Thoughts on this 1972 1601, deal or no deal?

[K.White]

All,

I just purchased the watch at the link below. Do you see any issues by way of the pics? Your collective opinion/expertise is appreciated!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1972-vintage...vip=true&rt=nc

K. White

[Kingair]

First ask and than buy. . . .

Seems to be ok

Mrs wears the same from '73

HAGWe

[rolexgolfer]

Fair watch, but you overpaid. I think its a $1800 watch. Personally I would suggest you buy a more modern DJ like a 16233, they can be had for around $2600 if you look hard enough and they are alot nicer. Better weight, more modern dial choices, sapphire crystal, better movement, and the list goes on. Good luck on the search!

[azguy]

Originally Posted by rolexgolfer

Fair watch, but you overpaid. I think its a $1800 watch. Personally I would suggest you buy a more modern DJ like a 16233, they can be had for around $2600 if you look hard enough and they are alot nicer. Better weight, more modern dial choices, sapphire crystal, better movement, and the list goes on. Good luck on the search!

agreed, plus I get nervous when the seller doesn't show you how much stretch is in a bracelet

[Lgear080]

Just meh in general. Real but blah.

[K.White]

All,

Good points, but I actually did ask a few folks on the forum by private msg. Full story is the 1972 is my birth year, so I wanted a 72 specifically, and I did see other pics of the band, very little stretch. As for being blah, this is be my understated "everyday" watch, my 2012 GMTIIC is for my "wow! Nice watch!" days!

As for price, I've been looking for a while, and this is the lowest priced 72 I've found (other than the folks who seem to have waaaayyy too many for sale in Hong Kong...). Unfortunately, no one here was selling a 72...

Bob's and Becker are selling similar watches (73 1603s) for more... (and Becker's often has aftermarket bracelets...)

Glad to hear you folks think it looks real. Will have it checked by NYC RSC when I get and post pics of the GMT and 1601.

Please do let me know if anyone thinks it looks less than real...

[K.White]

All,

Please also let me know where you stand on the "to polish, or not to polish" debate.

Thanks!

[swish77]

Originally Posted by K.White

All,

Please also let me know where you stand on the "to polish, or not to polish" debate.

Thanks!

To me, there is no debate ... do not polish the case. The most I'd do is a light detailing to the tops of the lugs to restore the factory finish, but only if it really needed it and/or was nicked up a little. Don't polish the sides of the case. I'd rather have battle scars than a polished case. This is especially important on a vintage DJ because of the case design. It's thinner than the cases of the sports models to begin with, and it's got a beautiful sweeping line that often gets screwed up when it's polished. I looked at hundreds of DJs before I ended up with this unpolished example.

[K.White]

Originally Posted by swish77

To me, there is no debate ... do not polish the case. The most I'd do is a light detailing to the tops of the lugs to restore the factory finish, but only if it really needed it and/or was nicked up a little. Don't polish the sides of the case. I'd rather have battle scars than a polished case. This is especially important on a vintage DJ because of the case design. It's thinner than the cases of the sports models to begin with, and it's got a beautiful sweeping line that often gets screwed up when it's polished. I looked at hundreds of DJs before I ended up with this unpolished example.

WOW! That's an amazing piece! I can only hope mine wears as well! Thanks for sharing the pic!

[K.White]

Here is a 1973 (same dial) I almost bought for more, but I really wanted to wait to find a 72...

http://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-vin...less-1601.html

[MonBK]

Originally Posted by K.White

Here is a 1973 (same dial) I almost bought for more, but I really wanted to wait to find a 72...

http://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-vin...less-1601.html

Well, you found it, congrats.

[Nothingfancy01]

hey do you like it? if so don't sweat it... I just purchased a 70 dj, paid a little less but I'm very happy..

[springer]

The bracelet is a mid-1980's bracelet, therefore is not original for your watch if that matters to you. The remainder of the watch looks nice. As far as whether you paid too much, or too little, it is rather personal and shouldn't concern others. It is irritating to me when someone tells another that they paid too much for something - or it is priced too high. Sounds like you have been on a hunt for a while, so you know the market, what is available and probably paid market price for what you were looking for. With that said, congratulations and enjoy your DateJust!

[swish77]

These old DJs are beautiful, and I'd imagine it looks a lot better in person than in those mediocre Ebay photos. (I would never describe a vintage DJ as "blah." They're stunning, and this one looks to be in good shape.) If the movement is sound and the case has no corrosion, you got a good deal. (Next time get photos of the movement and inside of the caseback.) Don't worry about a couple hundred bucks either way. Congrats!

[K.White]

Originally Posted by swish77

These old DJs are beautiful, and I'd imagine it looks a lot better in person than in those mediocre Ebay photos. (I would never describe a vintage DJ as "blah." They're stunning, and this one looks to be in good shape.) If the movement is sound and the case has no corrosion, you got a good deal. (Next time get photos of the movement and inside of the caseback.) Don't worry about a couple hundred bucks either way. Congrats!

Thanks Swish! I would not/do not think the DJ Blah either, but to each his/her own I guess. I think it will be stunning without a polishing, but where do you stand on the polishing issue?

[K.White]

Originally Posted by springer

The bracelet is a mid-1980's bracelet, therefore is not original for your watch if that matters to you. The remainder of the watch looks nice. As far as whether you paid too much, or too little, it is rather personal and shouldn't concern others. It is irritating to me when someone tells another that they paid too much for something - or it is priced too high. Sounds like you have been on a hunt for a while, so you know the market, what is available and probably paid market price for what you were looking for. With that said, congratulations and enjoy your DateJust!

Thank you! It does matter... but not that much! Really wanted the 72 serial! I guess the original bracelet was oval or folded then, huh?

[springer]

Originally Posted by K.White

Thank you! It does matter... but not that much! Really wanted the 72 serial! I guess the original bracelet was oval or folded then, huh?

Oval linked, USA made Jubilee bracelet or folded link, Jubilee Swiss made. They are not hard to find and are not that expensive. Plus, your bracelet has value also.

[K.White]

Originally Posted by springer

Oval linked, USA made Jubilee bracelet or folded link, Jubilee Swiss made. They are not hard to find and are not that expensive. Plus, your bracelet has value also.

Hey Springer and all, I am I right in thinking this is too much to pay for the "right" bracelet (even if it is Authentic)?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=321118981073

[s1nn3d]

If a watch sings to you then paying a premium won't be so much an issue.

Datejusts with pie-pan dial makes it a distinct generation among the Datejust designs. That together with acrylic plexiglass, folded links and nice patina makes it oozing with vintage look.

Congratulations and wear your birth year DJ with pride!

[K.White]

Originally Posted by s1nn3d

If a watch sings to you then paying a premium won't be so much an issue.

Datejusts with pie-pan dial makes it a distinct generation among the Datejust designs. That together with acrylic plexiglass, folded links and nice patina makes it oozing with vintage look.

Congratulations and wear your birth year DJ with pride!

Thank you, will do! What say you on the issue of polishing?

[crowncollection]

Nice one enjoy, :thumbup:

[Kingair]

I bought the same 1601 last year for Mrs

Also a Birth year one from '73 ans she wears it everyday . . .

So it was a score for both of us and . . . plexi is (for me) just a little bit more . .

HAGWe

[K.White]

Originally Posted by Kingair

I bought the same 1601 last year for Mrs

Also a Birth year one from '73 ans she wears it everyday . . .

So it was a score for both of us and . . . plexi is (for me) just a little bit more . .

HAGWe

Beautiful! If is nice to be in such GREAT company!