1989 Rolex Datejust Burl Wood Dial St/WG Ref. 16234

Woody Woodpecker

This 1989 Rolex Datejust ref. 16234 is a wonderful example of how subtle details can elevate a classic into something truly special. Crafted in stainless steel and paired with a fluted white gold bezel, the watch is presented in excellent overall condition and even retains its original green caseback sticker — a detail collectors will immediately appreciate.

What truly sets this piece apart is its exceptionally rare Burl Wood dial, a dial that we have only seen maybe ten times in the last 10 years. With its organic grain pattern, radial indexes, and silver print, the dial offers a warmth and depth that no standard metal dial can replicate. Each Burl Wood dial is inherently unique, and this example is beautifully preserved, complete with the correct hands and perfectly balanced proportions that make it so visually compelling. Suitable to mention here is that the dial remains in excellent condition without any loss of the lacquer layer on the wood.

The same dial is known to also appear in the ultra-rare white gold Datejust reference16019, which is exceedingly scarce and typically commands a significantly higher price. To find this dial housed in a stainless steel Datejust is not only remarkably rare, but also presents a far more accessible entry point into one of the Datejust’s most unusual and desirable dial configurations. It may even be one of the rarest dial that was ever housed in a 16234 reference if not the rarest.

Fully wearable, elegant, and endlessly interesting, this ref. 16234 offers a rare opportunity to own a true collector’s dial without venturing into the upper reaches of the white gold pricing. A standout Datejust for collectors who value originality, rarity, and quiet distinction — and a piece that rewards closer inspection every time it’s on the wrist.