THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: ROLEX
MODEL: 1603
YEAR: 1964
BOX/PAPERS: NO/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 36mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC

First introduced in 1959, the 16xx range of Datejusts was a Rolex staple for over twenty years before being retired in 1981. While the overall design of these watches remained relatively unchanged throughout their lifespan, Rolex introduced numerous variations with different dials and subtle design tweaks, giving each piece its own character and making them highly enjoyable to collect.

The present example, ref. 1603, dates to the very early years of the 16xx range’s production and features a rare matte black pie-pan dial. All of the original lume plots are intact and have aged to a wonderful creamy hue. The case has only been lightly polished before, and the engine-turned bezel remains extremely sharp. The full-link 78360/501 bracelet with an A-clasp is a later Rolex service replacement with only mild stretch. 

The movement has been freshly serviced and is running strongly at +1 second per day, with 278 amplitude and a beat error of 0.1 ms. 

A vintage Datejust wears like a second skin on the wrist—fantastic.