Rolex
"Christmas Special" 1968 Rolex Datejust (Ref. 1603) Grey Dial W/ Box & Papers
The Rolex Datejust is one of the most iconic and most beloved Rolex watches ever made, even though the Datejust was launched in 1945 it has remained a timeless classic and is instantly recognizable as an item of refined quality and functional design. The Datejust can be worn just as easily with a suit as it can be with jeans and a tee-shirt.
Worn with ease in any setting, the Datejust is a classic for a reason. We love the early Rolex Datejust for its simplicity and its understated sophistication and this example is no exception, featuring the seldom-seen and incredibly attractive grey sunburst dial.
Apart from just being a beautiful watch, this 1968 Rolex Datejust ref. 1603 bears some interestingly festive provenance. Outlined in the chronometer certificate that accompanies the watch is the completion date for its timing certification testing, that date is stamped Christmas Eve, 1968. Though this probably wasn't the only Rolex watch that was certified that day, we still consider this Datejust to be our Christmas miracle.
SPECS
| Stock # | RLXDJ1603-68/3 | |
| Brand | Rolex | |
| Style | Datejust | |
| Model | 1603 | |
| Serial | 19XXXXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | Stainless Steel | |
| Dial | Grey | |
| Millimeters | 36 | |
| Bracelet | Rolex 6251H Jubilee Bracelet W/ 55 End Pieces |
CASE & BRACELET
The excellent case retains full and symmetrical lugs that exhibit gentle signs of previous polishing and almost no signs of recent use. The stainless steel engine-turned bezel is in very clean and minimally polished condition, showing crisp finishing and gentle signs of use throughout. The original Rolex 6251H rolled-link Jubilee bracelet with 55 end pieces dates to 1968 and retains 22 links that display minimal stretch for the style and age of the bracelet and will fit up to a 7 1/2-inch wrist.
DIAL & HANDS
The original grey sunburst "pie-pan" dial with white text is in exceptional overall condition with no real age or damage present on the dial. There is some very minor white enamel loss on some of the markers, however, it is invisible to the naked eye. The tritium lume plots all remain present have feature a handsome creamy patina, under U.V. light inspection only the 7 o'clock lume plot exhibits significant degradation. The original tritium hands match the dial perfectly and show no degradation when inspected under U.V. light. The metallic date wheel is original with "closed" 6's and 9's.
ACCESSORIES
The watch comes with a Rolex box, Rolex serialized chronometer certificate, and Rolex cigarette box card. The watch is keeping time perfectly, backed by our 1-year warranty on accurate timeing.