box help

[fatchance]

I inherited 3 vintage rollies but one box. I’m trying to determine which watch this box would belong to.

Circa 1969 1016 Explorer, circa 1978 16013 Datejust, or circa 1987 16808 Sub. I believe that it belongs to the 1016 or 16013 but I welcome more learned input.

Thanks for the help.

[TimeLord2]

It look like an old style Bufcor box. American-made. I think this is the earlier version of the Bufcor as it does not have the dark green velvet interior but more like woven green silk. I think it's for your 1016 Explorer. That said, if you have papers, this box would be for a watch purchased in the States. Here is an interesting thread but it does place your style of box outside the time frame of 1969: https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=597448 . Perhaps Springer will comment as he is the expert. Good luck!

[0nly5iv3Digits]

I'm not sure about DJ's, but pretty certain these came with subs as well at some point.

I defer to those more knowledgeable.

[baumare]

I have a similar Bukfor box that came with my Red Sub

[southtexas]

Pic of 1016?

[springer]

Looks like the larger version of the Bufkor box where the top section is wider than the bottom section. If so, that would be a box for a sports model. The sports model Bufkor box is larger and much wider on the upper section than the bottom section to fit the larger sports models. The smaller version Bufkor boxes are equal size on both the bottom and upper section of the box and were used for Datejusts and similar size watches.

The box depicted is the first version of the Bufkor box and is a lime green color, circa 1976-1980.

Check Timelord's post with a link to the various Bufkor boxes.

[baumare]

Originally Posted by springer

Looks like the larger version of the Bufkor box where the top section is wider than the bottom section. If so, that would be a box for a sports model. The sports model Bufkor box is larger and much wider on the upper section than the bottom section to fit the larger sports models. The smaller version Bufkor boxes are equal size on both the bottom and upper section of the box and were used for Datejusts and similar size watches.

The box depicted is the first version of the Bufkor box and is a lime green color, circa 1976-1980.

Check Timelord's post with a link to the various Bufkor boxes.

Mr.Springer, the presence of the Bufkor printing on the bottom of the plastic box makes any difference in models?

[springer]

Originally Posted by baumare

Mr.Springer, the presence of the Bufkor printing on the bottom of the plastic box makes any difference in models?

Attachment 1479258

It makes no difference for me. I've seen them come both ways - some have the BUFKOR stamp and some don't.

[fatchance]

1016

[fatchance]

The box I have does have Bukfor labeled on the bottom.

[TimeLord2]

Very nice Explorer!

[southtexas]

Originally Posted by fatchance

1016

Nice!


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[TimeLord2]

I was always under the impression that a lime green Bufcor box would be appropriate for my 1675/3 with serial number 3,248,XXX. However, I think that serial places the watch at about 1972-1973, or so. If that box was only availalble from 1976-1980, then it is cearly not the right box. What would be appropriate, as it too is a United States purchased watch? BTW, I have gone back and forth on purchasing an actual Rolex box but have not taken the plung. Still not sure I need to as it is on my wrist most of the time. Sorry to derail this thread…

[springer]

Originally Posted by TimeLord2

I was always under the impression that a lime green Bufcor box would be appropriate for my 1675/3 with serial number 3,248,XXX. However, I think that serial places the watch at about 1972-1973, or so. If that box was only availalble from 1976-1980, then it is cearly not the right box. What would be appropriate, as it too is a United States purchased watch? BTW, I have gone back and forth on purchasing an actual Rolex box but have not taken the plung. Still not sure I need to as it is on my wrist most of the time. Sorry to derail this thread…

I would bet that watch was sold during 1976. The Bufkor box was definitely not available during 1972-73.

The serial number which estimates the year of production does not tell you the year it was sold. Until you start analyzing serial numbers from the 1980s, these earlier serial numbers might indicate accepted production dates but normally you will find the watches sold two, three or four years later than the normally accepted production dates for a watch. As you look at the 1980s and later serial numbers, the accepted production dates follow the sales dates more closely than the pre 1980s models.

Several years ago I purchased a GMT 1675 complete set with a 1978 serial number ( I believe it began with 5.6xxxxx). The warranty paper had a sales date of 1982. I've seen these later sales dates on earlier production serial number models on other occasions as well.

[TimeLord2]

Originally Posted by springer

I would bet that watch was sold during 1976. The Bufkor box was definitely not available during 1972-73.

The serial number which estimates the year of production does not tell you the year it was sold. Until you start analyzing serial numbers from the 1980s, these earlier serial numbers might indicate accepted production dates but normally you will find the watches sold two, three or four years later than the normally accepted production dates for a watch. As you look at the 1980s and later serial numbers, the accepted production dates follow the sales dates more closely than the pre 1980s models.

Several years ago I purchased a GMT 1675 complete set with a 1978 serial number ( I believe it began with 5.6xxxxx). The warranty paper had a sales date of 1982. I've seen these later sales dates on earlier production serial number models on other occasions as well.

Thank you Springer, much appreciated.