Rolex oyster perpetual date (1500) vs Datejust (1603)

[Jblakes]

Afternoon all,

Just finished my masters, handed last bit today. So before i go onto my Phd i wanted to treat myself.

Just popped into local shop and have seens Rolex oyster and datejust. Having no clue about watces thought it best to ask here. What exactly is the difference?.

Oyster 2k
Datejust 3k
Both just been serviced, both with papers and box. Is there any reason to spend 1k more on date? Both look well looked after with original steel bracelet. They also had an oysterdate 6694 (on leather strap) for 1.5k.

Want a watch to wear daily and unsure if any real difference to justify the price difference?

Thanks in advance
James

[Toronto Soup King]

Of those two the 1603 would be my pick, frankly. 36mm wears better than 34 in the old case style, IMO...I wear a 36mm almost every day, in any situation, you could wear a 1603 to everything with anything for the rest of your life, particularly if you get a couple of straps (look at pics on forums like these and then buy what you like).

If I were looking for a one-watch forever-watch TODAY, knowing what I know and with my budget, I'd probably pick a 1603 or similar watch. They're handsome, tough, and versatile, and with straps and bracelets you can change the look so you'll never get tired of it.

Congrats on the Masters!

[Jblakes]

Thanks you, been a long time finishing, did it part time through work. PHD gonna take bloody longer to complete.

Anyways, i have been looking at a datejust for a while now, just wanted to know other peoples thoughts on the other two. Is there an reason why its more expensive, or just more people want one?

Regards
James

[Dan S]

As already explained by @Toronto Soup King, the larger size is the primary reason the DJ is more expensive.

[Jblakes]

Ah,that wpuld explain it. Probably go with a DJ, although will have a shop round first. In no rush to get one.

Regards
James

[Styles Bitchley]

Jesus. I was broke when I finished my masters...buying a Rolex was pretty low on the need to have list! Post some photos of the ones your considering to s get useful advice. And congrats.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Jblakes]

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These are the two i have looked at, not sure i am set on either but gonna look round and maoe a choice.

I did my master part time, through work. So had the joy of work, masters, wife, and my little boy to keep busy. Now same again just PHD this time.

Regards
James

[Richard Carver]

Very good looking 1603.

[Dan S]

Is it really a 1603, or a 16030? Or a 1603 with a service dial. I don't see the recessed "pie-pan" edge on the dial. Granted ... the photo isn't great, but the dial just looks flat. I don't see a line. Here is a photo of a 1603:

[Jblakes]

Maybe its me that put the wrong image up. The one the guy showed me had pin pan edge as i had to ask what that was.

Is there a difference between 1603 and 16030 other than dial? Not one better than other, just individual preference?

[Richard Carver]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Is it really a 1603, or a 16030? Or a 1603 with a service dial. I don't see the recessed "pie-pan" edge on the dial. Granted ... the photo isn't great, but the dial just looks flat. I don't see a line. Here is a photo of a 1603:

Good eye! I was looking at that fat case! :)

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by Jblakes

Maybe its me that put the wrong image up. The one the guy showed me had pin pan edge as i had to ask what that was.

Is there a difference between 1603 and 16030 other than dial? Not one better than other, just individual preference?

16030 has a newer model movement with quick-set date.

[rootbeer7]

T swiss made T 16030?

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by rootbeer7

T swiss made T 16030?

And the OP goes right down the rabbit hole.

[piratfisk]

Originally Posted by Dan S

And the OP goes right down the rabbit hole.

Pass the Cheshire Cat on the left & the AD is through the tea party

My vote's for the DJ, OP.

[Jblakes]

What rabbit hole, lol

It the T Swiss Made T is the 16030, then put wrong picture up. The 1603 is sane colour just lie the one @Dan s stuck up.

I am guessing 3k is ok for price. It doesnt have original box or papers but has recent service and valuation?

Regards James

[Dan S]

James, please show good photos of the specific watch you are considering. In natural light, from multiple angles, including the bracelet. If you're going to pay top dollar, you want to make sure everything is correct.

[Jblakes]

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This is the watch, the other one had gone. Its on for & £2950. Its got valuation papers and recently serviced. What do people think?

Regards James

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by Jblakes

Attachment 1039834

Attachment 1039835

Attachment 1039836

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Attachment 1039838

This is the watch, the other one had gone. Its on for & £2950. Its got valuation papers and recently serviced. What do people think?

Regards James

Given the flat dial and 27 jewel movement, I'm guessing this is a ref 16014. Is that what the dealer told you? IMO, the price is pretty high for a DJ without a bracelet, but I have also heard that prices are higher in the UK, so I will let others comment on that.

I have the impression that these "T SWISS MADE T" dials are later service dials, but I don't think that affects the value dramatically on a 16014.

[Jblakes]

The women i spoke to inshop wasnt much use tbh. The guy i spoke to last time was more knowledgeable but wasnt in. These a pictures from website. Might go back in when hes around, obviously try and haggle price is it seems to much, but i have no idea on that front.

[rootbeer7]

That is a lot of money. I’d be happy to help you locate something with bracelet for that money.

[Toronto Soup King]

I like the 1603 but not this watch - that bezel looks chewed, I think you could find more for your money!

[Jblakes]

Gonna have a look round, seen some different colour dials so need to decide on one first. Depending what i find, i might contact @rootbeer7 for you service.

Regards
James

[rootbeer7]

Originally Posted by Jblakes

Gonna have a look round, seen some different colour dials so need to decide on one first. Depending what i find, i might contact @rootbeer7 for you service.

Regards
James

Happy to help point you in the right direction. In the meantime anything you see, post here, there’s plenty of experience.

[motoikkyu]

Did you try the 34mm? The 6694 wears large for a 34. If you can get away with it, those are great watches also. I confess that I also wear 31mm bubblebacks. On some folks 36mm vs. 34mm wears very differently, on others it's just fine.

[Tom1675]

Originally Posted by Jblakes

Gonna have a look round, seen some different colour dials so need to decide on one first. Depending what i find, i might contact @rootbeer7 for you service.

Regards
James

Good, imho there are correct datejust dials with more personality...

[zapokee]

Take your time, OP, and buy the best you can afford. The thrill is in the chase.

[circles]

Originally Posted by Jblakes

Attachment 1039834


This is the watch, the other one had gone. Its on for & £2950. Its got valuation papers and recently serviced. What do people think?

Regards James

I think you really should confirm what you're looking at first of all. The pictures you're posting don't seem to be a 1603, they seem to be a newer 16014 with a 3035 movement.

[piratfisk]

Have you looked into 1601s? The fluted bezel is *worlds* nicer (I'm biased) than the engine-turned bezel.

[SubMarine]

I completely agree. I will add that the SS with WG fluted 1601 is possibly the best looking DJ in existence.

Originally Posted by piratfisk

Have you looked into 1601s? The fluted bezel is *worlds* nicer (I'm biased) than the engine-turned bezel.