Rolex Datejust Ref. 1603 - Sunburst Grey 'Sigma' Dial
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 1972 and it comes to us in strong overall condition, with a gently previously polished case, an 'engine-turned' steel bezel, and a matching Jubilee bracelet — all showing uniform normal wear. Inside, the sunburst grey 'Sigma' dial is beautifully preserved, retaining a crisp and vibrant sunburst finishing seemingly devoid of the usual degradation found on colored dials from this era. The Tritium plots remain fully-intact and show an attractive and even patina throughout with a handset that has ages a bit darker.
All things considered, this is tough to beat, be it for your one vintage watch, or as an additional to a growing collection.
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