Very early Datejusts - any one with any experience or good sources?

[/16610]

As per the title, really

The DJ was launched in 1945, so does anyone own/has anyone owned or even handled a 1940s/early 50s Datejust?

Similarly, are there any good sources on these, preferably web/insta based


Thanks

[daveo5]

You want to remember that with Rolex or anyone else, going back to the late 1940’s-early 50’s, you have a problem. Parts. From those 1200 series movements parts are hard to impossible to come by. They were great for their day, but….


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[Dan S]

Originally Posted by daveo5

You want to remember that with Rolex or anyone else, going back to the late 1940’s-early 50’s, you have a problem. Parts. From those 1200 series movements parts are hard to impossible to come by. They were great for their day, but….

Hmmm ... there are stashes out there. I'd encourage the OP to follow his heart. Collecting vintage watches is about passion, not practicality. If he is in love with an early DJ, he will make it work.

[TuRo]

Had a 56 ran like dream for years before I sold it. The older the better for me on just about any model eg 4467, 6510 red writing day date, 6542, 6204 or 6205 sub, tog 6202, 1665DR, except 37mm Daytona I prefer the 37.5mm later oyster Daytona personally.

[/16610]

Thank you all, some very interesting thoughts…

I’m not in the market for one, but think they’re very important (beginning of modern Rolex and also modern wristwatches). They don’t really get the attention they deserve, it seems to me.

As an aside, it amazes me how all these ages old shop displays, spare parts etc turn up - great stuff.



If I find a particularly good source on them I’ll try and remember to post it in this thread, to help anyone who’s searching for info on them in the future.

[L.K Johnson]

4467 is my grail watch together with full WG 1601 on white gold jubilee…

[southtexas]

Love my 6305 and how it sits taller on the wrist. Super cool vintage.




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[/16610]

Is that red 'Datejust' text on that 6305 @southtexas?

Very cool either way

[/16610]

Originally Posted by L.K Johnson

4467 is my grail watch together with full WG 1601 on white gold jubilee…

I take it the 4467 was the very first DJ ref?

[southtexas]

Originally Posted by /16610

Is that red 'Datejust' text on that 6305 @southtexas?

Very cool either way

Thank you, and yes it is red


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[interestedwatcher]

I love my 6075 - roulette date wheel is awesome.

[Ascari_2]

Had several 6604/6605 examples over the years. Not the very early references, but cool watches nonetheless. Had a very classic vibe to them even when compared against the typical 160x cases.

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[/16610]

Beauties Ascari ^



As promised, here’s a link to a great article about early Datejusts

https://le-monde-edmond.com/datejust...-rolex-icon-2/

[Ditch]

Originally Posted by /16610

Beauties Ascari ^



As promised, here’s a link to a great article about early Datejusts

https://le-monde-edmond.com/datejust...-rolex-icon-2/

Superb link! Thanks for sharing.

[Toronto Soup King]

Originally Posted by L.K Johnson

full WG 1601 on white gold jubilee…

I knew I wasn't the only one. I don't think I've seen one for years. But for special I have the 1803/9 and a RG 1012 so I'm not hurting too badly.

[R.W.T.]

Originally Posted by daveo5

You want to remember that with Rolex or anyone else, going back to the late 1940’s-early 50’s, you have a problem. Parts. From those 1200 series movements parts are hard to impossible to come by. They were great for their day, but….


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1200? You may be confused on the calibre.

That's a manual wind sub seconds non date...

I will agree to a point...but when I started playing with all of this 37 years ago...everything was much newer....15xx movements were crisp and some were only 7 years old...

The 745 and 775 movements are really good movements. Even with wear they'll turn out a pretty good reading and they are certainly far more robust than their smaller cousin that is found in most bubble backs...620-645.

While I would say it takes a bit more trouble and you aren't going to get as accurate of a run out of the older ones....most of the "vintage" watches we are talking about now...are 15xx equipped and truly...yes there were a lot more made and a lot more parts...but because most people run them dry (MY ROLEX HAS NEVER BEEN SERVICED AND IT RUNS PERFECT and other bs....)...you're not looking at that much of a different animal really at this point...I've seen some pretty scary 15xx movements...Metal on Metal is the same in Ferrari as it is in Ford...Wheels can be dropped in...but bushed holes in the main plate and barrel bridge...are going to need serious attention...and barrel wear is astounding on those watches...and will absolutely kill the amplitude.

Here is a very rare 5031 from 1950 that I just did for a member. I'm at + 10 secs a day on the wrist. Yes it has some position error and that is the happy saddle, but still it's consistent...winds itself and everything works right. Calibre 745.

Oh yes and please send in the dial police....it's been refinished. That's that hardest part to find...

[Traveling]

Originally Posted by R.W.T.

Oh yes and please send in the dial police....it's been refinished. That's that hardest part to find...

Have you ever sent it into an RSC for an evaluation? Beverly hills is awesome IMHO, but walk in only.

[R.W.T.]

Originally Posted by Traveling

Have you ever sent it into an RSC for an evaluation? Beverly hills is awesome IMHO, but walk in only.

This belongs to a friend/customer, it's not my watch. I only serviced it.

Beverly Hills is doing evaluations?