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Rolex Datejust Ref. 1603 - Blue 'Satin' Dial

SOLD

Hard to believe - but the Datejust has been around since 1945. It is far older than its bigger and attention-hogging Submariner brethren. The Datejust was Rolex’s idea of the perfect everyday watch. The robustness of the Oyster case, combined with the elegance of an Oyster Perpetual. The ‘4 digit’ series of Datejust are particularly attractive for their pie-pan dials which offer a layer of three-dimensionality to the dials that went away with the advent of quickset date and 5-digit Datejusts. These early Datejusts were available as the 1601, with a fluted white gold bezel, or the 1603, with an engine-turned steel bezel. The 4-Digit Datejusts were also the first series to become available with a myriad of dial colors and case and bracelet materials.

This particular piece is a Reference 1603 from circa 1974 and it comes to us in superb overall condition. The case is likely-unpolished and remains very strong, with thick and symmetrical lugs and shows normal signs of wear throughout with a few scattered impressions. The 'engine-turned' stainless steel bezel retains crisp finishing and shows matching normal wear. Inside, the satin blue dial is exceptional. It exhibits only faint wear on the edge of the 'pie pan' — really only visible only under inspection with a loupe — and retains fully-intact Tritium plots. They remain fully intact and show an attractive, deep patina which contrasts the dial nicely and also matching the handset perfectly. This piece comes fitted to a period-correct Jubilee bracelet with a signed blade clasp.

All things considered, this is tough to beat, be it for your one vintage watch, or as an additional to a growing collection.

Stainless Steel 1974 36mm

"As collectors themselves, Oliver and Clarke are on a mission to make buying vintage watches as painless as possible."

"The company focuses on good prices for its pieces, elite customer service and full transparency."

"The appointment-only space is inviting, with comfortable seating areas and exposed brick walls."

From Rolex & Patek Philippe, to Cartier & Audemars Piguet. As collectors first, we love the small details that separate the Submariner from Daytona and Calatrava from Royal Oak. This is why you'll find our curated assortment spans decades of generations of models and brands. We believe that watches don't just tell time, they tell history - and life is too short to wear a boring watch.

Oliver & Clarke

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