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hunz · 29 November 2010, 04:25 PM

From my research it seems the only difference is the bezel?

1601 = white gold

1603 = SS engine turned

Any other differences.. and which do you prefer? and why?

Kokyuryoku · 29 November 2010, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hunz

From my research it seems the only difference is the bezel?

1601 = white gold

1603 = SS engine turned

Any other differences.. and which do you prefer? and why?

The 1601 has a WG or YG fluted bezel. I think it came in three styles, SS/WG (bracelet and case are SS and the bezel is WG), TT SS/YG (bracelet is SS/YG, case is SS and the bezel YG) and YG.

I prefer the 1601, it's a classic! Here's my 1966 1601

2005rivers · 29 November 2010, 06:09 PM

Above is a fine example of a 1601, Beautiful watch my friend. I like both the fluted bezel and engine turned bezel..

JimSnyder · 29 November 2010, 09:28 PM

Here is my 1601

johnbeth · 29 November 2010, 10:03 PM

Nice watches !

hunz · 29 November 2010, 11:09 PM

Thanks guys - fabulous watches!

Any other differences apart from the bezel?

dr.raul · 29 November 2010, 11:24 PM

I prefer 1601 and also the less common 1600

HL65 · 29 November 2010, 11:25 PM

Very nice examples above!!

pz93c · 30 November 2010, 08:48 AM

This is the 1603. See the difference in the cut of the bezel?

glocati · 30 November 2010, 10:44 AM

One other difference between the 1601 and 1603 is that the some (maybe all....as i have never figured it out.) of the 1601's also sport WG or (YG for TT) hands and hour indices on the dial.

Can anyone confirm if all 1601s came with gold hands/indices?

hunz · 30 November 2010, 01:28 PM

em.. what's TT stand for?

glocati · 30 November 2010, 04:41 PM

Hunz, Tu Tone = yellow gold and stainless.

Greg

HFLO · 30 November 2010, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kokyuryoku

The 1601 has a WG or YG fluted bezel. I think it came in three styles, SS/WG (bracelet and case are SS and the bezel is WG), TT SS/YG (bracelet is SS/YG, case is SS and the bezel YG) and YG.

I prefer the 1601, it's a classic! Here's my 1966 1601

yes, 1601 always a classic, here's mine, 1977:

nwmgc · 2 February 2013, 03:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hunz

From my research it seems the only difference is the bezel?

1601 = white gold

1603 = SS engine turned

Any other differences.. and which do you prefer? and why?

As far as I can find out, the number 1601 also extends to pink gold; the colour of a c.1966 example on my wrist...

Kingair · 2 February 2013, 06:03 AM

Mrs Birthday 1601 . . .

HAGWe

vanbccan · 9 October 2016, 01:25 AM

Thank you to all contributors as this thread has helped me. Leaning towards a 1601

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Richard Carver · 9 October 2016, 02:25 AM

The 1601 was the most common of the 1570 based DJs and was available in a wide variety of configurations. The various DJ ref are: 1600, smooth or 'polished' bezel, the 1601, fluted bezel, 1603, engine turned bezel, 1625, Turn-O-Graph or Thunderbird bezel.

The 1601 always had a gold fluted bezel available in WG, YG and at various times RG. Standard configurations were YG with a TT jubilee or oyster bracelet, jubilee far more common. WG bezel with a SS jubilee bracelet, also available with an SS oyster. All were available on a strap.

As the 1601 approach 60 years old you might consider that their configurations may have been altered with the changing winds of fashion during their lives. It's easy to change a YG to a WG and vice versa. SS is popular right now and many YG have been converted to WG. This can be problematic should you wish to have a Rolex service. Only Rolex knows how your watch left the factory and if it's been altered they would force you to put it back to original before they will service it. As 1570 based watches age out of factory servicing this will of course, become moot. Original paperwork can tell you how your watch left the factory as well. 1625 and 1600 are also subject to these alterations. The 1603 was only ever available in SS.

This is just basic information, there were other more esoteric refs, solid gold models, a staggering array of dials.

My favorite 1603...

landroverking · 9 October 2016, 03:02 AM

I think the engine turned bezel maybe rarer? Right?

Richard Carver · 9 October 2016, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by landroverking

I think the engine turned bezel maybe rarer? Right?

That's probably true but there's no rarity premium on the 1603.

davidmax · 9 October 2016, 07:24 AM

i love the 1601 bacause its diamond dial

crowncollection · 9 October 2016, 08:04 AM

I think Richard explained it well

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janice&fred · 9 October 2016, 10:25 AM

datejusts...our all-time favorite. love to see discussions on them :)

laugjh14 · 9 April 2017, 11:24 PM

Helpful post! Thanks!

ch0ko · 10 April 2017, 12:59 AM

My 1603.. fully overhauled by Rolex..IMG_4343.jpg

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yangtze · 11 April 2017, 01:00 AM

Hi everyone! Im new in collecting vintage djs. Grateful if you could help me where to get a 1603 year 1987 for my birth year. Any leads to a reputable and trustworthy seller will be appreciated. Thank you very much!

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glocati · 11 April 2017, 02:59 AM

Rolex phased the 160X series out in 1977. For 1987 you will need to find a 5 digit quickset model 16030.

Good luck on your search

GGGMT · 11 April 2017, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yangtze

Hi everyone! Im new in collecting vintage djs. Grateful if you could help me where to get a 1603 year 1987 for my birth year. Any leads to a reputable and trustworthy seller will be appreciated. Thank you very much!

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Great choice on chasing a datejust. I own several.

As noted, for 1987 there are no 1603s but rather 5-digit DJ's. I would suggest buying from a reputable seller on this forum, HQ Milton, bobs watches, or other reputable seller Here's a 1987 16013 I bought earlier this year! Love this thing:

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yangtze · 11 April 2017, 09:53 AM

Thank you @glocati and @GGGMT! Very helpful information indeed. Just one last question if I may, I'm actually based on the other side of the world, will you recommend that I buy it online without seeing the watch in person? Than you.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

GGGMT · 11 April 2017, 02:45 PM

Good question -- I've bought all my watches sight unseen, but each time from a 100% valid seller. And many reputable sellers permit an inspection period and return, but I'm not sure for outside US. In any event, I've never had to return any watch because the valid sellers are trustworthy. So, i would suggest spending a few months on this forum in "classified" section, getting to know the model numbers you like from 1987, and buy from a top seller. I trust hqmilton and Bob's Watches, which has a lot of datejusts and from which I've bought 2 amazing DJs. But there are many great sellers here.

Good luck!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

yangtze · 11 April 2017, 02:52 PM

Thanks a lot! Appreciate all the help to enlighten a newbie like me. Hopefully I can find one.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

29 November 2010, 04:25 PM	#1
hunz Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Oztralia Watch: Rolex, SINN Posts: 618	Differences between 1601 and 1603? From my research it seems the only difference is the bezel? 1601 = white gold 1603 = SS engine turned Any other differences.. and which do you prefer? and why?

29 November 2010, 11:25 PM	#8
HL65 TRF Moderator & 2024 DATE-JUST41 Patron Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Ken Location: SW Florida Watch: One on my wrist. Posts: 63,401	Very nice examples above!! __________________ *SPEM SUCCESSUS ALIT*

9 October 2016, 08:04 AM	#21
crowncollection "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Real Name: David Location: australia Posts: 20,157	I think Richard explained it well Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ watches many

29 November 2010, 06:09 PM	#3
2005rivers Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: texas Watch: GMT Master IIc Posts: 545	Above is a fine example of a 1601, Beautiful watch my friend. I like both the fluted bezel and engine turned bezel..

29 November 2010, 10:03 PM	#5
johnbeth "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: John Location: Australia Watch: Depends on mood. Posts: 9,536	Nice watches !

29 November 2010, 11:09 PM	#6
hunz Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Oztralia Watch: Rolex, SINN Posts: 618	Thanks guys - fabulous watches! Any other differences apart from the bezel?

29 November 2010, 11:24 PM	#7
dr.raul "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Italy Posts: 19	I prefer 1601 and also the less common 1600

30 November 2010, 08:48 AM	#9
pz93c "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: Brian Location: Republic of Texas Posts: 2,776	This is the 1603. See the difference in the cut of the bezel?

30 November 2010, 10:44 AM	#10
glocati "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Greg Location: Portland, Oregon Watch: 1675/3+16013 Posts: 538	One other difference between the 1601 and 1603 is that the some (maybe all....as i have never figured it out.) of the 1601's also sport WG or (YG for TT) hands and hour indices on the dial. Can anyone confirm if all 1601s came with gold hands/indices?

30 November 2010, 01:28 PM	#11
hunz Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Oztralia Watch: Rolex, SINN Posts: 618	em.. what's TT stand for?

30 November 2010, 04:41 PM	#12
glocati "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Greg Location: Portland, Oregon Watch: 1675/3+16013 Posts: 538	Hunz, Tu Tone = yellow gold and stainless. Greg

9 October 2016, 01:25 AM	#16
vanbccan "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 3	Thank you to all contributors as this thread has helped me. Leaning towards a 1601 Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

9 October 2016, 02:25 AM	#17
Richard Carver "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: US Posts: 2,237	The 1601 was the most common of the 1570 based DJs and was available in a wide variety of configurations. The various DJ ref are: 1600, smooth or 'polished' bezel, the 1601, fluted bezel, 1603, engine turned bezel, 1625, Turn-O-Graph or Thunderbird bezel. The 1601 always had a gold fluted bezel available in WG, YG and at various times RG. Standard configurations were YG with a TT jubilee or oyster bracelet, jubilee far more common. WG bezel with a SS jubilee bracelet, also available with an SS oyster. All were available on a strap. As the 1601 approach 60 years old you might consider that their configurations may have been altered with the changing winds of fashion during their lives. It's easy to change a YG to a WG and vice versa. SS is popular right now and many YG have been converted to WG. This can be problematic should you wish to have a Rolex service. Only Rolex knows how your watch left the factory and if it's been altered they would force you to put it back to original before they will service it. As 1570 based watches age out of factory servicing this will of course, become moot. Original paperwork can tell you how your watch left the factory as well. 1625 and 1600 are also subject to these alterations. The 1603 was only ever available in SS. This is just basic information, there were other more esoteric refs, solid gold models, a staggering array of dials. My favorite 1603...

9 October 2016, 03:02 AM	#18
landroverking "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Jay Location: TEXAS Watch: Daytona Posts: 7,648	I think the engine turned bezel maybe rarer? Right?

9 October 2016, 07:24 AM	#20
davidmax "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: usa Posts: 6	i love the 1601 bacause its diamond dial

9 October 2016, 10:25 AM	#22
janice&fred Banned Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: janice Location: St.Petersburg Fl Watch: all of them! Posts: 673	datejusts...our all-time favorite. love to see discussions on them :)

9 April 2017, 11:24 PM	#23
laugjh14 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: North Carolina Watch: Seiko SLA 017 Posts: 3	Helpful post! Thanks!

10 April 2017, 12:59 AM	#24
ch0ko "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: australia Watch: Rolex Sub 5512 Posts: 13	My 1603.. fully overhauled by Rolex..IMG_4343.jpg Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

11 April 2017, 01:00 AM	#25
yangtze "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Taguig City Posts: 13	Hi everyone! Im new in collecting vintage djs. Grateful if you could help me where to get a 1603 year 1987 for my birth year. Any leads to a reputable and trustworthy seller will be appreciated. Thank you very much! Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

11 April 2017, 02:59 AM	#26
glocati "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Greg Location: Portland, Oregon Watch: 1675/3+16013 Posts: 538	Rolex phased the 160X series out in 1977. For 1987 you will need to find a 5 digit quickset model 16030. Good luck on your search

11 April 2017, 09:53 AM	#28
yangtze "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Taguig City Posts: 13	Thank you @glocati and @GGGMT! Very helpful information indeed. Just one last question if I may, I'm actually based on the other side of the world, will you recommend that I buy it online without seeing the watch in person? Than you. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

11 April 2017, 02:45 PM	#29
GGGMT 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Itinerant Watch: 79010sg Posts: 8,063	Good question -- I've bought all my watches sight unseen, but each time from a 100% valid seller. And many reputable sellers permit an inspection period and return, but I'm not sure for outside US. In any event, I've never had to return any watch because the valid sellers are trustworthy. So, i would suggest spending a few months on this forum in "classified" section, getting to know the model numbers you like from 1987, and buy from a top seller. I trust hqmilton and Bob's Watches, which has a lot of datejusts and from which I've bought 2 amazing DJs. But there are many great sellers here. Good luck! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

11 April 2017, 02:52 PM	#30
yangtze "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Taguig City Posts: 13	Thanks a lot! Appreciate all the help to enlighten a newbie like me. Hopefully I can find one. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

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