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BBH · 20 September 2009, 05:59 AM

I have a SS DateJust I bought from the Navy Exchange in Rota, Spain in 1964. I have had it serviced by ROLEX USA on a few occasions, so there is no doubt it is genuine. On my last service visit, at a local jeweler of good reputation, but not an AD, he made a comment when he returned my DateJust ... "your antique watch is ready." I just thought he was being cute and didn't ponder his remark anymore.

I just took the band off to look for the serial number. Engraved between the lugs at the 12 oclock position is "1603"; the model number. At the 6 oclock, the serial number "164808" is engraved. Here's the rub. My research suggests that is a 1940-1942 serial number.

Could my watch have been in Navy stores that long, or could they have acquired some really old watches from who ever their supplier was?

"164808" is a 1940-42 serial number, isn't it? Now I get the "antique" comment.

theloxmyth · 20 September 2009, 06:07 AM

Click THIS LINK for a decent serial number reference!

Yours is listed as 1963ish.

BBH · 20 September 2009, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theloxmyth

Click THIS LINK for a decent serial number reference!

Yours is listed as 1963ish.

My serial number is 6 digits... The "1963ish" numbers are 7 digits. Your referenced chart shows me as 1940.

theloxmyth · 20 September 2009, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BBH

My serial number is 6 digits... The "1963ish" numbers are 7 digits. Your referenced chart shows me as 1940.

WOW! (Sorry...)

nikhsub1 · 20 September 2009, 06:56 AM

Very interesting, do you have any pics of the watch?

Balboa · 20 September 2009, 07:27 AM

The Datejust was introduced in 1945. I believe you have a 1963 watch. You might check that number again.

Mark

Tools · 20 September 2009, 07:36 AM

That's right.. The Datejust and it's Jubilee bracelet were introduced at Rolex 1945 Jubilee Celebration..

It's likely that either a number has been rubbed off, or it is illegible, or somewhere along the line, it was re-cased....

BBH · 20 September 2009, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tools

That's right.. The Datejust and it's Jubilee bracelet were introduced at Rolex 1945 Jubilee Celebration..

It's likely that either a number has been rubbed off, or it is illegible, or somewhere along the line, it was re-cased....

Hmmmm..re-cased? Long years ago, I was told by ROLEX that the winding stem (where the cap screws onto the watch...) was "slightly stripped" and that I should have it replaced. I said "ok". I was under the impression that the "tube" that the cap screws onto was simply replaced. Is it possible that that operation required a "re-casing", and that it was done with an old case? I can't believe this, for numerous reasons, not the least of is that it would be a pretty cavalier change out of my serial number without telling me about it, but I am curious...

And, I assume if it was "re-cased", the case back may (or may not) be my original case back. Very curious.

abigsecret · 20 September 2009, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BBH

Hmmmm..re-cased? Long years ago, I was told by ROLEX that the winding stem (where the cap screws onto the watch...) was "slightly stripped" and that I should have it replaced. I said "ok". I was under the impression that the "tube" that the cap screws onto was simply replaced. Is it possible that that operation required a "re-casing", and that it was done with an old case? I can't believe this, for numerous reasons, not the least of is that it would be a pretty cavalier change out of my serial number without telling me about it, but I am curious...

And, I assume if it was "re-cased", the case back may (or may not) be my original case back. Very curious.

Nah, the case tube is replaced with almost every service on every oyster service. They wouldn't replace the case for that.
I'm curious to see the case back too!!

SLS · 20 September 2009, 07:26 AM

Could it be that one of the numbers has been worn off?
Scott

BOA · 20 September 2009, 07:57 AM

Perhaps having serviced it before, Rolex USA will have a record of the correct serial number.

rajurama · 20 September 2009, 08:08 AM

how about a photo?

PHPuser · 20 September 2009, 10:23 AM

Qualitytyme puts it around the 4th quarter of 62. Others put it in the late 50's. In 53-54 they redid the numbers starting at 10000 I beleive. hence you would see a number such as 367xxx in the 50's.
http://www.qualitytyme.net/pages/numbers.html

Tools · 20 September 2009, 10:30 AM

With your watch, it is likely easy to know when it was produced..

Inside the case-back Rolex stamped the manufacture date on watches from the 50's into the 70's, so it will likely have a stamp inside such as "II63" for the second quarter of 1963.

BBH · 20 September 2009, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tools

With your watch, it is likely easy to know when it was produced..

Inside the case-back Rolex stamped the manufacture date on watches from the 50's into the 70's, so it will likely have a stamp inside such as "II63" for the second quarter of 1963.

I think I will take it in and get the case back screwed off....(or take this opportunity to buy a Bergeron Case back tool!!!!

There is no "missing" or misread digit. It says "164808".

BBH · 20 September 2009, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PHPuser

Qualitytyme puts it around the 4th quarter of 62. Others put it in the late 50's. In 53-54 they redid the numbers starting at 10000 I beleive. hence you would see a number such as 367xxx in the 50's.
http://www.qualitytyme.net/pages/numbers.html

That would make sense as I believe I bought it in 1964... but your referenced page shows "869868 ......................IV 1962", while my serial number is "164808". Not even close.

PHPuser · 20 September 2009, 11:01 AM

oops I misread the numbers Qualitytyme puts it at around 55 or 56

BBH · 20 September 2009, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PHPuser

oops I misread the numbers Qualitytyme puts it at around 55 or 56

Oops, me too, but those Qualitytyme numbers don't make much sense. Wouldn't my number, 164808, be in between these?

143509 ...........................1942
230878 ...........................1943

I think I need to open the case. I will try to get a readable picture.

Idle Swede · 20 September 2009, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BBH

Oops, me too, but those Qualitytyme numbers don't make much sense. Wouldn't my number, 164808, be in between these?

143509 ...........................1942
230878 ...........................1943

I think I need to open the case. I will try to get a readable picture.

How can that be if your watch wasn't even released then?

BBH · 24 September 2009, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Idle Swede

How can that be if your watch wasn't even released then?

Well, I didn't know that. This is a "Learning Experience" for me. The "Case Cracker" wrench with Rolex Dies came today, but in order to not screw up the case, I need more components... so, I ordered a complete (Not Bergeron, alas...) LG OpenAll Wrench and base set.

Obviously,it would be far, far too easy to simply take it to my Rolex jeweler, wouldn't it?

I shall keep those of you that remain curious posted.

Bill

Idle Swede · 24 September 2009, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BBH

Obviously,it would be far, far too easy to simply take it to my Rolex jeweler, wouldn't it?

Bill

Yes, that would have been too easy.

PHPuser · 25 September 2009, 03:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BBH

...
Obviously,it would be far, far too easy to simply take it to my Rolex jeweler, wouldn't it?

...
Bill

Takes all the fun out of it though. This way you get to buy more toys!!!!!

sakuraba · 24 September 2009, 09:05 AM

You want to talk about old inventory:

My mom's Lady DJ was handed down to her by my grandmother. On the case back engraving, my grandfather dated it "1957" when he bought the watch in HongKong. After we got it back from servicing, the watchmaker informed us that the watch was made in 1943!

deserted · 20 September 2009, 11:53 AM

Can't wait to see a pic.............

BBH · 20 September 2009, 12:43 PM

I ordered a case opener... I shall let you know!!!

PHPuser · 20 September 2009, 01:05 PM

what i referred to in my second reply was this taken from qualitytyme.com
139477 .........................I 1956
282632 .......................III 1955

Cato · 20 September 2009, 03:26 PM

The Nex used to carry Rolex? Wow!

BBH · 21 September 2009, 02:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cato

The Nex used to carry Rolex? Wow!

Well, it was 45 years ago.

padi56 · 20 September 2009, 07:39 PM

The 1603 started into production around 1959 but just have a look at bottom of dial at 6 oclock in vintage watches if it says Swiss its the old Radium type dial pre 1960.If it says Swiss T <25, or T SWISS T its from 1960 on till around 1998.

BBH · 21 September 2009, 02:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by padi56

The 1603 started into production around 1959 but just have a look at bottom of dial at 6 oclock in vintage watches if it says Swiss its the old Radium type dial pre 1960.If it says Swiss T <25, or T SWISS T its from 1960 on till around 1998.

The dial has "T SWISS T" at the 6 oclock position. As I said, I bought it from the Navy Exchange in Rota, Spain in the 1964 time frame.

20 September 2009, 05:59 AM	#1
BBH "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 86	Old, old stock?? I have a SS DateJust I bought from the Navy Exchange in Rota, Spain in 1964. I have had it serviced by ROLEX USA on a few occasions, so there is no doubt it is genuine. On my last service visit, at a local jeweler of good reputation, but not an AD, he made a comment when he returned my DateJust ... "your antique watch is ready." I just thought he was being cute and didn't ponder his remark anymore. I just took the band off to look for the serial number. Engraved between the lugs at the 12 oclock position is "1603"; the model number. At the 6 oclock, the serial number "164808" is engraved. Here's the rub. My research suggests that is a 1940-1942 serial number. Could my watch have been in Navy stores that long, or could they have acquired some really old watches from who ever their supplier was? "164808" is a 1940-42 serial number, isn't it? Now I get the "antique" comment.

20 September 2009, 06:07 AM	#2
theloxmyth 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NY Posts: 6,382	Click THIS LINK for a decent serial number reference! Yours is listed as 1963ish. __________________ Craig, The (I'm JUST a) Loxmyth. If I had only known, I would have been a locksmith. — Albert Einstein (1879-1955) TWO FACTOR AUTHENTICATION IS ENABLED.

20 September 2009, 07:36 AM	#7
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,496	That's right.. The Datejust and it's Jubilee bracelet were introduced at Rolex 1945 Jubilee Celebration.. It's likely that either a number has been rubbed off, or it is illegible, or somewhere along the line, it was re-cased.... __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

20 September 2009, 07:26 AM	#10
SLS "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Real Name: Scott Location: GMT -7 Watch: GMT's & Sub's Posts: 10,401	Could it be that one of the numbers has been worn off? Scott __________________ "The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of lower price is forgotten." -Benjamin Franklin Member No. 922

20 September 2009, 10:30 AM	#14
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,496	With your watch, it is likely easy to know when it was produced.. Inside the case-back Rolex stamped the manufacture date on watches from the 50's into the 70's, so it will likely have a stamp inside such as "II63" for the second quarter of 1963. __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

20 September 2009, 06:56 AM	#5
nikhsub1 Server Advisor Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: LA & NY Watch: 16610LV Posts: 1,118	Very interesting, do you have any pics of the watch?

20 September 2009, 07:27 AM	#6
Balboa Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: SoCal OC U.S.A. Posts: 342	The Datejust was introduced in 1945. I believe you have a 1963 watch. You might check that number again. Mark

20 September 2009, 07:57 AM	#11
BOA "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Real Name: Bruce Location: Chicago, IL Watch: Meteorite DD Posts: 2,397	Perhaps having serviced it before, Rolex USA will have a record of the correct serial number.

20 September 2009, 08:08 AM	#12
rajurama "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Real Name: Rick Location: Wakanda Watch: amacallit Posts: 2,090	how about a photo?

20 September 2009, 10:23 AM	#13
PHPuser Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Real Name: John Location: River City Ky Watch: none anymore Posts: 249	Qualitytyme puts it around the 4th quarter of 62. Others put it in the late 50's. In 53-54 they redid the numbers starting at 10000 I beleive. hence you would see a number such as 367xxx in the 50's. http://www.qualitytyme.net/pages/numbers.html

20 September 2009, 11:01 AM	#17
PHPuser Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Real Name: John Location: River City Ky Watch: none anymore Posts: 249	oops I misread the numbers Qualitytyme puts it at around 55 or 56

24 September 2009, 09:05 AM	#23
sakuraba "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2009 Real Name: Jib Location: SJ, California Watch: sun dial Posts: 8,189	You want to talk about old inventory: My mom's Lady DJ was handed down to her by my grandmother. On the case back engraving, my grandfather dated it "1957" when he bought the watch in HongKong. After we got it back from servicing, the watchmaker informed us that the watch was made in 1943!

20 September 2009, 11:53 AM	#24
deserted Banned Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: fort wayne IN Watch: Patek 1909003 Posts: 2,176	Can't wait to see a pic.............

20 September 2009, 12:43 PM	#25
BBH "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 86	I ordered a case opener... I shall let you know!!!

20 September 2009, 01:05 PM	#26
PHPuser Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Real Name: John Location: River City Ky Watch: none anymore Posts: 249	what i referred to in my second reply was this taken from qualitytyme.com 139477 .........................I 1956 282632 .......................III 1955

20 September 2009, 03:26 PM	#27
Cato Banned Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Land of the Lost Watch: 116610LN Posts: 2,201	The Nex used to carry Rolex? Wow!

20 September 2009, 07:39 PM	#29
padi56 "TRF" Life Patron Join Date: Jun 2005 Real Name: Peter Location: Llanfairpwllgwyng Watch: ing you. Posts: 53,041	The 1603 started into production around 1959 but just have a look at bottom of dial at 6 oclock in vintage watches if it says Swiss its the old Radium type dial pre 1960.If it says Swiss T <25, or T SWISS T its from 1960 on till around 1998. __________________ ICom Pro3 All posts are my own opinion and my opinion only. "The clock of life is wound but once, and no man has the power to tell just when the hands will stop. Now is the only time you actually own the time, Place no faith in time, for the clock may soon be still for ever." Good Judgement comes from experience,experience comes from Bad Judgement,.Buy quality, cry once; buy cheap, cry again and again. www.mc0yad.club Second in command CEO and left handed watch winder

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