Rolex 1600 Datejust - Refinished dial/authentic?

[mendacious]

Good afternoon all,

I am very interested in purchasing the watch that I have attached below - a vintage Rolex 1600 Datejust with what appears to be a 'gilt dial'.

I am in the process of purchasing it soon, but just wanted to do my due diligence beforehand. The watch clearly has a 1500 movement which correlates with the reference, so that seems right (and I have also attached a picture of it below). Does it seem right?

I also tried to do some sleuthing online and see if the dial is an aftermarket one or not. Did these come out with a gilt dial like the one pictured?

Thank you very much for your help!

[Nick9]

I believe it’s a 1603, not 1600. If the case says 1600, then the bezel has been swapped.

It’s common to find these with swapped dials and/or bezels. That was done routinely when these were sold, or if a customer later decided on a new look. It doesn’t much affect value.

The case on this watch looks a little more polished than it could be. Dial and hands look okay to me. I’m not a massive expert, but that’s my two cents.

[mendacious]

Originally Posted by Nick9

I believe it’s a 1603, not 1600. If the case says 1600, then the bezel has been swapped.

It’s common to find these with swapped dials and/or bezels. That was done routinely when these were sold, or if a customer later decided on a new look. It doesn’t much affect value.

The case on this watch looks a little more polished than it could be. Dial and hands look okay to me. I’m not a massive expert, but that’s my two cents.

The inside of the case definitely has '1600' engraved. Do you know what kind of bezel these had from factory? Would be curious to see if I could source the original.

It's being sold for 3100 USD and has had a service complete - does that seem fair?

[crowncollection]

Inside of the caseback says 1600 or between the lugs.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[mendacious]

Originally Posted by crowncollection

Inside of the caseback says 1600 or between the lugs.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Inside of the caseback. I don't have the watch with me yet to ascertain the model between the lugs.

[Nick9]

The 1600 has a smooth bezel.

$3100 USD sounds about right, these days. You can’t usually verify the quality of the service that a watch has received.

As always if you’re buying online, don’t forget your due diligence.

[TuRo]

Technically it's not a gilt dial it's a gold writing dial (the text is not revealed from a gilt backplate). It's on the money though - some of the HR markers have smudged off but no biggy as most have. What's Between north lugs 1601/1603 ?
Nice light gold datewheel and period crown and 62510h has usual stretch.

[Dan S]

IMO, that's quite a good price for a serviced 4-digit DJ with a colored dial, even in below-average condition. Many 1600/1601/1603 have a generic 1600 caseback, you need to see between the top lugs. Unfortunately, that bracelet may not have much life left in it.