1603 questions please......

[ancientmariner]

Just bought my first Rolex, a 1966 datejust 1603.
Are the following correct please?

-When I am setting the time, the second hand continues to sweep at normal speed.
- I have to wind the watch through 24 hours to move the date on one day.
-The watch stops within 24 hours of being taken off.

Thanks

[Kokyuryoku]

Originally Posted by bitnippy1

Just bought my first Rolex, a 1966 datejust 1603.
Are the following correct please?

-When I am setting the time, the second hand continues to sweep at normal speed.
- I have to wind the watch through 24 hours to move the date on one day.
-The watch stops within 24 hours of being taken off.

Thanks

Ummm let's see.... Yes , yes and no . I have a 1966 1601, it like yours is non-hacking (you can't stop the second hand when setting the time) it also doesn't have a quickset date (a function that allows you change the date without turning the hands), so you have to wind through 24 hours to set the date. However, it should have about a 40-42 hour power reserve. Did you wind it at least 40 times?

Btw, welcome to the forum

[ancientmariner]

Many thanks.
Did not wind it at all, just wore it for a week!

[Kokyuryoku]

Originally Posted by bitnippy1

Many thanks.
Did not wind it at all, just wore it for a week!

Generally daily wear isn't enough to fully wind a watch. Give it a good wind and then it should be good to go Now, show us some pics

[slcbbrown]

Yes, yes, and it should run longer than 24 hours. If you wind it and it still runs down in 24 hours, it may need service. However, if you keep it on except at night, it should work just fine.

[ancientmariner]

Well, it has taken me over 5 years, but here is a pic........
....and another question please.

Serial no. dates the watch to 1966, but I have in my mind it look more 1970's.
Please can any vintage experts advise.
The second hand looks a little 'rusty' !!
Thanks in anticipation.

[motoikkyu]

Nice looking! The second hand can be cleaned/polished gently: I usually take it off and try a pencil eraser first, strokes in only one direction (hub to tip).

[ancientmariner]

Originally Posted by motoikkyu

Nice looking! The second hand can be cleaned/polished gently: I usually take it off and try a pencil eraser first, strokes in only one direction (hub to tip).

Thanks for the advice.
Can anyone please confirm the dial and hands are correct for 1966?

[jvmartin]

Everything is right with your watch and that kind of corrosion on the hands is normal for vintage watches... As it was mentioned above, try winding the watch and wearing it... if you purchased it freshly serviced, it should run for at least 2 days once taken off. If it still stops within 24 hours, a service may be due.

[powerfunk]

Originally Posted by bitnippy1

Serial no. dates the watch to 1966, but I have in my mind it look more 1970's.

What's the serial number? You're right that the bulk of 1603's were made in the 1970's but I believe 1966 would be around the start for these.

[tucsonrick]

I have the exact same watch purchased in Sep 1968.

[adiorandomhero93]

Originally Posted by bitnippy1

Well, it has taken me over 5 years, but here is a pic........
....and another question please.

Serial no. dates the watch to 1966, but I have in my mind it look more 1970's.
Please can any vintage experts advise.
The second hand looks a little 'rusty' !!
Thanks in anticipation.

Great watch! Dollar for dollar you can't find a better watch than the 1600's for the money imho

[ancientmariner]

Originally Posted by powerfunk

What's the serial number? You're right that the bulk of 1603's were made in the 1970's but I believe 1966 would be around the start for these.

Serial number is 1864xxx

[ancientmariner]

Originally Posted by jvmartin

Everything is right with your watch and that kind of corrosion on the hands is normal for vintage watches... As it was mentioned above, try winding the watch and wearing it... if you purchased it freshly serviced, it should run for at least 2 days once taken off. If it still stops within 24 hours, a service may be due.

Thanks, that's good to know. Bought it as an impulse buy when browsing the window of a high street jeweller in 2010. Fell for it's looks and had to get it. Have enjoyed wearing it to work every day since then and it has been great. Just retired so not worn every day now. Before Xmas the same shop had a Hulk in the window. Tried it on, and although a great watch, I did not pull the trigger, but decided I needed Rolex no.2 , a sub. I'll post up what I got elsewhere.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by bitnippy1

Serial number is 1864xxx

The inside caseback stamp is likely a couple of years later than 1966. My 1603 has a 1,5mil serial and is stamped 4th quarter of 1966.

[mineral]

I like the vintage DJ and I find they are comfortable to wear, love that wearing experience.

[BreezyMan]

Originally Posted by bitnippy1

Well, it has taken me over 5 years, but here is a pic........
....and another question please.

Serial no. dates the watch to 1966, but I have in my mind it look more 1970's.
Please can any vintage experts advise.
The second hand looks a little 'rusty' !!
Thanks in anticipation.

Nice one close to mine

[BreezyMan]

And my power reserve tested is about a lil over 42 hours I just wear it daily and keep clean :) all serviced

[crowncollection]

All looks ok. Hands can be cleaned. After a full wind it should go about 40 hours if it does not your mainspring has likely had its day.


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