An automatic stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust reference 16030 model. This is an exceptionally rare example that has a glossy white dial, which is hard not to love, with yellow gold gold stick markers and baton hands. The writing and minute track, with small Roman numeral accents, are all printed in clack, a monocromatic look which pops cleanly off the dial. The dial is signed “T Swiss T” at the foot of the dial, below the six o’clock marker. All original Tritium lume plots are in tact as well as in the hands, and are not re-finished and have toned to a beautiful warm, café latté colour. Perhaps one of the best looking examples of this reference we have handled. 

What is hard to miss on this dial is the addition of the Suadi Arabian emblem, along with the name of King Fahd of Saudi Arabia. This was applied to the dial by Rolex, and was not a later added printing. This is confirmed by the original Rolex punched papers that were not only imported through a Saudi Arabian Rolex agent, but also bear the country code for Saudi Arabia; 532.

The Emblem of Saudi Arabia, consisting of a palm tree above two crossed swords, was formally adopted in the mid-20th century following the unification of the Kingdom by King Abdulaziz Al Saud. The crossed swords symbolize strength, justice, and the military campaigns that united the regions of the Arabian Peninsula into a single nation in 1932. Above them, the date palm represents prosperity, vitality, and the enduring resources of the Kingdom, a reminder that strength alone must support growth and stability. The balance between the two elements reflects the foundation of modern Saudi Arabia itself: resilience paired with stewardship.

The imagery draws deeply from the visual traditions of the Arabian Peninsula, where swords long represented tribal honor, protection, and sovereignty. The palm tree, equally significant, has for centuries been central to life in the desert, providing nourishment, shelter, and trade. Together, the symbols form an emblem that is both political and cultural, carrying references not only to the formation of the modern Saudi state but also to the broader heritage of the region.

Today, the emblem remains one of the most recognizable national symbols in the Middle East, appearing on official documents, currency, military insignia, and state architecture. Its design has endured with remarkably little alteration, preserving the clarity and symbolism of its original form. Much like the finest national emblems and royal crests, its power lies in restraint: a composition that communicates identity, authority, and continuity through a small number of carefully chosen elements.

Fahd of Saudi Arabia was one of the central figures in the modern development of Saudi Arabia during the late twentieth century. Born in 1921 as a son of King Abdulaziz, the founder of the Kingdom, Fahd rose through a series of ministerial and governmental roles before ascending to the throne in 1982. His reign coincided with a period of enormous transformation driven by oil wealth, rapid modernization, and Saudi Arabia’s growing influence on the international stage.

Under Fahd’s leadership, the Kingdom invested heavily in infrastructure, education, transportation, and industry, reshaping cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah into modern commercial centers while expanding the country’s role within global energy markets. He also adopted the title “Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques,” emphasizing Saudi Arabia’s responsibility for Islam’s holiest sites in Mecca and Medina and reinforcing the Kingdom’s religious and political identity.

Today, Fahd’s legacy is closely tied to the era in which Saudi Arabia emerged as a major global power balancing deep rooted tradition with rapid economic and institutional expansion. His reign marked a defining chapter in the Kingdom’s modern history, one in which architecture, diplomacy, and statecraft evolved alongside the country’s growing international presence.

The watch is powered by a Rolex, Swiss made, twenty seven jewel automatic calibre 3035 movement that powered the majority of all Rolex models since its launch, from the Datejust to the Submariner. These later models can be identified as they do not have the earlier, characteristic, 'pie pan' style dial. This model also comes with the more ergonomic 'Quick Set' date function, and the newly designed smaller profile case, all of which were introduced in the 1970's. However, this case still has the spring bar holes exposed from the side, which was eventually phased out around the early 2000's.

The watch was made circa 1988 with serial number R,588,XXX. The watch is in original condition, likely unpolished with the original Rolex case back sticker still present. The watch comes on a Rolex Jubilee style bracelet, which does show some wear, but is not overly stretched. To conclude, this is a really beautiful example of perhaps one of the most versatile watches produced by Rolex, and one with a dial that will never be tiring to pass a gaze over.

The watch is sold with its original paperwork. The service history of the watch is unkown. The watch is keeping excellent time, and comes with a Foundwell one year warranty against  mechanical  failure.