Older Datejust Help

[shoota70]

Hi. What is the best reference for a vintage Datejust? What was the first reference with sapphire?

Thanks.

[RolexPete]

Vintage won't have sapphire crystal. Vintage, by definition, should have acrylic.

[joe100]

Not vintage but I had a 16220 for a bit. Was very nice.

[RolexPete]

Here is a 1603 that is being overhauled by Rikki. It is my favorite of the vintage datejust watches. 1600 with smooth bezel and 1601 with white gold bezel are also nice.

[jammurman]

Yes I would agree vintage will only have acrylic never saphire
I own a 1983 Rolex 16030 acrylic

[Ricky Rolex]

Originally Posted by jammurman

Yes I would agree vintage will only have acrylic never saphire
I own a 1983 Rolex 16030 acrylic

What did you pay for that if you don't mind me asking?

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by RolexPete

Here is a 1603 that is being overhauled by Rikki. It is my favorite of the vintage datejust watches. 1600 with smooth bezel and 1601 with white gold bezel are also nice.

That's beautiful Pete!

[jackruff]

Originally Posted by jammurman

Yes I would agree vintage will only have acrylic never saphire
I own a 1983 Rolex 16030 acrylic

Everyone has a different opinion of what is vintage.... some consider pre 1950, some pre 1970 and yes acrylic is just one of many definitions but 1983.... really? As I understand Rolex started to use sapphire in some models before this...

[swish77]

For about $2K, you should be able to pick up a nice vintage DJ and bracelet. I'd go for a mid-late '80s version with the quick-set date feature, although best condition is always the deciding factor for me, of course. Here's my R-serial ('88), close to the end of the models with the acrylic crystal. Good luck!

[awl168]

Originally Posted by RolexPete

Here is a 1603 that is being overhauled by Rikki. It is my favorite of the vintage datejust watches. 1600 with smooth bezel and 1601 with white gold bezel are also nice.

Sorry to resurrect an old thread. What band/bracelet is that?

[Vlad]

As far as I know, first sapphire Rolex model was 5100 produced in 1972 (or so). followed by 17xxx, 19xxx, and even 1630 and 1530 (mid 70s and later)

So, I would argue that sapphire models can be 'vintage'

Vlad

P.S. The I believe the band on the 1603 is model 78360 with (most likely) 501B end pieces

Originally Posted by jackruff

Everyone has a different opinion of what is vintage.... some consider pre 1950, some pre 1970 and yes acrylic is just one of many definitions but 1983.... really? As I understand Rolex started to use sapphire in some models before this...

[awl168]

Originally Posted by Vlad

...I believe the band on the 1603 is model 78360 with (most likely) 501B end pieces

Thanks!

[Vlad]

By the way, here's a scan of my 5100

Vlad

[donq]

Originally Posted by Vlad

By the way, here's a scan of my 5100

Vlad

Ha!!!

[boost2perfection]

Mine just cleaned.

[broulstone]

A 1970 and 1980 vintage

[seattleal]

You don't consider the 1630 a vintage watch?

Made in small numbers from '74-77, so none less than 37 years old, and first production model with a sapphire crystal. (And of course a very unusual design).

Obviously, my point is I don't think vintage can be defined by a single characteristic.

Thoughts?

Here is what they look like if you are not familiar with them--

[Tools]

Originally Posted by seattleal

You don't consider the 1630 a vintage watch?

Made in small numbers from '74-77, so none less than 37 years old, and first production model with a sapphire crystal. (And of course a very unusual design).

Obviously, my point is I don't think vintage can be defined by a single characteristic.

Thoughts?

Here is what they look like if you are not familiar with them--

It is only opinion that vintage "must" have acrylic. There is no real definition and models like this, and others, certainly add validity to the opposite view..