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Old 31 January 2020, 08:36 AM   #1
Andrejb
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Datejust 1603 or OP 116000?

Have the opportunity to buy a 70s datejust 1603 in good shape for $3400CAD or a 2017 OP 36 for $4800CAD

Trying to decide which one is the better buy? I like them both equally for different reasons but can’t make a decision

The datejust is in great shape but has a few dents in the lower part of the lug

What would you do?




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Old 31 January 2020, 08:46 AM   #2
cerendigit
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Modern Rolex > Old Rolex. People underestimate the build quality improvements that Rolex has made over the decades. Especially in the bracelets and clasp.

The modern Rolex's bracelets and clasps are in a completely different league compared to the older ones.

For this reason, I'd go for the OP. Or for a modern Datejust. But I'd stay clear of vintage (for many other reasons).
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Old 31 January 2020, 08:46 AM   #3
vette boy 52
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Buy the OP is what I would do. Unless you are just set on vintage. The OP is a modern Rolex with the latest movement and technology. And on top of that it's a beautiful piece.
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Old 31 January 2020, 08:46 AM   #4
Dr. Robert
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I just can’t get used to the double markers on 3, 6, 9 on 36mm op
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Old 31 January 2020, 08:48 AM   #5
Neo_Anderson302
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Do you need a date?
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Old 31 January 2020, 08:55 AM   #6
winst
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Neo_Anderson302 View Post
Do you need a date?
That’s a bit forward isn’t it cheeky!
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Old 31 January 2020, 08:58 AM   #7
NachoNeal
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Originally Posted by winst View Post
That’s a bit forward isn’t it cheeky!
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Old 31 January 2020, 09:10 AM   #8
Andrejb
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Do you need a date?


Date isn’t make or break for me. I have my BLRO if I feel the need to worry about what day it is!


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Old 31 January 2020, 09:41 AM   #9
kwcsports
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I'd get the OP
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Old 31 January 2020, 10:02 AM   #10
Claven2
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My view - no Rolex dress watch ever topped the piepan dials in the 160X series watches.

With an older 160X watch (the one you looked at has a beautiful dial/hands combo), you get an amazing dial, but a movement with a slower beat/s count (not a big deal), and inferior bracelet options (nicest is the 62510H), and an acrylic crystal which people either love or hate.

With a modern rolex you get a case that is about equivalent (made of 904L if you care - which I don't), a sapphire crystal which you will either prefer or not (some like acrylic's warmth and ability to polish it), but you get a vastly better bracelet.

I would suggest that the watches are actually quite different. What is more important to you? Do you want a date function? Do you need a state fo the art bracelet, or is a stamped sheet metal clasp ok with you? Do you just have to have the look of a piepan dial?

FWIW - I have modern rolexes, but the only DJ I still have is a 1601 that is very similar to yours - only for a silver piepan dial.
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Old 31 January 2020, 10:09 AM   #11
2nastie
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I like the 160X by a mile. The most classic DJ. That particular OP doesn't do it for me. Not a fan of the numerals as well.
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Old 31 January 2020, 10:32 AM   #12
Andrejb
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forgot to include the chipped lug photo


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Old 31 January 2020, 11:06 AM   #13
Claven2
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That's nothing given the age of the watch. It would polish out if you ever decided to polish at a servicing.
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Old 31 January 2020, 05:07 PM   #14
Andrejb
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Ended up stumbling upon a birth year 16220 and jumped on that!

Thanks to all who responded!




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Old 31 January 2020, 05:25 PM   #15
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@Andrejb
Great DJ Referee, well done!
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