REDUCED: Vintage Rolex ref. 1603 SS Datejust w/ Rare BLUE Texture Dial

[tomvox1]

Up for sale is this all-time classic Rolex ref. 1603 Oyster Perpetual Datejust with steel case and “Castellated” engine-turned steel bezel. Making this circa 1972 Datejust a bit more special is the very uncommon blue textured dial. I’m not exactly sure of the technical term for this style of dial — “Blue Jean?”, “Blue Wave?” — but in any case blue Datejusts just don't crop up that often (Dates, yes — DJs, not so much for whatever reason). This gorgeous blue texture dial is in Excellent original vintage condition, as is the watch overall, with very thick lugs and sharp edges. It also comes on what is probably its original round-link Rolex USA Jubilee bracelet. To put the cherry on top of the sundae, this great Rolex has just been fully overhauled and will come with a 6-month movement guarantee for all normal, non-abusive use.

The asking price for this scarce all-original 1603 Datejust with rare blue dial is now REDUCED to $2850 USD OBRO, which includes fully insured shipping worldwide. Payment by Bank Wire preferred. Paypal is also OK with split fees (+2% to the buyer). Other payment options upon application. Payment must be made in US DOLLARS. Watch will ship upon full clearance of the funds, as well as any necessary bank vetting.































CASE & BACK: Classic 36mm stainless steel Oyster case in seemingly unmolested condition, with thick lugs, undistorted lug holes and sharp edges. No safe queen, the watch shows many small scratches to the polished sides commensurate with age but no heavy dings — Excellent overall vintage condition for a 40+-year-old watch. The correct model # 1603 & full case SN of 3.2mil are also perfectly legible between their respective lugs if a little worn. The outer caseback also has some superficial scratches and some residual tool marks to the knurling, Very Good+ to Excellent cosmetic condition overall. The inner caseback shows no corrosion and bears all correct period nomenclature, a “1601" reference (like 5513 & 5512 Subs, Datejust backs were used interchangeably in this era) and is date coded "IV.72," the latter perfectly matching the case SN in terms of era of production.

DIAL & HANDS: Absolutely stunning and Excellent original matte blue dial with lateral “wave” style texture. White print is all intact and the applied white gold markers are topped with a handsome cream inlay. There are one or two small spots upon close inspection and the original Tritium luminous dots have degraded somewhat. As is common with blue dials of this era, they have reacted to the blue finish and bleached it to some degree around the plots. A similar sort of color loss is evident around the pie-pan edge and for whatever reason this is something that happens to many vintage blue dials, not only Rolex. However, finding a blue Datejust is no easy feat and overall this dial is still quite beautiful, especially on the wrist. Original Tritium-filled stick hands have a lovely matching creamy patina and are Near Mint with no corrosion and only some minor signs of aging, as is the baton sweep seconds. All in all, a fantastic and rare Datejust dial in lovely true vintage condition!

CROWN: The signed steel Rolex Twinlock crown shows the same degree of wear as the case. It screws down tightly and pulls out to the winding and hacking time-setting positions easily.

CRYSTAL: The high-sided, soft-beveled acrylic Cyclops crystal is scratch & chip free with only some minor marks from age, easily Excellent+.

BEZEL: This engine-turned steel bezel with model-correct "Castellated" pattern is very nice with all the fine details crisp and just vaguely softened by time. This is a great vintage look on a steel DJ and Rolex has not made this bezel pattern in decades. It is easily in Excellent+ condition with only a few minor nicks.

MOVEMENT: This 1603 features Rolex's legendary cal. 1575 26-jewel automatic Chronometer-grade movement with 5 adjustments and an early appearance of the hacking feature. As stated above, this great movement was just fully overhauled by my watchmaker for years more faithful service. It is running strong, keeping great time with patented instantaneous shutter-like date change near midnight and is guaranteed against any problems for 6-months of normal, non-abusive use.

BRACELET: This great Datejust comes on what I assume to be its original Rolex USA-made round link Jubilee. The bracelet and ends have no reference #s, which is correct for a USA Jubilee, and the end piece fit is not quite as tight as on the Swiss-made bracelets but still nice and flush. This bracelet has very moderate stretch with only superficial swirls and scuffs and the signed buckle has been lightly detailed. It is easily in Excellent original condition but not very long and will only fit up to about a 7 1/4" wrist at full length.

As a matter of policy, I make NO guarantees for the water resistance of this watch, especially as I have opened it to take pictures.

This classic Rolex 1603 Datejust is offered with a 3-day inspection period from the date of receipt and may be returned for a full refund (less any shipping costs incurred by the buyer). This refund is unconditional and once I get back the watch in exactly the same condition as it was sent to you, your money will be refunded. Of course, once the 3 days are over the sale will be considered FINAL.

Thanks for looking,
T.
tomvox1@hotmail.com