First Rolex-1003

[paul cbc]

Hi Folks,

Recently acquired my first Rolex.
It is an Oyster Perpetual reference 1003, with calibre 1570 movement.

The sales original sales receipt is dated January 18th, 1989.
From the serial number this appears to be from 1987. (?) SN: 9767XXX

I posted this in the Vintage section as I mostly see the 1003 reference associated with older (vintage) models.

I would appreciate insights you may have in regards to date of manufacture and information on this watch.

My thanks,
Paul

[andromeda160]

i believe it should have a 3035 movement in it. beautiful watch though, I love the old oysters.

[paul cbc]

Originally Posted by andromeda160

i believe it should have a 3035 movement in it. beautiful watch though, I love the old oysters.

Thanks for your reply.

In researching this watch I found many older 1003 OP but very few later years-1980's versions. How common was the 1003 during the 1980's?

You may certainly be right on the 3035 movement. I referenced 1570 as it was written in paperwork I received with the watch.

[sea-dweller]

Congrats!

[doramas]

Very pretty

[andromeda160]

Originally Posted by paul cbc

Thanks for your reply.

In researching this watch I found many older 1003 OP but very few later years-1980's versions. How common was the 1003 during the 1980's?

You may certainly be right on the 3035 movement. I referenced 1570 as it was written in paperwork I received with the watch.

The oyster perpetual, oysters and Air Kings seemed to be fairly scarce in the 80's. Seems like the 80s were when Tool" Rolexes really kicked off. Doesn't necessarily add to their value, but it's nice having a vintage model with a more modern movement. I'm pretty sure the 1570 was phased out by the 80s in favor of the more modern HIGH Beat movement.

[paul cbc]

Thanks for the well wishes and information-I am very pleased with the watch!

It shows little signs of wear. The shop owner I purchased it from suspected it spent most of its life in a drawer. The calendar card included covers 1988 & 1989 which seems consistent with the January 1989 purchase date and SN indicating 1987 year of manufacture.

A question on the dial-are the markers and hands white gold or stainless?
Sorry, I do not know enough to discern.

Short of opening the watch up, is there a reference chart that would show what movement would be used in a 1987 1003 OP?

Appreciate the experienced eyes and insight.

[Hairdude1]

Congrats

[andromeda160]

Originally Posted by paul cbc

Thanks for the well wishes and information-I am very pleased with the watch!

It shows little signs of wear. The shop owner I purchased it from suspected it spent most of its life in a drawer. The calendar card included covers 1988 & 1989 which seems consistent with the January 1989 purchase date and SN indicating 1987 year of manufacture.

A question on the dial-are the markers and hands white gold or stainless?
Sorry, I do not know enough to discern.

Short of opening the watch up, is there a reference chart that would show what movement would be used in a 1987 1003 OP?

Appreciate the experienced eyes and insight.

You could use a Time Grapher and see how many BPM it has. If there's a 1570 movement in your watch. It didn't come from Rolex that way.

[paul cbc]

Originally Posted by andromeda160

You could use a Time Grapher and see how many BPM it has. If there's a 1570 movement in your watch. It didn't come from Rolex that way.

Thanks for weighing in on this. I have been curious as to how a watch made in 1987 would share the same movement as a watch made in 1967. (?)

I came across the Oysterworld website where they show a chart of movements and references.

http://www.oysterworld.de/automatic-movements.html

This site indicates a 1570 movement being used in the 1003 starting in 1965.
I do not know if this information is accurate. I AM appreciative of all the information available on this site, and the friendly folks so willing to share their great wealth of knowledge.

Thank you!