Why I will always keep this vintage Datejust 1603 in my collection, probably... :)
Lately I had to make the decision to sell either my modern Datejust 126200 or this Datejust 1603. In the end - I let go the 126200 and kept this vintage piece in my collection. Maybe forever? Here are a few thoughts and points that helped this 1603 to survive (in my collection...). This watch combines many aspects that I truly love about fashion and watches. Because from a distance it might just be another standard Rolex Datejust on a jubilee bracelet. Certainly not a watch that whispers "if you know, you know". The model is well-known and can easily be spotted. But at the same time it is not as usual as it seems to be. If you take a closer look on this specific reference, you will see that it comes with a few small details that make it special, interesting and set it apart, especially from perfectly manufactured modern Datejust watches. The Datejust ref. 1603 (likely from 1976) has of course a 36mm case size that perfectly flatters my wrist. The bezel is not fluted, but engine-turned and the dial is very unique! It is a beige/creamy color and simply looks so amazing and different depending on the light and weather conditions. Much different to the silver dials of modern Datejust references. The dial simply has that retro charm and warms my (vintage lover) heart 😄 Yes, the bracelet is a bit flimsy/shaky and you need to plan some time to set the date right (thanks to the lack of the quickset function), but I would pick the character of an old Datejust over the technical advantages of its modern successor any time. And you?
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Selling Jewelry & Watch Rolls by day, hunting down Watches on Chrono24 by night. Owner of @sprezzifashion jewelry brand and @pascalwatchstudio on Instagram. Check out my channels & discover my watch r...
Vintages has a special charm to it. It's something that not even a reissue can replicate
I have a DJ 1601 that was my birthday present when I turned 16 in 1971. I still have it with box, papers, hangtag and stickers! I recently sent it for a service and it’s keeps time perfectly. I sent the bracelet to Rolliworks to correct the stretch and it came back gorgeous. Mine has a linen pie pan dial. After 55 years of ownership I love it as much today as I did the day my folks took my to Shreve & Co. in San Francisco to pick it out.
I have other watches now, but at least weekly I’ll wear my faithful old DJ.
no issues with the date here, as I wear my 1601 daily
no issues with the date here, as I wear my 1601 daily
Not a big thing for me as well - just something I kinda love and hate at the same time 😄 It is charming... in the end that will be my conlusion. Not wearing mine on a daily basis, so I need to set the date quite often.
no issues with the date here, as I wear my 1601 daily
Great choice!
Vintages has a special charm to it. It's something that not even a reissue can replicate
I have to agree 100%
I have a DJ 1601 that was my birthday present when I turned 16 in 1971. I still have it with box, papers, hangtag and stickers! I recently sent it for a service and it’s keeps time perfectly. I sent the bracelet to Rolliworks to correct the stretch and it came back gorgeous. Mine has a linen pie pan dial. After 55 years of ownership I love it as much today as I did the day my folks took my to Shreve & Co. in San Francisco to pick it out.
I have other watches now, but at least weekly I’ll wear my faithful old DJ.
Great birthday watch indeed! Thanks for sharing your story. Can totally understand that. A linen dial is very special and has a great character. These watches are true workhorses and never go out of style.