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13 September 2018, 05:17 AM | #1 |
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1601 bezel question/possible swap
Good afternoon folks,
Question for the vintage experts here Below is a picture of my 1601. Love the watch, but feel as though the bezel is a bit worn down. Do you agree? Or were the 1601 bezel's less pronounced than the newer DJ's? Either way, say I wanted to replace it with a newer, more crisp, white gold bezel, would this be possible? If so, where can I purchase/what will fit this particular watch? Thank you! |
13 September 2018, 06:03 AM | #2 |
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Ebay or the classifieds here on TRF
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13 September 2018, 06:48 AM | #3 |
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What year is the watch? Hard to see on my phone so I'll look later but that looks like a coin edge bezel which they did before it became fluted
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13 September 2018, 06:56 AM | #4 |
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Yes, a sharper bezel will make a difference for sure. On an original Rolex bezel there are 2 tiny crowns stamped on the reverse, hard to see but there. A good original should be in the 200 US range more or less. Your's has value as well, to a guy with a crappier one it looks pretty good. :)
There are aftermarket 14k gold, 18k gold and plated. The originals are 3mm tall these aftermarket are generally taller. A cheap stainless replacement is also available. If you stick with known sellers you can get a good replacement and be sure it's original. I'm pretty sure your dial is a repaint, the fonts are funky. An original dial can be had for 150 up depending on color, design and condition. With a fresh dial and bezel and getting the lug tops brushed to spec you would have a stunning new 1601. :) |
13 September 2018, 07:05 AM | #5 |
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Excellent info! Thank you. My dial was refinished. But I really like the white/gold contrast. As far as I know, that font was used during the 1970's by one of Rolex's sub contractors who made the dials... but that could be bad info..In this case, do I need to find a "1601 bezel," or will any Datejust bezel fit my watch? I do not plan on selling this watch so I am not worried about resale/it being ALL original. I do want to use ONLY Rolex parts though, of course.
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13 September 2018, 07:13 AM | #6 |
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It's no sin to have a refinished dial, it's your watch. Search ebay and the forum markets for a replacement, shouldn't be too hard to come up with one. You can also run a WTB (want to buy) for one. Feel free to post what you find if you want help with the purchase. That bezel also fits an 1803 Day Date.
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13 September 2018, 08:33 AM | #7 |
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Would an AD do the swap for me? I’ve heard they’re hesitant to work on anything that will alter the originality of the watch.
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13 September 2018, 09:30 AM | #8 |
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They’d be happy to sell you a new bezel. If you buy one in the market it is probably smarter to go to an independant watchmaker for the work. It is something almost anyone would be able to do.
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13 September 2018, 11:44 AM | #9 |
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If you're keeping the 1601 for the long haul you should take this opportunity to develop a relationship with an independent watchmaker. Don't wait until something serious happens, use this elective modification to find someone you can work with long term. The AD is not interested in your 'old watch'. :)
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13 September 2018, 12:01 PM | #10 |
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Excellent advice Richard, I really appreciate your guidance! Now on to the bezel search...
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13 September 2018, 12:51 PM | #11 |
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Looks like Mr. Carver is in a good mood today and giving great advice. THANKS!
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13 September 2018, 01:10 PM | #12 |
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This looks pretty sharp. Opinions? Looks like it will fit my watch too..
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?m...2F173366942938 |
13 September 2018, 02:09 PM | #13 | |
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Quote:
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13 September 2018, 09:29 PM | #14 |
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Think I’ll make the purchase today! Would you rate that as in prettty good condition compared to mine?
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13 September 2018, 11:53 PM | #15 |
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13 September 2018, 11:57 PM | #16 |
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13 September 2018, 11:58 PM | #17 |
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Bought it!
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14 September 2018, 12:18 AM | #18 |
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Very good! I saw it was gone last night and thought one of these sharks around here swiped it. :) Congrats!
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14 September 2018, 02:02 AM | #19 |
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I asked what year was your watch cause the bezel you have looks like a coin edge bezel and might be original
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14 September 2018, 02:36 AM | #20 |
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FWIW I still have all the original hands, dial, and bezel on my 1601 and I prefer the character of the less pronounced bezel.
I suppose its the charm of the piece and if you wanted sharp and shiny then you could opt for modern examples? |
14 September 2018, 02:40 AM | #21 | |
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Quote:
I believe this is what you are calling coin-edged. It is a fluted bezel from the 50s but the flutes are tighter than today. This bezel has been referred to as a semi coin edged to differentiate it from the other two. And this is a later fluted bezel. |
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14 September 2018, 02:50 AM | #22 | |
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Yes sir I guess semi coin edge... and they went through the 60s also... That's why I asked him cause it seems like that's what he has now and might've made a mistake and got a more modern fluted bezel for his 1601 |
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14 September 2018, 02:55 AM | #23 |
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Now that’s cool. So the bezel I just purchased is a later, fully flueted, correct? That’s what I am shooting for.
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14 September 2018, 02:56 AM | #24 |
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My watch is dated 1974.
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14 September 2018, 02:57 AM | #25 |
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14 September 2018, 03:06 AM | #26 |
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Case closed enjoy your new bezel
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14 September 2018, 04:30 AM | #27 |
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14 September 2018, 04:35 AM | #28 |
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Ahh yes. It ended this morning, so I bought another one he was selling. Must have re-listed it sometime today.
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14 September 2018, 04:37 AM | #29 |
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Excited!!!
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14 September 2018, 11:32 PM | #30 |
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Nice sharp bezel, great buy!
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