.jpg?v=1780715019","url":"https:\/\/bakerstreettimepieces.com\/products\/case-488-rolex-datejust-36mm-ref-16620","provider":"Baker Street Timepieces","version":"1.0","type":"link"}