Thoughts on 1601 Datejust

[Skv]

Hello RF-members,

After becoming an addict on vintage Omega watches, I found myself increasingly attracted to some vintage Rolex pieces. I decided to sell two of my Omegas to raise some funds for a vintage 1601 datejust.

I have found an example that looks (to my inexperienced eye) good, but I would love to hear the thoughts of some of the experts.










I have asked the seller if the number between the lugs matches the serial number in the documents. The asking price is EUR 2100,-

Thanks a mil for helping me out!

[Old Expat Beast]

Hands (alpha?) look older than the dial.

[joe100]

Service dial,

[Skv]

That's too bad. I guess the asking price is not justified then, is it?

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Skv

That's too bad. I guess the asking price is not justified then, is it?

A bit overpriced, and the hands not matching the dial style is offputting. Is the warranty paper blank, or have the details just been obscured?

[Old Expat Beast]

For your reference, here's a similar vintage 1603 with box, papers and a couple of accessories that I picked up for about 1,750 euros a few weeks ago.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=366122

[Skv]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

For your reference, here's a similar vintage 1603 with box, papers and a couple of accessories that I picked up for about 1,750 euros a few weeks ago.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=366122

Great find! I am looking for a similar piece. Problem is, I have spent quite some time in getting to know the exact whereabouts of certain vintage Omegas (especially constellation Pie Pans from the late '60s). I fell in love with the 1601 design, decided to sell my Omegas and sold them.

And now? I found myself knowing just too little about the 1601s to find an original piece in good condition with boxes, papers etc for fair amount of money. My budget is Eur 1800-2000 tops.

[Skv]

Wow, I love that watch of yours and are looking for a similar one. I find myself having difficulties with distinguishing a genuine one from one with service dial/wrong hands/wrong crown/wrong bracelet/wrong endlinks/wrong clasp/wrong box/wrong papers. It's really a handful.

It took me quite a while to become an expert on Omega Constellation Pie Pan watches (late 60s). Maybe I should take my time and learn more on the 1601's before purchasing one.

Any recommendations on where to source one in the EU? I don't really trust Ebay for that matter. Too many dealers with lousy watches.

[Old Expat Beast]

I can tell you some reliable online dealers in the USA and Hong Kong but not so familiar with the EU sellers. You can find the 1603 (right in photo) cheaper than the 1601 (centre) usually, as the bezel in stainless steel rather than white gold; otherwise they are the same watch. Plenty of dial variations for each, too. Post pics of anything you find here, and you'll usually get a reliable opinion quite quickly.

[Skv]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

I can tell you some reliable online dealers in the USA and Hong Kong but not so familiar with the EU sellers. You can find the 1603 (right in photo) cheaper than the 1601 (centre) usually, as the bezel in stainless steel rather than white gold; otherwise they are the same watch. Plenty of dial variations for each, too. Post pics of anything you find here, and you'll usually get a reliable opinion quite quickly.

Awesome, I really appreciate the help. I am in no hurry so I will keep checking out examples of 1601's and will post them in the future.

In case you encounter a good example in the EU, I kindly request to be informed!

[Skv]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

I can tell you some reliable online dealers in the USA and Hong Kong but not so familiar with the EU sellers. You can find the 1603 (right in photo) cheaper than the 1601 (centre) usually, as the bezel in stainless steel rather than white gold; otherwise they are the same watch. Plenty of dial variations for each, too. Post pics of anything you find here, and you'll usually get a reliable opinion quite quickly.

I have also found a few 16013s. Quite similar but without the pie pan dial as far as I can see. And with a movement with quick set date.

[lhanddds]

1603 was my first Rolex 33 years ago. That's a great start.

[Mark020]

EUR 2100 is too much.

[azguy]

Great thread and great pictures, I've been searching for a SS on a jubilee to compliment this

DJII.jpg

DJ1.jpg

[Skv]

I have found this example on Ebay.

http://www.ebay.nl/itm/Rolex-Oyster-...655405b&_uhb=1

I think it is overpriced so I might make an offer. Any thoughts on this piece?
In my opinion it all looks a bit too shiny, so I am afraid it is polished to a large extent. Furthermore, the dial indicates the presence of Tritium (T), but the lume looks relatively new (light color).

[Old Expat Beast]

Looks good, not too overpriced but 1,500 would be more realistic. But UK prices are high anyway. Looks like a later example, but serial number would be good to know.

[Skv]

A second example I found (also overpriced):
http://www.marktplaats.nl/a/sieraden...Action=asqSent

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Skv

A second example I found (also overpriced):
http://www.marktplaats.nl/a/sieraden...Action=asqSent

Pics not so clear on my iPad but this looks like non-lume dial and hands, and the box is for a DD. I prefer the first one.

[Skv]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Looks good, not too overpriced but 1,500 would be more realistic. But UK prices are high anyway. Looks like a later example, but serial number would be good to know.

I have requested the serial numbers! :)

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Skv

I have requested the serial numbers.

I am going to guess high 3 mill, just for fun.

[azguy]

I find most if not all DJ's on e-bay are way overpriced....

[Skv]

Originally Posted by azguy

I find most if not all DJ's on e-bay are way overpriced....

I find that, too. Just like the watches on Chrono24. IMHO a DJ in good condtion should go for 1800-1900 EUR. 2100 with box.

[Robbyvm]

check chronomania for some european opportunities...
http://cda.chronomania.net/forum.php

http://cda.chronomania.net/forum_ent...116152#p116152

[Skv]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Looks good, not too overpriced but 1,500 would be more realistic. But UK prices are high anyway. Looks like a later example, but serial number would be good to know.

For some reason, they don't tell the serial number or range after my request. I think ill stick with my gut feeling that tells me that this watch has a "oooh shiny" general public value, but a lesser value from a collectors point of view due to the lack of box and papers and the overpolishing. It doesn't feel completely right. overall I am afraid that I have sold three watches I was very fond of to save up for this 1601, which then turns out to be a bit dissatisfying.

Obviously, this does not mean that I don't value your opinion very highly, OEB and others (because I do)!

[Skv]

Originally Posted by Robbyvm

check chronomania for some european opportunities...
http://cda.chronomania.net/forum.php

http://cda.chronomania.net/forum_ent...116152#p116152

Thank you. I have added it to my bookmarks.

[Old Expat Beast]

That's strange. Cannot think why they would withhold that, unless the serial has been worn away by the bracelet.

[dstacy]

Originally Posted by azguy

Great thread and great pictures, I've been searching for a SS on a jubilee to compliment this

LOVE that dial! I can't have one unfortunately since I have a 16xx.

[Matt C]

This was the first Rolex I've owned, I had it in my early twenty's. I though it was celery comfortable and just flashy enough, without being over the top. I still think it's a great piece today!

[Skv]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

That's strange. Cannot think why they would withhold that, unless the serial has been worn away by the bracelet.

I don't get it either. But I cannot 'buy the seller' in this case.

What are your opinions on the color of the dials of 1601s? I like the white/champagne most, but the grey one is also ok.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Skv

I don't get it either. But I cannot 'buy the seller' in this case.

What are your opinions on the color of the dials of 1601s? I like the white/champagne most, but the grey one is also ok.

I prefer silver.