Rolex – Datejust – Pink Jubilee – 116231 – 2009

The reference 116231 represents a significant chapter in Datejust evolution, introduced in 2006 as part of Rolex’s campaign to establish Everose gold as the standard for all rose gold complications in their catalog. This particular example from 2009 showcases the pink Jubilee dial, a configuration that demonstrates remarkable restraint—the warm metal tones harmonize with the soft dial color without drifting into ostentation. The two-tone Datejust has always occupied a curious space in the Rolex hierarchy, neither fully precious nor purely utilitarian, and this 116231 exploits that ambiguity with considerable sophistication. The Everose alloy itself, developed and cast in-house, resists the fading that plagued earlier rose gold formulations.

The 36mm Oyster case pairs 904L stainless steel with 18-karat Everose gold, the latter comprising the fluted bezel, crown, center bracelet links, and dial furniture. Inside beats the caliber 3135, Rolex’s workhorse automatic movement featuring a Parachrom hairspring and Glucydur balance wheel. The architecture delivers 48 hours of power reserve with a 28,800 vph beat rate and maintains chronometer certification across the entire movement’s service life. The Twinlock crown system ensures 100 meters of water resistance. The sapphire crystal receives a Cyclops lens at three o’clock, magnifying the instantaneous date display by 2.5 times.

At 36mm, this Datejust wears with genuine versatility, suiting both narrow and broader wrists without the proportional compromises inherent to larger sport models. The Jubilee bracelet contributes fluid articulation and period-correct aesthetic weight—this is the bracelet Rolex designed specifically for the Datejust in 1945, and it remains the most cohesive pairing. Collectors pursuing two-tone references increasingly gravitate toward Everose examples over yellow gold, recognizing the alloy’s technical superiority and more contemporary palette. This 116231 delivers essential Datejust DNA without demanding safe deposit storage between wearings.