New to Me Datejust

[Paul7]

I recently inherited this Datejust from my dad, who passed away at 98. Bought at the Amsterdam airport in 1984. I think it has an 18k bezel and middle part of the band. I know the Datejust with Jubilee band isn't the most in demand Rolex, but it has a lot of sentimental value being my dad's watch.

I will say the Jubilee band is very comfortable. Amazing quality watch, a real step up from an Omega Constellation I previously wore.

I do have a question for the experts, there is what appears to be a glow in the dark component to the hands, which now don't glow anymore. Can they be replaced at my next service?

Lots of local shops service Rolex, is it the consensus here the RSC is the way to go?

Thank you

[elkaholic]

Welcome, and congrats on the nice piece you've inherited!

The jubilee band on the 36mm DJ as you have there is one of the most recognizable and iconic Rolex models. It is very comfortable, as you noticed. Your watch appears to have a SS band (middle pieces being polished SS vs the outside of the links being brushed) and 18k white gold bezel.

In terms of the dial and hands-that year of production (and up until around 1998) used tritium as the element that made those dots glow. Tritium has a half life that would've long expired by this time. When you have it serviced, you can request that the dial and hands are replaced with ones using luminova (what Rolex used in place of tritium) and you will have the glow back. Luminova generally takes a light source (sunshine, flashlight etc) to "charge" its ability to glow, but it has no expiration or half life as tritium does.

If you are near a Rolex service center, I'd personally take it there if it were me. I don't live near one so I have mine serviced locally by a reputable Rolex service person. There are numerous authorized Rolex dealers near me that will send the watch in to a Rolex factory service center for you, which I have done before also.

[Etschell]

Congrats.

[jb335]

That's a classic timepiece. I think it is in demand. I am actually in the market for a similar one myself. Sure, prices haven't skyrocketed but I think that is more because they made so many of them for so long, not due to a lack of demand. Gorgeous. Wear in good health.

[Paul7]

Originally Posted by elkaholic

Your watch appears to have a SS band (middle pieces being polished SS vs the outside of the links being brushed) and 18k white gold bezel.

Thanks, that's exactly what I was wondering, and I think you're right. The middle outside of the band is shiny but when I turn it over the entire band is a uniform stainless look.

If you are near a Rolex service center, I'd personally take it there if it were me.

I do not, there are none in my state. I assume you could send it FedEx insured to a RSC.

[Paul7]

Originally Posted by elkaholic

Your watch appears to have a SS band (middle pieces being polished SS vs the outside of the links being brushed) and 18k white gold bezel.

That's exactly what I was wondering, and I think you're right. The middle links are shiny on the visible side, but when I turn the band over it is all a uniform stainless look.

If you are near a Rolex service center, I'd personally take it there if it were me.

I do not, there are none in my state. I assume it can be shipped insured by FedEx to a RSC when the next servicing time comes. I've been reading some horror stories of local jewelers servicing Rolex, which there are some of in my town.

[Paul7]

Originally Posted by jb335

That's a classic timepiece. I think it is in demand. I am actually in the market for a similar one myself. Sure, prices haven't skyrocketed but I think that is more because they made so many of them for so long, not due to a lack of demand. Gorgeous. Wear in good health.

I plan to! When I first got it I saw it as a special occasion watch but it has turned into my everyday one. It is dressy enough for business but the stainless finish gives it a muted look appropriate for wearing anywhere, IMHO.

[AJM914]

Congrats looks great! Def RSC if you can

[HogwldFLTR]

Can't tell much from the photo other than it's a DJ. Is it white gold or yellow gold bezeled. How about posting a bigger picture. The DJs from that time period are great. They aren't rare but they are liked. The dark component on the hands is spent tritium. The half life is about 12 years so it's unlikely that it would still be glowing.

[Paul7]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

Can't tell much from the photo other than it's a DJ. Is it white gold or yellow gold bezeled. How about posting a bigger picture. The DJs from that time period are great. They aren't rare but they are liked. The dark component on the hands is spent tritium. The half life is about 12 years so it's unlikely that it would still be glowing.

It is a white gold bezel, it won't let me post a bigger picture.