One of the best daily watches the vintage market has to offer, the Datejust is classy and sporty in all the right ways…
This Rolex has it all. Calibre ‘1570’, a technically certified chronometer movement, Oyster case with a factory engine turned bezel, Jubilee bracelet which fits an extra large gents wrist, can be adjusted to a smaller size within the clasp or by removing links. This Datejust carries a beautiful Pie - Pan stepped ‘sunburst’ dial and accompanied with presentation boxes, hangtag, and wallet. Recently inspected by a Rolex specialist watchmaker with no issues to report. In good working order, keeping accurate time and date ready to treasure and enjoy!
Rolex has some pretty iconic models in the catalog. The Submariner dates back to the 1950s, the GMT as well, but no classic Rolex has a richer history than the plain Jane Rollie, the Datejust. Since 1945, the simple Datejust has graced wrists all over the world many times over. When it comes to popularity, the steel Oyster case and a Jubilee bracelet combination is at the top of the pecking order for its sleek appearance and versatility. When paired with a silvered sunburst pie-pan dial, the result is an elegant Rolex for any occasion that will never go out of style.
Where the reference 1601/1603 Datejust stands out from the rest is with its bezel. These factory engine turned bezels are only found on this reference, and the look breaks away from the more classic fluted or smooth chamfered bezels that are seen on Datejusts more often. Beyond the less common bezel, the overall look of this piece is most influenced by the sunburst dial with lovely patina. Beautiful aged dark colored lume on each hour marker, sitting in the recessed or stepped-down portion of the dial on the minute track. This step adds an additional dimension to the watch that comes through exponentially in the overall look on the wrist. The feel wearing this Rolex is unmistakably vintage and extremely comfortable.
In an eloquent expression of the Master Watchmakers ‘Rolex Perpetual ’ is the perfect gentleman’s timepiece; not only functional but supremely elegant.
The Original Dial: The early 50’s into the mid 80’s vintage Rolex dials are the most wonderful and exquisite examples of Rolex style, simplicity and elegance. The silver pie-pan dial is in good condition with a wonderful patina throughout. The lume on the dial has turned to an even dark colour. The lume on the hands has patina and aged to a matching color compared to that of the dial. This charming dial has concave silver baton indexes with aged lume plots sitting behind in the periphery of the dial and is difficult to find and quite sought after by collectors. It contrasts beautifully with the bezel and is full of character and Rolex vintage charm. The original aged lume filled baton hands and tapered steel seconds hand complete the dial perfectly. The applied outer chapter ring has a minute track featuring aged 1/5th increments. The dial is signed ‘Rolex Oyster Perpetual DATEJUST ’ below ‘12’ and T Swiss T at the very bottom. Steel raised Rolex coronet sits proudly at ‘12’ with date window at ‘3’ o clock featuring cyclops lens. This dial is the superb condition and has lovely aged patina particularly to the lume as it’s developed an aged appearance giving a wonderful vintage feel. Some aged related marks maybe visible under x4 loupe magnification however not noticeable by the naked eye only when looking closely. Please observe photographs carefully.
The Original Crystal: Domed Perspex crystal in very good condition.
The Original Case: The classic Rolex Oyster Perpetual waterproof case in steel features down turned lugs. Numbered 1603 in between the lugs at ‘12’ and serial numbered in between the lugs at ‘6’ 143**** dating the watch to 1966 on the Rolex date register. The case measures 36mm in diameter, excluding the crown. The case is fitted with a sought after factory engine turned bezel in good condition for the age. Has surface hairline scratches commensurate with age and wear associated with steel and base metals, there are no deep scratches, dents or signs of previous repairs. Lugs are in very good solid condition.
The Original Case Back Cover Inner: Inside the case-back all is correct and as expected, signed MONTRES ROLEX SA GENEVA SWITZERLAND PATENTED STAINLESS STEEL 1601 III.66. (Third quarter) in good condition. Period service markers present.
The Original Case Back Cover Outer: Screw back bevelled case, a classic milled edge cover. Has surface hairline scratches commensurate with age and wear associated with base metals, there are no deep scratches or dents. Fits and screws perfectly flush.
The Original Crown: Retains the original crown signed with the Rolex coronet and dash in relief. In superb working order and good condition.
The Original Movement: Signed Montres S.A Geneva Swiss 26 Jewels ADJ 5 positions numbered D82789. Cal. 1570 was much-improved. This is a legendary movement in Rolex's history, and a significant upgrade from the previous Caliber 1560. It was introduced in 1965 and used in a variety of Rolex models including the Datejust, Submariner, and Explorer. The Caliber 1570 is an automatic, self-winding movement with 26 jewels and a frequency of 19,800 beats per hour (2.75 Hz). It had a power reserve of around 42 hours, meaning it can keep running for almost two days without needing to be worn or wound. One of the notable improvements in the 1570 is the increased frequency, which improves accuracy. It also marked a time when Rolex was moving towards making more of their movements in-house, rather than using supplied movements. The movement is in good running order following an inspection by a Rolex specialist master horologist. This movement is clean and winds, sets and runs very well, just as it should. When tested, this watch was found to be keeping superb time to within +- 3 seconds per day which is excellent for any automatic watch of this age. These Chronometer grade movements are very strong, very accurate and very reliable making this watch perfectly suitable for both evening wear and everyday use, should you so wish. Albeit would sit proudly in any watch collection. With regular servicing, every 3 – 4 years, one would fully expect this watch to run happily another lifetime!
Original Rolex Jubilee Bracelet: Signed Rolex Steelinox 62510 H (Code) Z1. A complete and full link bracelet which will fit an extra large wrist size of 9 inches in circumference can be adjusted to a smaller size within the clasp of by removing links. Maybe a later service replacement bracelet. The bracelet has been previously polished and the links have moderate stretch with light scratches commensurate with age and daily wear. The clasp is in excellent functioning order.
* Please observe photographs carefully as they form part of the description*
Please note this Rolex is over 58 years of age. Shipping DHL insured registered post World wide. Buyer responsible for any taxes or duties due which may delay or hold up your shipment at destination port.
Maker: Rolex
Model: Datejust
Reference: 1601/1603
Year: Third quarter 1966
Case No: 143****
Material: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 36mm diameter; 12mm thickness
Crystal: Plexiglass
Lume: Yes, tritium
Caliber: Rolex, self-windiner, caliber 1570
Bracelet: Rolex Jubilee
Lug Width: 20mm
Box:Yes
Papers:No
Hangtag:Yes
Wallet:Yes
Additional information;
Reference 1601/1603 Rolex Datejust circa 1966. The Rolex Datejust 1603 is a classic timepiece that has stood the test of time. First introduced in 1945, it was the first watch to feature an automatically changing date window on the dial, which was a big deal back then.
The path of success of watches in the 20th century is not to be separated from the legendary founder of Rolex, the Bavarian-born Hans Wilsdorf. He had his first big success with the model Oyster in 1926, the first waterproof watch. Rolex consistently relied on sturdy and reliable movements, therefore survived the “Quartz- Revolution” and succeeds to this day. A Rolex watch would not be as incomparable and covetous if it was the result of technical expertise alone. What labels a Rolex is the felicitous bond of leading-edge technology and a distinct philosophy of life. The best-known models are: Date, Datejust, Submariner, Oyster Perpetual, Sea Dweller, Yachtmaster, Cellini and Explorer.