Datejust questions

[jb335]

I'm in the market to purchase a used Datejust. I like the classic all SS jubilee with a fluted bezel and silver dial.

I'm still doing my research and trying to learn the different references. 1601 have grabbed my attention. I am having a hard time trying to figure out the timeline on the DJ references (doesn't seem as simple as the Sub timeline). I like the 1601 but may want something not quite as old. Is the next ref after that 16033?

Any advice on buying 20-30 year old Datejusts? Besides bracelet stretch what are other common pitfalls?

[teb1013]

The only pitfall I had with my 25 year old 16233 DJ was that, although the seller claimed it was "serviced recently" it was running about 20 spd off. It was a good bargain (I think DJ's of that age can be among the least expensive Rolexes you can get. I paid about $700 to get it serviced by Watch Buyer's Group in Pasadena (an RSC is more expensive) and it came back looking almost new and running well within COSC.


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[ukflyboy]

I'm in a similar position looking for a Datejust. I've decided to limit my search for something from 1990 onwards for two reasons: 1) the excellent 3135 movement was introduced in 1988 and is still used in DJs today, so I'd prefer to have a watch with that inside, and 2) they introduced sapphire crystal in 1989 which I prefer over glass for its scratch resistance.
I agree with teb above, you can get some great prices on DJs, and when you consider the 16xxx models are so similar to current models, getting them for less than half retail is a bargain!!

[jb335]

Thanks, really good advice from both of you!

I have been digging around more and found this paragraph someone wrote in a forum about the DJ refs that has helped me get a grasp of the DL timeline.

"The non quickset 1600 or 1601 from the '60's through the 70's are going to be a lot less than the five digit models 16000 series with quickset until you land in the later '80's with quickset and sapphire (16200), where the pricing will be at the higher ends."

I would like to keep the purchase price under $3k, so I think that has me in the pre 1989 era, but still a 5 digit ref. I am totally open to going down to a 4 digit from the 70s if I feel comfortable with the condition.

[JnmEaton]

I can tell you from personal experience that you should consider the cost to service an older watch. RSC will cost $600+ for servicing and I have spent up to $1500 on a 60's era. I would save another $1000 and get a nice piece needing no immediate service. just my $0.02

[mjclark32]

Originally Posted by jb335

Thanks, really good advice from both of you!

I have been digging around more and found this paragraph someone wrote in a forum about the DJ refs that has helped me get a grasp of the DL timeline.

"The non quickset 1600 or 1601 from the '60's through the 70's are going to be a lot less than the five digit models 16000 series with quickset until you land in the later '80's with quickset and sapphire (16200), where the pricing will be at the higher ends."

I would like to keep the purchase price under $3k, so I think that has me in the pre 1989 era, but still a 5 digit ref. I am totally open to going down to a 4 digit from the 70s if I feel comfortable with the condition.

I had similar criteria (wanted quickset for around $3k). I ended up getting a 16200 for exactly $3k. It had a recent service, but no box or papers, which was fine by me.
Don't get frustrated, you'll find one eventually