Rolex Datejust 1603 'Gilt'
SoldRolex Datejust 1603 'Gilt'
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This rare 1603 from the mid-1960s is pure an unadulterated gilt goodness.The iconic Datejust has been in uninterrupted production for over 75 years now. One of our favourite references of this classic Rolex design are the four-digit models from the 1960s and 1970s because of their slim shape, warm plexiglass crystals, and mesmerising pie pan dials.This 1603 from 1965 is one of the nicest we’ve had in a long time. The watch features the classic Datejust package: a 36 mm stainless steel Oyster case, with a finely engraved engine turned bezel, and the classic stainless steel Jubilee bracelet. What makes this ref. 1603 stand out from other 16xx Datejusts is the exquisite glossy black pie pan dial with rare gilt text.The watch is in excellent condition with thick lugs and sharp lines. The folded Jubilee bracelet is in wonderful condition with little to no stretch and a rare Gay Frères-signed folding clasp.
Introduction
Rolex DatejustIn 1945 Rolex created the flagship Datejust to mark the company’s 40th anniversary. This model was the world’s first self-winding wristwatch with a date indication. With the Datejust, Rolex also introduced the iconic 5-piece jubilee bracelet, first in solid gold and later in bicolor and stainless steel. On the tenth anniversary of the Datejust in 1955, the magnifying ‘cyclops lens’ was introduced on the Datejust.Ref. 16xxThe Datejust 16xx series was produced in the 1960s and the 1970s. These affordable and user-friendly Datejusts are the perfect vintage ‘daily beaters’ that can be combined with any outfit and worn on every occasion. The Datejust is usually fitted with a Jubilee bracelet, but the ref. 1600 could also be ordered on an Oyster bracelet. This reference came with a smooth bezel (domed bezel) and was available in either (white, yellow, or rose) gold or in stainless steel. The ref. 1601 came with a fluted bezel in gold and was available with a steel, bicolor, or (white, yellow and rose gold) case and bracelet. The ref. 1603 was only made in steel and featured an engine turned bezel in steel.The dial colors and configurations varied among the 16xx series Datejusts. Characteristic for this era of production is the so-called ‘Pie-Pan’ dial where the dial looks like an upside-down pie-pan (a concentric ring that slopes down from the flat centre).
Specifications
- SKU 6670
- Bezel material
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Bracelet
Stainless steel folded Jubilee bracelet produced by Gay Frères, original Rolex
- Case Dimensions
- Case Material
- Clasp
- Dial
- Glass
- Index
- Model
- Movement
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Reference
1603
- Year