Some help please with an early 60s 18k datejust

[evilfij]

I have encountered this watch and, unfortunately, the band seems to have worn away the serial and reference number. Any info provided would be much appreciated as to condition, originality, year, what exactly it is etc. I know a bit about the GMT, Sub, SD, and daytonas, but little about the datejust. The band appears to have a mark of 3 62 on it. There seems to be some discoloration near the winding crown and on the band.

[evilfij]

Ok so I suck at the Internet. Sorry about the upside down picture.

[evilfij]

I really suck at the Internet as I can only get one pic at a time.

[evilfij]

More pic

[evilfij]

One more pic

[crowncollection]

What movements inside all looks ok

[evilfij]

I don't have the ability to open it up myself, but it is a non-hacking non-quickset if that means anything. If it is suspect, I suppose I can take it to my friendly rolex AD and ask nicely for it to be opened. It does not seem to sweep like the newer rolex. You can see each second tick off so to speak. What do you make of the discoloration? I welcome all views as I am at a loss. The dial is Swiss only with lume plots. Obviously it has some spotting.

Another question I have is the red hand. I don't think I have see one quite like it before.

Thank you for your input. It is much appreciated.

[toph]

Can you see any gold marking on it or is it possibly gold capped. I know some models, The Date model certainly, were gold capped but not sure about the DJ.
I would be inclined to think its solid gold and looks fine but just throwing out other potential avenues

[adam78]

It must be solid gold, Datejusts were never gold capped or gold filled. The red seconds hand does not look original to me, and seems too short. The fact that it is operating, as you say, like a Tru-Beat movement suggests that perhaps there has been a movement swap or modification. It should be a cal 1065/66 if a 6605 or 1565 if a 1603. You need to take to a watchmaker to remove the case back and see the works. Dates from late 50s-early 60s, depending on the model.

[evilfij]

It is not every second like a true beat, but it is not as smooth a sweep as a modern one.

[evilfij]

Originally Posted by toph

Can you see any gold marking on it or is it possibly gold capped. I know some models, The Date model certainly, were gold capped but not sure about the DJ.
I would be inclined to think its solid gold and looks fine but just throwing out other potential avenues

There is the one marking under the lug (shown in the pic of the bottom), but I can't see it clearly what it says.

[adam78]

Originally Posted by evilfij

It is not every second like a true beat, but it is not as smooth a sweep as a modern one.

I understand now...it's as it should be, slower beat movement and all.

[evilfij]

Originally Posted by adam78

I understand now...it's as it should be, slower beat movement and all.

Great, now to figure out the mystery of the red hand ....

I already ordered it some new spring bars and a multicolor nato -- with gold tone rings -- from my favorite nato band supplier.

[goldfixer21]

Originally Posted by toph

Can you see any gold marking on it or is it possibly gold capped. I know some models, The Date model certainly, were gold capped but not sure about the DJ.
I would be inclined to think its solid gold and looks fine but just throwing out other potential avenues

I believe the gold capped models were Date references and had stainless case backs

[crowncollection]

Hand looks wrong either model 6605 or 1601. I can see it solid gold as it has hallmarks. You need to look at them with a magnifier. It can be 18k or 14k and they even made a 9k pretty rare at that time. If we saw the movement would help to tell the exact model

[evilfij]

The bracelet says 750 so 18k right?

[crowncollection]

band is 18k so probably 18k but look at the hallmarks on the case

[evilfij]

I have been doing some digging and the red hand appears to be the same/similar as an early TOG, anyone have any views? Seems to run fine.