Rolex 1603 Datejust in Steel with Rare "Bamboo" Bezel - SOLD
The Rolex Datejust has been in production for over 70 years and has become one of the most iconic wristwatches ever made, being the first watch to ever display the date on the dial. The legendary Datejust has undergone a number of evolutions since its first introduction, but the design and intent has stayed the same; offer a water resistant, durable, automatic, accurate and versatile watch fit for any occasion.
Offered here is a great example of the legendary Rolex Datejust in stainless steel. This watch is an early reference 1603 dating to the early 60s, and it has some unique traits that only early versions of this reference share. The dial has an applied logo and arrow shaped hour markers along with a "pie-pan" step, and there are dauphine style hands with a rare semi-fluted "Bamboo" bezel. These bezels are very scarcely seen as they were only used for a couple of years after the introduction of the 1603 reference.
This example is in excellent condition with a very crisp case, great dial and hand set and that original rare "bamboo" bezel. It's been recently serviced and is keeping outstanding time despite being over 50 years old.
Take a look at our detailed photos and description below:
Case: 36mm stainless steel case in excellent vintage condition as pictured. The polished case sides are bright and the brushed lugs are thick and crisp with only minimal surface swirls. There are no major signs of wear on the case. Crown screws down securely. The case has been previously polished but is very crisp with thick even lugs. Serial and reference numbers are both visible. Serial is 655 thousand, dating production to approximately 1961 matching the date stamping on the caseback.
Bezel: Original stainless steel "Bamboo" semi-fluted bezel in excellent condition as pictured.
Dial/Hands: Original "pie pan" stepped silver dial with applied logo and hour markers. The applied surfaces show some light oxidation, as do the original dauphine style hands. The original luminous material is still intact and glows briefly when exposed to UV light.
Caseback: Original caseback in good vintage condition as pictured. Reference and date stampings on the inside are present and clear as are many previous watchmakers servicing marks as shown.
Crystal: Domed acrylic crystal in excellent condition. There are no deep scratches, chips, or cracks in the crystal.
Movement: Rolex caliber 1560 automatic movement in excellent mechanical condition. The movement was serviced in early 2019 and is keeping excellent time with all functions working as they should. Per the photo some of the upper plates show brassing but it does not affect mechanical function in any way.
Bracelet/Strap: New brown leather strap with steel buckle as pictured.
Box/Papers/Accessories: None, sold as watch only.