1978 Rolex Datejust 1603 Linen Dial
Ref: 1603

Specification

Points of Mention

This watch is sold as "Watch Only" and therefore comes with no original Rolex box or Rolex papers, but has been checked against the watch register and comes with the certificate. The watch comes paired on a very nice folded link Rolex jubilee bracelet with a slightly later Rolex folding clasp. The watch is from Circa. 1978 and is in worn, vintage condition as you can see from the photos. Overall, however, the watch is very good for its age and the dial is completely original and never touched. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.

The Watch

Rolex first introduced the Datejust in 1945 to commemorate the company’s 40th anniversary. The Rolex Datejust first made its appearance as the reference 4467, and upon its initial release, it was only available in solid 18k yellow gold. It wasn’t until the 1950s, with the introduction of the reference 5030 and reference 5031 Datejust, that stainless steel and Rolesor (two-tone) versions became available, and the “Datejust” name started to appear on the dial.

Amongst the many Datejust Rolex made, this has to be one of the very special pieces. The 36mm stainless steel Oyster case has curves in all the right places. A 43mm lug to lug length will ensure a comfortable fit on your wrist. Polished and brushed surfaces transition with crisp lines. On the right side, a large signed screw-down crown, making adjustments hassle-free. An engine-turned milled patterned bezel supports a flat plexiglass crystal that sits proudly above the bezel. The star of the show has to be its original Linen finished non-lume dial. Rolex made a number of these with the “T Swiss T” at 6 o’clock but only applied the Tritium to the hands and not the applied baton indexes. Making this a much harder Datejust to find in this configuration. At 3 o’clock a date window with a cyclops magnification above on the crystal. On the reverse, a coin-edged screw-down case back.  Inside an Automatic Rolex Cal. 1570, 26 Jewels, 19,800 beats per hour. First introduced in 1965, this exceptional movement was COSC Certified. Fitted on an early 20mm stainless steel Folded Jubilee bracelet with a later Rolex folding clasp.