Datejust 16030 - correct dial and hands

[Oceanblue]

Greetings,

I'm getting back into vintage Rolex after several years out of the market.

This Datejust is from 1976 and is in impeccable condition, perhaps too good.

The bracelet is a 555 8, which seems correct.

It's the dial and hands that I question. There is very little patina on the minute markers or hands.

Dial is gray, which is also fairly unique for this time period. I've found one other online from 1979 and several from the early to mid 80's.

Where I could really use expertise is whether dial and hands from this period could look this pristine.

Thanks for any insight.

Patrick

[nigelk]

The dial is a service dial denoted by the t swiss made t at the bottom. So its anyone's guess when the dial was replaced. Unless you have papers it's hard to tell.

The previous owner might have replaced the hands together with the dial as well thats why they are so "white". Not an expert on how to determine whether hands are service hands and thats just my view :)

Overall though, I wouldn't be too bothered about it. its a very nice watch and I would not mind service dials. It's not a 5513 or like a 6538, service dials on this are fine and wouldn't impact much on value and they look great! As long as they are not counterfeit Rolex dials........

[rootbeer7]

The dial is replaced as t swiss made t is from a later period. In the 70s dial was marked t swiss t. It also appears to have lost some of the lume plots. Hands lack patina as well so probably replaced. If the case and bracelet are good and price is keen, these parts are easily replaced by period correct ones. If price is high, then move on.

[77T]

I know you asked about the dial and have a couple of viewpoints on it.

But because that dial is a swapped one, maybe a good idea to share the first 3 digits of the s/n along with pics of that bracelet and codes on the inner clasp. It may not be all original either.




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[Oceanblue]

Great point. The SN starts with 4476. I've since discovered that the bracelet is a later version, likely mid-80's. Thanks all for the feedback.

[Dan S]

If it's from 1976, it should be a 1603, not a 16030 I think. No quick set date. Should have piepan dial with recessed outer ring.