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2 November 2020, 06:58 PM | #1 |
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Urgent 1601 authenticity check
Hi all, first post here.
Just agreed a deal to purchase a Datejust 1601 from 1966/67- white gold bezel, gilt dial and black/gold hour markers. Upon closer inspection of the pictures it looks like this dial may have been restored as some of the lettering seems slightly off. Does anyone have any thoughts? Does this make the purchase a no-go? Appreciate any help! |
2 November 2020, 07:33 PM | #2 |
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I am admittedly no expert, but nothing seems off to me. I see you may have a Rolex service document. When was last service?
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2 November 2020, 08:02 PM | #3 |
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2 November 2020, 08:38 PM | #4 |
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From what I have gathered on here, gold hands / crown / indices on a dial invariably match with a bi-metal (at least) bracelet, but there were a lot of swaps going on back in the day
On perhaps a more poignant note, the bracelet is approaching its sell by date, and the state of the hands is unlikely to have gone unnoticed by Rolex, so take a good hard look at the service details Remarkably strong case though – I’d take a closer look at that as well That being said, it is what it is, and presents well (enough) So now all we’re discussing (or not) is the price ….. |
2 November 2020, 08:47 PM | #5 | |
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Quote:
Deal was agreed at £3,300- judging by previously sold listing of gilt dials this seemed reasonable to me, and the bezel and case is very crisp for its age. Seller hasn't got much to say on the service history though. The main thing that is bugging me is the 'UAL' in 'PERPETUAL', doesn't look like original lettering to me? Perhaps I'm being too critical. |
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2 November 2020, 09:40 PM | #6 | |
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Quote:
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2 November 2020, 10:05 PM | #7 | |
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Quote:
Unfortunately I can't view the watch in person as we live on opposite ends of the country, so having to rely on pictures here. |
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3 November 2020, 12:46 AM | #8 |
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That dial most likely didnt start life on the watch but it was very common for dials to be swapped out based on a buyers preference.
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3 November 2020, 01:29 AM | #9 |
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3,300 is a bit more stretched than the bracelet, but the thing is, do you like it
It’s basically a cobbled together watch, and not a full set – which, if the opposite were true, would justify the price But as said, it’s perfectly serviceable to wear, and it’s your choice at the end of the day But I’d recommend taking a look at 16030’s before rushing into things – same price range. The only thing that has going for it is the case, likely a service replacement. Plus, I would suggest that RSC would likely turn their noses up at it unless you agreed to over a thousand pounds worth of improvements Not trying to put you off – just saying it like it is, plenty of independents out there If you have the tin, and want it as a daily wearer (and forsake the dreaded loupe) – fair enough ……. |
3 November 2020, 02:37 AM | #10 | |
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Quote:
You're right about it being cobbled together, thanks for pointing this out to me. I've not come across many (if any) 1601's with gold hands/indices coupled with a white gold bezel which leads to me to believe some parts aren't original. This doesn't bother me hugely as I plan to wear it daily, but paying a premium for something that isn't fully original doesn't sit quite right with me. |
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3 November 2020, 02:39 AM | #11 |
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Could anyone else advise on whether they think it's a gilt dial?
It's hard to tell from the photos, and the examples of sold gilt Datejusts online (looking mostly at HQ Milton here) all look a bit different. |
3 November 2020, 03:21 AM | #12 |
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Personally, I would want to see it before committing. I do like it though!
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3 November 2020, 03:28 AM | #13 |
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The Jubilee is very good
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3 November 2020, 04:07 AM | #14 |
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Nice looking watch.
Dials are changed all the time, especially on Datejusts. This early pie-pan, non lume, dial is appropriate for the era. Usually, gold print and hands are seen on the TT models, but it is not wholly inappropriate. If you like it, get it. There is no down-side, and no law that states that you must know, and have, a watch that is unaltered from when it left the factory.
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3 November 2020, 09:19 AM | #15 |
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If you're having doubts before the purchase, it will continue to bug you after the purchase.
Get out of the deal if you can. I've bought watches that I wasn't perfectly happy with, and it never ends well... You're welcome. |
6 November 2020, 12:08 PM | #16 |
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I dont think its a gilt dial. I also think that dial was swapped in more recently. Rolex would never agree to service a rollisor 1601 and leave a TT 1601 dial and hands combo in there. They would look up the serial number and insist in returning the watch to factory spec.
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