The Watch
The Datejust has remained Rolex’s mainstay model since the brand introduced it in 1945. When it comes to popularity, the steel Oyster case and Jubilee bracelet combination is at the top of the pecking order for its sleek appearance and versatility. The Submariner dates back to the 1950s, the GMT as well, but no classic Rolex has a richer history than the Datejust.
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We have here the Rolex Datejust Reference 16233, the ref. 16233 was among the first five-digit offerings within the Datejust family, and importantly one of the first to also use a sapphire crystal. First offered in 1988 until the mid-2000s, the 16233 made a number of notable improvements to the design family, including featuring the brand's patented "jumping date," which flipped over instantaneously at midnight rather than over the course of the last few hours, as was the case with previous Datejust iterations.
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Crafted in Stainless Steel and 18k Gold, this guy comes with the original and correct Bi-Metal 52523 Jubilee Bracelet with no. 455b end links with date code "M8" dating it to 1988.
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More importantly perhaps, the Caseback is engraved with "Capt Peter Grimwood DFC", DFC being an abbreviation for "Distinguished Flying Cross".
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Pilot Officer Raymond Peter GRIMWOOD (143388) R.A.F.(VR) No. 57 Squadron.
The Specs
Age: c.1988.
Reference: 16233.
Serial Number: RXXXXXX
Movement: Automatic with Hacking Seconds and Quickset Date Function.
Calibre: 3035.
Timekeeping: Keeping Excellent Time.
Service History: Serviced December 2023.
Dial: Original Rolex Champagne Roman Numerals Tritium Dial.
Case: Stainless Steel and 18k Gold.
Measurements: 36mm.
Raymond Grimwood was from Cheshunt in Surrey and joined the RAF as an aircraftman. He trained in the USA (as an LAC) with four other pilots at Tuscaloosa as part of the "Arnold Scheme" on class SE-42-E.
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After graduation he joined 57 Squadron (RAF Scampton) as (1386250)Sergeant Pilot and flew his first raid to Turin on the night of 4/5th February 1943. His first aircraft was Lancaster I (W.4201) which was delivered to 57 Squadron in September 1942. Raymond GRIMWOOD took part in raids on some of the most heavily defended targets in occupied Europe and Germany, including: Duisberg, Frankfurt, Kiel, (City Centre and Docks) St. Nazaire (U-Boat Pens), Essen (Krups Arms Factory), Berlin, Wuppertal, Dusseldorf and Bochum.
After graduation he joined 57 Squadron (RAF Scampton) as (1386250)Sergeant Pilot and flew his first raid to Turin on the night of 4/5th February 1943. His first aircraft was Lancaster I (W.4201) which was delivered to 57 Squadron in September 1942. Raymond GRIMWOOD took part in raids on some of the most heavily defended targets in occupied Europe and Germany, including: Duisberg, Frankfurt, Kiel, (City Centre and Docks) St. Nazaire (U-Boat Pens), Essen (Krups Arms Factory), Berlin, Wuppertal, Dusseldorf and Bochum.
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He was confirmed as Acting Pilot Officer on 3rd March 1943 and commissioned as Pilot Officer 12th May 1943 and posted to 17 OTU on 1st August 1943.
His DFC was announced in the London Gazette on 17th August 1943.
His DFC was announced in the London Gazette on 17th August 1943.
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Raymond Peter Grimwood survived the war and later served as a senior Viscount 800 Captain for British European Airways (BEA) . He flew Viscounts, Vanguards and Tridents etc, on the company's routes all over Europe until his retirement in 1977.
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He was a leading member of the Guild of Air Pilots and Navigators (presentation photos with HRH Duke of Edinburgh included) and was also a member of the Royal Aeronautical Society. At the time of his retirement he had flown almost 20,000 hours in everything from Tiger Moths via Lancaster Bombers to Trident passenger jets.
He is one of Britain's most experienced aviators.
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He was a leading member of the Guild of Air Pilots and Navigators (presentation photos with HRH Duke of Edinburgh included) and was also a member of the Royal Aeronautical Society. At the time of his retirement he had flown almost 20,000 hours in everything from Tiger Moths via Lancaster Bombers to Trident passenger jets.
He is one of Britain's most experienced aviators.
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Above information taken from medalsofengland, with thanks.
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I believe this Rolex Datejust was either presented to Grimwood or was a gift from his family. Grimwood sadly passed away in 1994, leaving behind a legacy, he was a true British hero.
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View Grimwood's DJ in a video: here
The Specs
Age: c.1988.
Reference: 16233.
Serial Number: RXXXXXX
Movement: Automatic with Hacking Seconds and Quickset Date Function.
Calibre: 3035.
Timekeeping: Keeping Excellent Time.
Service History: Serviced December 2023.
Dial: Original Rolex Champagne Roman Numerals Tritium Dial.
Case: Stainless Steel and 18k Gold.
Measurements: 36mm.
Bezel: Wonderful 14k Yellow Gold Fluted Bezel.
Water Resistant?: No.
Hands: Original Handset.
Crystal: Original.
Crown: Original 18k.
Strap/Bracelet: Original Rolex 52523 with no. 455b end links Jubilee Bracelet. Approx 7.25in fit with no spare links.
Lug Width: 20mm
Box/Papers?: No.
Hands: Original Handset.
Crystal: Original.
Crown: Original 18k.
Strap/Bracelet: Original Rolex 52523 with no. 455b end links Jubilee Bracelet. Approx 7.25in fit with no spare links.
Lug Width: 20mm
Box/Papers?: No.
Getting Acquainted
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Bits that stand out:
- Owned by a DFC winner and one of Britain's most experienced Aviators.
- Quickset Date.
- First Year of 16233.
-14k Yellow Gold Fluted Bezel.
- Excellent Lugs and Case, never polished.
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Nitty Gritty:
-Some very minor Scratches throughout the Case and Bracelet.
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Nitty Gritty:
-Some very minor Scratches throughout the Case and Bracelet.
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Overall the Datejust is in Lovely Vintage condition.
The Case and Bracelet have some small marks but nothing major at all.
The Bracelet is in good order.
Case retains original finish.
Crown screws down nicely and tightly.
Crystal is Original and in Excellent condition.
Bracelet will fit up to approx 7.25in Wrist, with no spare links.
The Dial is in fantastic Vintage Order and looks absolutely fantastic on the Wrist.
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Fantastic Rolex Investment.
Fantastic Rolex Investment.