What Rolex references had the Buckley dial?

[dexvd]

I've been reading up on the Buckley dial and find myself confused on which Rolex references correctly used the Buckley dial as I also understand there was a limited timeline to the Buckley dials... A lot of what I have seen in terms of this would not include the 16030 which originally true my interest to the Buckley dial. I've seen 1600, 1601, 1603, 16014, 16018 and 16030 mentioned but I've also seen lots of discussion of painting hands and swapping dials into different references so it seems like it could be a bit of a mine field.

My assumption from what I have read is that the Buckley dial could be correct in a 160x or 160xx Rolex. Anyone have any insight to add on which specific references may have used this dial and handset originally? Personally I am a fan of the steel fluted bezel like the example owned by user Richard Carver, it was probably the first example of a Buckley I saw and originally sparked my interest, although I'm guessing the 16030 isn't deemed as valuable as the gold bezel versions like the 16014.

It is a watch I have been keeping an eye on lately so wanted to have the correct information if I find an example, in a condition and price that I am tempted to acquire.

[seattleal]

18xx also had them.

[R.W.T.]

Also all versions of Oyster Quartz.

[dexvd]

Originally Posted by seattleal

18xx also had them.

Were the 18xx supposed to have the black hands as well? I came across one online that had gold hands, was thinking that was incorrect.

[seattleal]

Originally Posted by dexvd

Were the 18xx supposed to have the black hands as well? I came across one online that had gold hands, was thinking that was incorrect.

On the DD's I believe only the white dials with black numerals had black hands, the other colors (gold, blue, etc.) came with gold hands, but I am not 100% certain of that. Someone else may be able to clarify.

[Richard Carver]

I don't believe there was any limitation by ref on the availability, a 16030 was as likely to have it as a 16013 or 4. It wasn't a premium dial.

I hate to see guys pass on perfectly nice watches because of 'originality' fears. The DateJust is 72 years old this year, lots of stuff has happened to lots of watches. Swapping DJ parts around was practically a national sport in the 50s, 60s and 70s. on a 4 digit (1601) ref there is no way except getting it serviced at Rolex or original papers to know how it left the factory.

The originality fetish is best left with the big dog refs who will all have period correct parts buts that's because someone put them on there. :) Only a very tiny percentage actually survived with actual 'original' parts.

Enjoy the DJ craziness, so much variety to be had and very little originality. :) The monetary value of a DJ lies in it's condition and the attractiveness of the dial. If it's a great watch with a desirable dial you can bet someone put it in there. :)

[BrazenC5]

Originally Posted by Richard Carver

I don't believe there was any limitation by ref on the availability, a 16030 was as likely to have it as a 16013 or 4. It wasn't a premium dial.

I hate to see guys pass on perfectly nice watches because of 'originality' fears. The DateJust is 72 years old this year, lots of stuff has happened to lots of watches. Swapping DJ parts around was practically a national sport in the 50s, 60s and 70s. on a 4 digit (1601) ref there is no way except getting it serviced at Rolex or original papers to know how it left the factory.

The originality fetish is best left with the big dog refs who will all have period correct parts buts that's because someone put them on there. :) Only a very tiny percentage actually survived with actual 'original' parts.

Enjoy the DJ craziness, so much variety to be had and very little originality. :) The monetary value of a DJ lies in it's condition and the attractiveness of the dial. If it's a great watch with a desirable dial you can bet someone put it in there. :)

Wow...never seen that dial before...I love it.

Sent from my Galaxy S6 using Tapatalk

[watchcrank]

Originally Posted by Richard Carver

I don't believe there was any limitation by ref on the availability, a 16030 was as likely to have it as a 16013 or 4. It wasn't a premium dial.

I hate to see guys pass on perfectly nice watches because of 'originality' fears. The DateJust is 72 years old this year, lots of stuff has happened to lots of watches. Swapping DJ parts around was practically a national sport in the 50s, 60s and 70s. on a 4 digit (1601) ref there is no way except getting it serviced at Rolex or original papers to know how it left the factory.

The originality fetish is best left with the big dog refs who will all have period correct parts buts that's because someone put them on there. :) Only a very tiny percentage actually survived with actual 'original' parts.

Enjoy the DJ craziness, so much variety to be had and very little originality. :) The monetary value of a DJ lies in it's condition and the attractiveness of the dial. If it's a great watch with a desirable dial you can bet someone put it in there. :)

Well said and correct Richard.. Nice looking DJ, straps look elegant with that combination.

[R.W.T.]

Originally Posted by seattleal

On the DD's I believe only the white dials with black numerals had black hands, the other colors (gold, blue, etc.) came with gold hands, but I am not 100% certain of that. Someone else may be able to clarify.

Buckley Dials with Black figures came with Black hands...if it's got gold hands...they were changed or the dial was added.

White figured dials came with white hands.

Gold figured dials came with gold hands.

Basically the hands match the numerals.

[Michael M.]

Here is my WG 1803 with Blue Buckley dial. Have only seen three examples to date - and all with WG hands.

[roh123]

Originally Posted by Michael M.

Here is my WG 1803 with Blue Buckley dial. Have only seen three examples to date - and all with WG hands.

Usually not a fan of these dials but that is one killer watch!

[R.W.T.]

Originally Posted by Michael M.

Here is my WG 1803 with Blue Buckley dial. Have only seen three examples to date - and all with WG hands.

That is tres rare and tres cool. I was completely unaware of the blue hands and blue crown...wow!

I have seen this dial with white hands...this is great! Thanks for sharing. Now we know more!