Best place in the London to buy a 1603?

[Hussein01]

Hi guys

I'm really keen on a 1603. Seeing as I'm not an expert, I was wondering where I can buy this watch safely and confidently.

One other Q., how much is a service if he watch going to cost and should I get it done right away after a purchase?

Best regards

Hussein


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[Richard Carver]

I don't know how close to London but two of our members are superb dealers who will probably have what you want are will deal fairly with. Mike wood and/or Haywood Milton. You might ask them about a serviced watch.

Here's a 1603 to look at :)

1968 1603

[Hussein01]

Very nice. Thanks for the tip I'll look them up and find out how far. I jut can't decide between the silver, the black or the blue dial. I was just reading a post that included a champagne dial. I've never seen that though. I'm adamant it's all steel. I think I'm going to go black or silver. That's the choice.

Best regards


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[patrolmi]

I think I would use Paul Thorpe, http://www.watchdealers.co.uk/about
I've bought a few watches from him and been very pleased. He is someone to go to when you are buying the seller.

[The moose]

Here is some black dial inspiration (no 1603 but similar):

[Hussein01]

Thanks for the recommendation.

And for the pics. Great ones!!


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[Hussein01]

Paul Thorpe looks pretty good. Just no 1603s. Thanks though


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[ancientmariner]

Good choice OP.
Can't help you with where there is one for sale, but last year my 1966 1603 got a full service at Watchdoctors in Tring, Herts and was very pleased as it came back like new. Cost £310.


Here it is. Super comfortable watch. Wearing it right now.

[Hussein01]

Thanks ancient mariner. What a beauty that is! I think I'm leaning towards the silver dial after seeing that, personally.

Can I ask why you didn't give to Rolex to service? Is it because they will replace parts potentially? Does going to a company such as watch doctors mean that it comes back polished and watertight and tested for time etc.?

If that is the case, then need I worry too much of the condition of the DJ that I buy when I can just get it serviced after my purchase to make it feel like it's at it's best?

Also, should I buy from eBay?

Regards


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[ancientmariner]

Hi OP

I did not have it serviced by Rolex for any good reason!

I call by at Watch Doctor now and again as they are fairly local, and I can pop in and get small jobs done in a few minutes. Eg a serial number checked (by removing bracelet), or a strap adjusted.
One day I got an instant quote for servicing the 1603, and was able to discuss exactly what was to be done. Was happy with the price and they carried out the work in under a week. It was just convenience really. They have watches for sale but primarily are a fast turnaround servicing and repair company with Rolex specialists inhouse.

Whether to buy from Ebay is a common question on here. Everyone has an opinion of where best to buy and sometimes where never to buy (ebay comes up here). AD, online stores, Grey dealers, trusted seller, local jeweller, Ebay? One answer everyone agrees on is ‘Buy the seller’. This means you need to have confidence to be able to trust the seller . Ebay is a mine field so in my opinion buying there you need to be able to trust the seller and also have a good understanding of what you are buying to minimise a potential problem. This particularly applies to vintage watches.Some ebay sellers are large companies and others are a private individuals, and I would always visit the seller.

One thing to bear in mind is with early 1603s the date is not 'quickset', which is no problem if you wear it regularly. The hands have to be turned through 24 hours to advance the date by one day.
I’ve rambled on a bit……..

Hope this helps and good luck in your search.

[Hussein01]

All very good info. Not a ramble at all. Thank you.

Yes, I appreciate that the date is not quickset. I think I have settled on the 1603 as opposed to the 16030 as I prefer that it hasn't switched to the sapphire crystal yet. And also, it seems to save me about a third of the price of the 16030.

On price... how much should one expect to pay for a 1603? And a 16030 while the question is there...?

Regards


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[Hussein01]

Guys, I should have asked.... where did you buy your datejusts from?


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[Richard Carver]

16030 has an acrylic crystal.

[mineral]

Especially the full gold date just with dauphine hand

Originally Posted by The moose

Here is some black dial inspiration (no 1603 but similar):

[Hussein01]

That 16030 is gorgeous! I think though that the 16030 has sapphire crystal for sure and the 1603 is acrylic.

How does everyone find the hollow linked bracelet on the 1603 vs the 16030 solid links?


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[ancientmariner]

Originally Posted by Hussein01

On price... how much should one expect to pay for a 1603? And a 16030 while the question is there...?

Ebay for sale items and sold listings will point you in the general direction of what to expect to pay.

Got mine from a high street jeweller in 2010. They had just a few Rolexes for sale which they obtained from a large trade only watch wholesaler.