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Nester1961 · 2 February 2017, 02:02 PM

Hello! I am new to the Rolex collecting world and have a question. I purchased a new Submariner back in 2004 and I have been fascinated with Rolex watches ever since. I acquired a 1988 Datejust awhile back as well. I went into a local jewelry shop today and they had several pre-owned Rolexes to choose from. One was supposedly a 1984 model. I was drawn to this as 1984 is my birth year. I was pleased with the price so I hurried home with my new found treasure. I got home and removed the bracelet to check the numbers. One side is engraved 1603 and the other is the serial number 1723426. I also found out the watch is not a quickset date and it has an acrylic crystal. This leads me to believe it is actually older than a 1984. The owner of the shop called it a pie pan dial as well. Can anyone give me some info on this and help me out? Thanks in advance!
John

lpestre · 2 February 2017, 02:13 PM

Hello,

You're watch is from 1967. Since it's a 1603 it should have a SS, but it seems it has a gold one. Maybe change during a service at the resquest of the original owner or maybe an aftermarket piece.

Your dial seems to be a "wide boy dial", but the hands has been remplaced also.

Nester1961 · 2 February 2017, 02:15 PM

Oh wow ok. So it looks like a lot of pieces have been changed. It's got the two tone stainless and gold bracelet as well. Wonder if it's one that has been pieced together from several watches? Maybe I should take it back?

lpestre · 2 February 2017, 02:20 PM

I know watches, but i also have my flaw. You should wait for more expert people to answer you.
But for me, Yes it's an old 1603 transform into a twotone to ad "value"
Do you have more pictures of the bracelet to verify autheticity, because old datejust bracelet are folded, not like this one.

Nester1961 · 2 February 2017, 02:34 PM

Thanks for your help and info! Here is a pic of it next to my Sub, and also another of the clasp. Band has the numbers 555 stamped on the ends. Not a lot of slack in the band, so it might have been replaced too.

lpestre · 2 February 2017, 02:44 PM

555 endlink are for the SS, it should be 455 for the twotone.

There are chances that the bracelet is aftermarket like those one.

lpestre · 2 February 2017, 02:49 PM

http://www.ebay.com/sch/riyi002/m.ht...1&_ipg=&_from=

Nester1961 · 2 February 2017, 02:54 PM

Man. I wonder just exactly what I've bought here.

U5512 · 2 February 2017, 03:12 PM

As Ipestre mentioned above, 1603 is an all stainless steel DateJust with stainless steel bezel and bracelet. Someone converted this into a 2-tone DateJust, and very possible that the gold on the bracelet isn't solid gold, but plated.

Nester1961 · 2 February 2017, 03:19 PM

Thank you for the info. I'm going to try to return it. I would think he would take it back since it isn't a 1984 model like I originally intended to purchase anyways.

offrdmania · 2 February 2017, 03:20 PM

Not a big deal if it was the right price. These parts can easily be changed. The only thing that concerns me is the bracelet and those end links, they dont jive. The other parts arent an expensive replacement but a bracelet is, especially if this one isnt real.
If you paid all of the money for it then I would return it. If you got it at a good price then you have room to make the changes. Or, if you like it then wear it and enjoy it!

Nester1961 · 2 February 2017, 03:29 PM

Well, I paid $2,800 for it. I like it, but I was buying it to match my birth year of 1984, which this clearly doesn't. Plus the fact that a lot of the watch could be aftermarket isn't attractive to me either.

U5512 · 2 February 2017, 04:37 PM

For birth year 1984, you're looking at these DateJust models:

1) 16013...2-tone with yellow gold bezel and yellow gold & steel bracelet. This looks like the one you have right now.
2) 16014...white gold bezel and stainless steel bracelet.
3) 16030....steel bezel and stainless steel bracelet.

Nester1961 · 2 February 2017, 04:43 PM

Awesome I will keep a lookout for one. Thank you so much for the info!

Richard Carver · 2 February 2017, 05:03 PM

A 1603 in original configuration, note the SS engine turned bezel.

Nester1961 · 2 February 2017, 11:40 PM

That's a beautiful watch. I suppose that's what this one used to look like.

Richard Carver · 3 February 2017, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nester1961

That's a beautiful watch. I suppose that's what this one used to look like.

yep

Nester1961 · 3 February 2017, 02:59 AM

Well the jeweler seemed more shocked than me to find that it was a 1967 model, so he returned my money. Thanks to everyone for the assistance.

motoikkyu · 3 February 2017, 03:51 AM

That's not a classic Wide-Boy pie-pan dial, just saying. We all have feelings and I feel that at $2800, you should have gotten the quick-set at least.

lpestre · 3 February 2017, 05:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by motoikkyu

That's not a classic Wide-Boy pie-pan dial, just saying. We all have feelings and I feel that at $2800, you should have gotten the quick-set at least.

I double checked, and you right. This is not a wide boy dial. Sorry for my mistake.

Nester1961 · 3 February 2017, 05:35 AM

Yeah it wasn't the correct watch that the jeweler represented. I returned it today and he gladly refunded my money. So the search continues.

mui.richard · 3 February 2017, 06:01 AM

It shouldn't be too hard. So many vintage Datejusts out there. But 2.8k for that particular piece was over priced to say the least, the fact that it was pieced together and a questionable bracelet notwithstanding.

I picked this up a couple years back for 2k only. Sent it in to RSC for a full service and it looks great, photo was taken right after servicing done.

1979 Datejust ref.16014, plexyglass, quick set date, fluted WG bezel, silver sunburst dial and jubilee bracelet.

a watch is meant to be worn

Nester1961 · 3 February 2017, 01:27 PM

That's a beautiful watch. I'd love to have a 60's datejust in original condition as well. One at a time I suppose haha

Thuilln · 4 February 2017, 01:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mui.richard

It shouldn't be too hard. So many vintage Datejusts out there. But 2.8k for that particular piece was over priced to say the least, the fact that it was pieced together and a questionable bracelet notwithstanding.

I picked this up a couple years back for 2k only. Sent it in to RSC for a full service and it looks great, photo was taken right after servicing done.

1979 Datejust ref.16014, plexyglass, quick set date, fluted WG bezel, silver sunburst dial and jubilee bracelet.

a watch is meant to be worn

This is a fantastic watch, I love it.

Nester1961 · 4 February 2017, 12:38 PM

Me too. It's gorgeous.

El Cascarrabias · 4 February 2017, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mui.richard

It shouldn't be too hard. So many vintage Datejusts out there. But 2.8k for that particular piece was over priced to say the least, the fact that it was pieced together and a questionable bracelet notwithstanding.

I picked this up a couple years back for 2k only. Sent it in to RSC for a full service and it looks great, photo was taken right after servicing done.

1979 Datejust ref.16014, plexyglass, quick set date, fluted WG bezel, silver sunburst dial and jubilee bracelet.

a watch is meant to be worn

Mui.richard, that's a good picture.

I like the colors in the jeans and the contrast of a dress watch with casual clothing.

Well done!

2 February 2017, 02:02 PM	#1
Nester1961 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Real Name: John Location: NC, USA Watch: Rolex Submariner Posts: 15	Rolex 1603 question Hello! I am new to the Rolex collecting world and have a question. I purchased a new Submariner back in 2004 and I have been fascinated with Rolex watches ever since. I acquired a 1988 Datejust awhile back as well. I went into a local jewelry shop today and they had several pre-owned Rolexes to choose from. One was supposedly a 1984 model. I was drawn to this as 1984 is my birth year. I was pleased with the price so I hurried home with my new found treasure. I got home and removed the bracelet to check the numbers. One side is engraved 1603 and the other is the serial number 1723426. I also found out the watch is not a quickset date and it has an acrylic crystal. This leads me to believe it is actually older than a 1984. The owner of the shop called it a pie pan dial as well. Can anyone give me some info on this and help me out? Thanks in advance! John Attached Images Last edited by Nester1961; 2 February 2017 at 02:03 PM.. Reason: Added a photo of watch

2 February 2017, 02:34 PM	#5
Nester1961 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Real Name: John Location: NC, USA Watch: Rolex Submariner Posts: 15	Thanks for your help and info! Here is a pic of it next to my Sub, and also another of the clasp. Band has the numbers 555 stamped on the ends. Not a lot of slack in the band, so it might have been replaced too. Attached Images

2 February 2017, 03:20 PM	#11
offrdmania 2025 TitaniumYM Pledge Member Join Date: May 2008 Real Name: Matt Location: Wine Country, Ca Posts: 6,105	Not a big deal if it was the right price. These parts can easily be changed. The only thing that concerns me is the bracelet and those end links, they dont jive. The other parts arent an expensive replacement but a bracelet is, especially if this one isnt real. If you paid all of the money for it then I would return it. If you got it at a good price then you have room to make the changes. Or, if you like it then wear it and enjoy it! __________________ TRF Member 11738

3 February 2017, 03:51 AM	#19
motoikkyu 2025 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: PRJ Posts: 1,732	That's not a classic Wide-Boy pie-pan dial, just saying. We all have feelings and I feel that at $2800, you should have gotten the quick-set at least. __________________ "Do you like Breitling?" "I don't know, really, I've never been Breitled"

2 February 2017, 02:13 PM	#2
lpestre "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Montreal/Paris Posts: 1,275	Hello, You're watch is from 1967. Since it's a 1603 it should have a SS, but it seems it has a gold one. Maybe change during a service at the resquest of the original owner or maybe an aftermarket piece. Your dial seems to be a "wide boy dial", but the hands has been remplaced also.

2 February 2017, 02:15 PM	#3
Nester1961 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Real Name: John Location: NC, USA Watch: Rolex Submariner Posts: 15	Oh wow ok. So it looks like a lot of pieces have been changed. It's got the two tone stainless and gold bracelet as well. Wonder if it's one that has been pieced together from several watches? Maybe I should take it back?

2 February 2017, 02:20 PM	#4
lpestre "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Montreal/Paris Posts: 1,275	I know watches, but i also have my flaw. You should wait for more expert people to answer you. But for me, Yes it's an old 1603 transform into a twotone to ad "value" Do you have more pictures of the bracelet to verify autheticity, because old datejust bracelet are folded, not like this one.

2 February 2017, 02:44 PM	#6
lpestre "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Montreal/Paris Posts: 1,275	555 endlink are for the SS, it should be 455 for the twotone. There are chances that the bracelet is aftermarket like those one.

2 February 2017, 02:49 PM	#7
lpestre "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Montreal/Paris Posts: 1,275	http://www.ebay.com/sch/riyi002/m.ht...1&_ipg=&_from=

2 February 2017, 02:54 PM	#8
Nester1961 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Real Name: John Location: NC, USA Watch: Rolex Submariner Posts: 15	Man. I wonder just exactly what I've bought here.

2 February 2017, 03:19 PM	#10
Nester1961 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Real Name: John Location: NC, USA Watch: Rolex Submariner Posts: 15	Thank you for the info. I'm going to try to return it. I would think he would take it back since it isn't a 1984 model like I originally intended to purchase anyways.

2 February 2017, 03:29 PM	#12
Nester1961 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Real Name: John Location: NC, USA Watch: Rolex Submariner Posts: 15	Well, I paid $2,800 for it. I like it, but I was buying it to match my birth year of 1984, which this clearly doesn't. Plus the fact that a lot of the watch could be aftermarket isn't attractive to me either.

2 February 2017, 04:43 PM	#14
Nester1961 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Real Name: John Location: NC, USA Watch: Rolex Submariner Posts: 15	Awesome I will keep a lookout for one. Thank you so much for the info!

2 February 2017, 05:03 PM	#15
Richard Carver "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: US Posts: 2,237	A 1603 in original configuration, note the SS engine turned bezel.

2 February 2017, 11:40 PM	#16
Nester1961 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Real Name: John Location: NC, USA Watch: Rolex Submariner Posts: 15	That's a beautiful watch. I suppose that's what this one used to look like.

3 February 2017, 02:59 AM	#18
Nester1961 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Real Name: John Location: NC, USA Watch: Rolex Submariner Posts: 15	Well the jeweler seemed more shocked than me to find that it was a 1967 model, so he returned my money. Thanks to everyone for the assistance.

3 February 2017, 05:35 AM	#21
Nester1961 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Real Name: John Location: NC, USA Watch: Rolex Submariner Posts: 15	Yeah it wasn't the correct watch that the jeweler represented. I returned it today and he gladly refunded my money. So the search continues.

3 February 2017, 06:01 AM	#22
mui.richard "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 673	It shouldn't be too hard. So many vintage Datejusts out there. But 2.8k for that particular piece was over priced to say the least, the fact that it was pieced together and a questionable bracelet notwithstanding. I picked this up a couple years back for 2k only. Sent it in to RSC for a full service and it looks great, photo was taken right after servicing done. 1979 Datejust ref.16014, plexyglass, quick set date, fluted WG bezel, silver sunburst dial and jubilee bracelet. a watch is meant to be worn

3 February 2017, 01:27 PM	#23
Nester1961 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Real Name: John Location: NC, USA Watch: Rolex Submariner Posts: 15	That's a beautiful watch. I'd love to have a 60's datejust in original condition as well. One at a time I suppose haha

4 February 2017, 12:38 PM	#25
Nester1961 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Real Name: John Location: NC, USA Watch: Rolex Submariner Posts: 15	Me too. It's gorgeous.

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