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Old 13 July 2019, 01:40 AM   #1
Adamj79
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I need some guidance 1601

Hi all,

I was given my grandfathers Datejust and need some help on what to do. I would like to have it serviced and refinished. I do have a few questions about it.
The bracelet looks the be aftermarket but I’m not sure. There are no stamped 55 on the end links. It has been shortened as the total number of links is few short of the 22?
The case has 1601 with registered design below it. On the other side is there serial number which is 633029. My little research shows it being a year 1949?
The dial looks to me to be two piece. There is no word Swiss on it anywhere..seems odd as I see it on most older ones. It has been looked at at some point as the dial looks to be off a touch..line up wise.

I think it is a slow date set 2 times around for a day. It runs about 2 days if wound and left alone. It also starts the second hand as soon it gets moving or I put it on. Is this normal? I thought I would have to wind it first?
I will try to post some pictures as soon as they let me:-).

My end goal is to get a new period correct bracelet as this one may be in original and is stretched pretty bad and too small for me (7.5”) wrist.
Have it polished and maybe a new dial put in or the current one redone.
Any thoughts or guidance would be great!

Adam
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Old 13 July 2019, 01:57 AM   #2
kwcsports
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Post some pictures and you'll get lots of help
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Old 13 July 2019, 02:10 AM   #3
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Posting photos is the only way to get some help, but I believe the 1601 wasn't introduced until the late 1950s. So your watch can't be from 1949 if it is indeed a 1601. I also think you missed a digit on the serial number. Maybe the bracelet rubbed it off. But I'd guess it's from late 1979 or early 1980 if you correct on the first three numbers.

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Old 13 July 2019, 02:13 AM   #4
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Datejusts are automatic. A full wind gives you about two days of power. And yes, picking it up will get it running for a bit until wound.

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Old 13 July 2019, 03:19 AM   #5
Adamj79
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Here are some pictures. It looks like I have all the numbers on the serial.
If it’s a 1979 watch I’d be excited as it’s my birth year!
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Old 13 July 2019, 03:21 AM   #6
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Some more pictures
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Old 13 July 2019, 08:18 AM   #7
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Band is a USA band and correct
Doorstop Dial

Cleaning it up and you have a nice watch


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Old 13 July 2019, 08:25 AM   #8
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Looking at pictures and reading it almost seems like it is not a real Rolex? I’ll have to have the case opened.
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Old 13 July 2019, 09:12 AM   #9
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Looking at pictures and reading it almost seems like it is not a real Rolex? I’ll have to have the case opened.
I wouldn't be so sure.
The USA made bracelets had a wider variety of appearances.

But you're right . . . have someone crack the back and take a look - - you'll know much more, and feel better about it.
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'67 5512 (Sub., Matte, meters 1st) ..|..... '72 1655 (Explorer II, Freccione)
'72 1675 (GMT, Pepsi bezel) ..........|..'03 16610LV (Submariner, Kermit)
'21 116506 (Daytona, Blue dial)..|..... '22 116508 (Daytona, Green dial)
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Old 13 July 2019, 09:13 AM   #10
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Remember also . . . It's Grampa's watch . . . .

It's special, no matter what it is!!
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'67 5512 (Sub., Matte, meters 1st) ..|..... '72 1655 (Explorer II, Freccione)
'72 1675 (GMT, Pepsi bezel) ..........|..'03 16610LV (Submariner, Kermit)
'21 116506 (Daytona, Blue dial)..|..... '22 116508 (Daytona, Green dial)
'21 126619LB (Submariner, Blue) ...|... '20 126710-BLNR (GMT-II, Batgirl)

.... and still trying to scratch that itch!.....
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Old 13 July 2019, 09:31 AM   #11
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Remember also . . . It's Grampa's watch . . . .

It's special, no matter what it is!!
Yes you are correct!
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Old 13 July 2019, 11:48 AM   #12
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It's a correct early 1601. Incredible semi-coin edged bezel, best I've seen in years. The bezel combined with the nice alpha hands make for an astounding 'grandpa' watch. The oval link bracelet is probably a later replacement. There are about 3 links inside the clasp that extend the length about half an inch. It's not that hard to figure out.

Please don't change the dial. Get it serviced with a light polish and it'll be ready for your grandkids.
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Old 13 July 2019, 11:52 AM   #13
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Well I have no idea on service history or if the dial is correct. I was able to do some adjusting of the bracelet and it fits! It is a touch tight it is 9 links and 11 links so I may try and find a couple links to buy.

After searching the past 1601 threads I’ll leaning towards RolliWorks to redo my bracelet. I might have them do all the work, dial, new plexiglass, polish and service the movement. Not sure on the dial as I have seen some really beautiful ones in the classifieds here. After looking at my second hand it is bent 3/4 the way out towards the tip. Are these the correct style of hands? I would like to have them replaced.

I looked at the date wheel and it has open 6’s. I like that look!!
Anyways, I won’t bore you guys with my rambling. I’m very excited to see what the movement is and if it is correct.

My favorite part is I called my mom to tell her that I was researching on the forums and going to be making it my daily wearer. She was silent on the other end as she fought back tears saying “I’m so glad you will be wearing ‘dad’s’ watch!”
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Old 13 July 2019, 11:56 AM   #14
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It's a correct early 1601. Incredible semi-coin edged bezel, best I've seen in years. The bezel combined with the nice alpha hands make for an astounding 'grandpa' watch. The oval link bracelet is probably a later replacement. There are about 3 links inside the clasp that extend the length about half an inch. It's not that hard to figure out.

Please don't change the dial. Get it serviced with a light polish and it'll be ready for your grandkids.
I love the inner ring just the putter looks off to me. The dead center line and center of crown are off. With the crystal being pretty scratched I think it takes from the dial. Maybe a new crystal will change that.

Is it hard to add links to this style off bracelet?
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Old 13 July 2019, 02:28 PM   #15
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Why don't you sell that old soldier to someone who can appreciate it and use the proceeds to buy the watch you want?
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Old 13 July 2019, 02:46 PM   #16
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Ref 1601 DateJust from approximately 1961. Note that the serial numbers restarted at zero in 1954. I suspect that you will find a legit movement inside. The dial is as you inherited it, and this is how your grandfather wore the watch. I think it's your watch and your choice what you would like to do with the dial.
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Old 13 July 2019, 03:07 PM   #17
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Can the dial be adjusted to be lined up with the crown and date window? I can’t stand the very top center darkest line not being on the center of the crown.

I imagine if the stretch gets fixed then the bracelet would get tighter? Do you guys have any reputable places to buy extra links?
I wore it all this evening and it feels so light on the wrist!
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Old 13 July 2019, 03:22 PM   #18
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You are noticing that the outer minute track is misaligned with the applied markers and the Rolex coronet logo. That's how it was painted, and there's nothing you can do about it.

Links for various bracelets show up on eBay now and then. You just need to make sure you get the correct links. It's also possible to buy an aftermarket clasp extender.
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Old 13 July 2019, 03:33 PM   #19
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You are noticing that the outer minute track is misaligned with the applied markers and the Rolex coronet logo. That's how it was painted, and there's nothing you can do about it.

Links for various bracelets show up on eBay now and then. You just need to make sure you get the correct links. It's also possible to buy an aftermarket clasp extender.
Well I feel much better about the dial! For some reason I was thing it was 2 piece and miss alined.

I used some toothpaste on the crystal and wow it did wonders! I’ll be calling rolliworks tomorrow to chat with them. Get insides serviced , light polish, fix stretch and add a couple links and I’ll be done with it! I will wear the same as grandpa did.
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Old 14 July 2019, 03:55 AM   #20
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The dial is refinished/redone imho. Since this is an early Datejust, it should have the SWISS at the 6 o'clock. Your does not seem to have it from the pictures provided. A correct dial can be found on the Bay for couple of hundreds
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Old 14 July 2019, 05:02 AM   #21
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The dial is refinished/redone imho. Since this is an early Datejust, it should have the SWISS at the 6 o'clock. Your does not seem to have it from the pictures provided. A correct dial can be found on the Bay for couple of hundreds
I think the OP has already indicated he's going to wear it as his grandfather did.
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Old 14 July 2019, 05:20 AM   #22
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I like it as is. Wear the hell out of it.
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Old 18 July 2019, 01:27 PM   #23
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What style of dial would be period correct for this watch? It’s headed off to RolliWorks next week for some tune ups! I’ll post pics when it returns.
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Old 23 October 2019, 04:25 AM   #24
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The watch head is currently out for service and a light polish. I’m having Aaron bespoke make me a black gator band as well. I want to keep the bracelet I got with the watch as is but would like a replacement.
Will a 62510h with 555 end links be something I should look for?
I will be running the leather with no end links as I like that look. I will post some pictures once I receive it all.

Adam
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Old 23 October 2019, 07:00 AM   #25
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Dial has been poorly refinished.
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Old 23 October 2019, 07:24 AM   #26
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Yes that is what I have been told. I will be keeping it but swapping it out for this one.
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Old 24 October 2019, 11:35 AM   #27
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Do you guys think this dial has been refinished?

It was stated as original..

I think it will look good with the Alph hands
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Old 17 November 2019, 03:51 PM   #28
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While I’m waiting to get the for my watch to return I received my Aaron Bespoke gator band. Very well made and I think it will be a nice fit!

Here is a picture of the band..I found the clasp on EBay. It is not an original but stainless and looks nice.
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Old 17 November 2019, 10:18 PM   #29
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I like it as is. Wear the hell out of it.
This!
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Old 18 November 2019, 01:39 AM   #30
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Do you guys think this dial has been refinished?

It was stated as original..

I think it will look good with the Alph hands
It isnt refinished but its a much later dial and would use newer stick hands. It would be as if service parts were added and would no longer give the look that it originally had.
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