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ChipClip2 · 27 February 2018, 08:47 AM

Hi all - I've been looking for a while and just came across a vintage 1603 with linen dial that ticks all the boxes, and for a great price.

In my opinion, based on my admittedly limited knowledge, the watch itself looks legit and in good condition. The seller is vouching that it is authentic and is offering to provide a third-party verification as well. I asked for some detailed dial pics and below is what they provided.

So far so good, however one detail is bothering me. The seller says this dates from 1955, but according to my research the 1603 wasn't introduced until 1959. I also thought the 1950s era DateJust models came with dauphine hands, though I could be mistaken about that. And overall the watch just looks too clean to be over 60 years old.

I'm hoping the seller is just mistaken and have asked for a pic of the stamped reference # on the case and to confirm the serial number so I can check myself. My concern is that this is some sort of frankenwatch which for some reason is pointing them to the earlier date.

Any thoughts on what could be going on here?

Old Expat Beast · 27 February 2018, 09:31 AM

Seller either used a bad serial number dating chart, or got confused by the mid 1950s serial number reboot. The watch is likely mid 1960s. What's the serial number?

crowncollection · 27 February 2018, 09:37 AM

As above

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GLADIATOR · 27 February 2018, 12:54 PM

Just in case you did not know
You can find the serial number between the lugs at 6 O' Clock - ask the seller to take a photo of the number between those lugs
A

ChipClip2 · 27 February 2018, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Seller either used a bad serial number dating chart, or got confused by the mid 1950s serial number reboot. The watch is likely mid 1960s. What's the serial number?

Haven't heard back on the serial number yet, but your idea about the 50s reboot makes sense - thanks.

Other than this point of confusion, does it look alright to you guys?

jvmartin · 27 February 2018, 04:40 PM

The serial number is likely a 2 million serial that the seller is misreading as a 200,000 serial number... if this is the case the watch would be at least from the mid 60s... ask the seller to double check for that extra digit... on these older watches the serial can sometimes be worn or pitted... looks good to me and in good shape..

Max16013 · 27 February 2018, 05:17 PM

Watch looks authentic to me, looks like it’s missing the 12 and 6 o’clock lume plots.

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ChipClip2 · 28 February 2018, 03:54 AM

Heard back on the serial number and they said it starts with 113....

Based on what was mentioned above that leads me to believe this is likely a 1.13 million serial (dating to 1965-66) which they are reading as 113,XXX (dating to 1955-56). This would explain their dating and the overall appearance of the watch and the fact that the 1603 didn't exist in the mid-50s.

Thanks for the help everyone!

27 February 2018, 09:37 AM	#3
crowncollection "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Real Name: David Location: australia Posts: 20,215	As above Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ watches many

27 February 2018, 12:54 PM	#4
GLADIATOR "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Real Name: Adam Location: Costa Blanca, Watch: YMII,GMTII,DAYTONA Posts: 5,288	Just in case you did not know You can find the serial number between the lugs at 6 O' Clock - ask the seller to take a photo of the number between those lugs A __________________ The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is. Winston Churchill "We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing, while others judge us by what we have already done."

27 February 2018, 05:17 PM	#7
Max16013 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Here Watch: DJ 16013 Posts: 247	1603 Datejust Questions Watch looks authentic to me, looks like it’s missing the 12 and 6 o’clock lume plots. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

27 February 2018, 09:31 AM	#2
Old Expat Beast TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Jul 2013 Real Name: Adam Location: Far East Watch: Golden Tuna Posts: 28,798	Seller either used a bad serial number dating chart, or got confused by the mid 1950s serial number reboot. The watch is likely mid 1960s. What's the serial number?

27 February 2018, 04:40 PM	#6
jvmartin "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 2,349	The serial number is likely a 2 million serial that the seller is misreading as a 200,000 serial number... if this is the case the watch would be at least from the mid 60s... ask the seller to double check for that extra digit... on these older watches the serial can sometimes be worn or pitted... looks good to me and in good shape..

28 February 2018, 03:54 AM	#8
ChipClip2 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: San Francisco Watch: 1603/16570/116264 Posts: 45	Heard back on the serial number and they said it starts with 113.... Based on what was mentioned above that leads me to believe this is likely a 1.13 million serial (dating to 1965-66) which they are reading as 113,XXX (dating to 1955-56). This would explain their dating and the overall appearance of the watch and the fact that the 1603 didn't exist in the mid-50s. Thanks for the help everyone!

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