Patrick Bateman is associated with a Rolex Datejust 16013 in Bret Easton Ellis’s novel, but Christian Bale’s watch in the film was a two-tone Seiko 5 SNXJ90, according to British GQ, which corrected its earlier identification. So “Patrick Bateman’s Rolex” describes the character’s literary association—not the watch shown on screen.
What watch did Patrick Bateman wear?
The answer depends on whether you mean the novel or the film. British GQ identifies the watch associated with Bateman in the novel as a two-tone Rolex Datejust 16013 on a Jubilee bracelet. In its later correction, GQ says the film prop worn by Bale was a two-tone Seiko 5 SNXJ90, not a Rolex. These are separate identifications, and the film watch should not be described as a Rolex.
What is the Rolex Datejust 16013?
The 16013 is the vintage Datejust reference connected to Bateman’s literary image. GQ reports it as a two-tone model with a Jubilee bracelet. That identification does not establish the dial, condition, service history, or replaced parts of any particular watch offered for sale.
For readers choosing a vintage 16013, check the specific watch rather than relying on the reference number alone. Rolex says only official Rolex retailers are permitted to sell and maintain its watches. Ask a qualified seller or service provider to assess authenticity, condition, service records, and any replaced parts; a listing by itself is not proof of authenticity.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →How the Datejust developed
Rolex dates the Datejust’s launch to 1945. The original model displayed the date through a window at 3 o’clock and combined a self-winding mechanism with chronometer certification. Later features should not be mistaken for launch specifications:
- 1953: Rolex says it added the Cyclops lens over the date.
- 1956: Rolex says the date change became instantaneous.
Those milestones are part of the Datejust’s history, but they do not establish the features or condition of a particular vintage 16013.
Rank #2
- Imported
- Pre-Loved Condition: Very Good; Minor scratches and wear on case and band.
- Case Size/Width: 36mm, Watch Height: 12mm, Band Width: 20mm, Wrist circumference: 7.0"
- Band material: Stainless steel with 18k yellow gold.
- Case material: Stainless Steel
How the vintage 16013 differs from a current Datejust
Rolex currently offers Datejust models in 36, 31, and 41 mm sizes across its range. One current US-market example is the Datejust 36 reference 126234. It is not the vintage 16013 associated with the novel.
| Detail | Vintage Datejust 16013 | Current Datejust 36 reference 126234 |
|---|---|---|
| Era and identity | Vintage reference reported by British GQ as associated with the novel’s Bateman | Current model example listed by Rolex |
| Configuration | British GQ reports a two-tone model on a Jubilee bracelet; specific dial and condition depend on the individual watch | Oystersteel and white gold, fluted bezel, Jubilee bracelet |
| Case size | Not stated in the cited identification | 36 mm |
| Movement and reserve | Not stated in the cited identification | Calibre 3235; about 70 hours of power reserve |
| Water resistance | Not stated in the cited identification | 100 m |
These are not like-for-like alternatives: one is a vintage reference whose individual condition must be verified, while the other is a current configuration with specifications published by Rolex. Rolex’s current model information does not authenticate or describe the condition of a vintage listing.
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- Pre-Loved Condition: Very Good; Light scratching and wear throughout watch
- Length: , Height: , Depth:
- Made in Switzerland
- Oyster clasp closure
- Signature upon delivery required
Which watch should a Bateman fan look for?
- For the novel’s Rolex association: search for a Rolex Datejust 16013, then evaluate the exact watch’s configuration, condition, service history, replaced parts, and seller credentials.
- For screen accuracy: look for the Seiko 5 SNXJ90 identified by GQ as the film prop. It is not a Rolex and is a separate vintage-watch search.
- For a current Datejust: compare Rolex’s present configurations by size and specifications rather than treating them as the same watch as Bateman’s novel-associated 16013.
GQ’s reference identifications are editorial reporting, rather than a primary production archive. No particular vintage listing is authenticated by those reports.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Further reading
Wallpaper* reported in September 2025 that Nicholas Foulkes’s authorized book Oyster Perpetual Datejust – A Watch that Made History runs to 224 pages and was available in English and French at that time. Current stock and retailer terms may differ.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Pre-Loved Condition: Very Good; Light scratching and scuffing throughout hardware
- Length: , Height: , Depth:
- Made in Switzerland
- Oyster clasp closure
- Signature upon delivery required
Rank #4
- Imported
- Pre-Loved Condition: Very Good; Scratches and minor wear on case and band.
- Case Size/Width: 26mm, Watch Height: 11mm, Band Width: 13mm, Wrist circumference: 5.5"
- Band material: Stainless steel with 18k yellow gold.
- Case material: Stainless Steel
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