Rolex 1601 - Dial authentication

[fabz23]

Hi everybody

I have been approached whether I was interested in acquiring a 1970s Rolex Datejust 1601 with a gorgeous white dial for a great price.
I was already set on the purchase but something about that specific dial looks odd to me, but I can’t figure out what it is.
The references are all there and correct, dating it to 1976 or thereabouts.
What stands out to me is the way Datejust is written, and the fact that at 6 o’clock it says T SWISS MADE T, rather than T SWISS T or OT SWISS TO as common during that time.

I have attached a close up of the dial.

What are your thoughts?

Thanks in advance!

[Richard Carver]

That's a 5 digit ref styled dial. T Swiss Made T is found on those dials but not on a pie pan which that obviously is. It's such a perfect dial I'm wondering it it's a factory service dial.

I'm going with service dial. :)

[fabz23]

Originally Posted by Richard Carver

That's a 5 digit ref styled dial. T Swiss Made T is found on those dials but not on a pie pan which that obviously is. It's such a perfect dial I'm wondering it it's a factory service dial.

I'm going with service dial. :)

Thanks Richard - interesting view! Given that the lume dots look way too new to be 40 years old you may be right with this.

The relevant case ref is 1601 and serial is 4129***

All I want to avoid is making a mistake with the purchase.

[SwissR]

The D in DateJust should have serifs AFAIK and the S looks strangely thin too... could just be the picture though

[antoniocanavesio]

i'm currently looking for a 1601 or 16014 so i checked quite a lot on internet to find what is the correct details

on 1601 you should get a dial with "T SWISS T" (OT SWISS TO called sigma dial mean that index are made in white gold)

T swiss made T can be found on 5 digits (so flat dial) or maybe as service dial but i don't have information about this

[R!$]

Dial is fine but hands are replacement

[fabz23]

Replacement as in factory original or from a different model altogether?

[Richard Carver]

A service dial is made to fit an older watch but might contain details of whatever is current. A dial for a 40 year old watch might be marked T but the lume is actually luminova or super luminova depending on it's age.