Datejust 1603, a keeper ?

[Patou Batemanou]

Hello all,

I purchased my very first Rolex last summer, a magnificent DJ 1603, linen dial no lume, in perfect condition. Bought it to a connoisseur, at a very fair price, it runs perfectly, I couldn't be happier with it. It's not full set unfortunately.

However, I obviously caught the Rolex virus, and I am already considering higher end references such as 16013 or maybe 16223...

Here's my dilemma: should I sell my 1603 and use the money for my next purchase, or should I take my time and save money for a longer period to get a second DJ.

I know those steel 1603 are pretty common, and beside the sentimental value, I wonder if this kind of watch will increase in value and "popularity" as a vintage watch in the future. Is it a keeper or just a regular "cheap" Datejust I can let go without a second thought.

I am aware the answer only belongs to me, but i'd like to have your opinion, guys. I hope i made myself clear, English isn't my native language.

Thanks !

(sorry I am not allowed to post a photo yet)

[Claven2]

You aren't going to get many informed opinions without a photo of the watch you have.

If the examples you have is an excellent condition 1603, then I don't think a 16XXX replacement will add much, apart from maybe a different bezel pattern.

The main differences are the addition of a quick-set date and the loss of the piepan dial. One of those is a good thing, the other is a bad thing.

If it's your every-day wearer, a quickset date isn't needed, so you need to ask yourself what you hope for get out of a newer DJ? Are you looking for more intrisic value? A different aesthetic? A different dial color or bezel? Or the convenience of a quick-set date?

If it were me, I'd put your existing watch on a cheap winder when not wearing it, and concentrate on a second rolex from a different product line, like an OP, Explorer, GMT, sub, etc. Or consider other luxury brands like Omega to see if there is something there that adds to your rotation options moreso than having a couple DJs of similar style.

[Patou Batemanou]

Thanks for your answer.

I love the two tone bracelet, the gold fluted bezel. I am aware they re basically the same watches. Aesthetic is the main reason indeed. It is my daily wearer.

I am not interested in OP's, and Sub/GMT etc are way to expensive for me right now. I guess i should take my time before i take any decision.

Here's some pictures

[watchknut]

You cannot wear boxes and papers...dial and case always leads the charge for me.

Sell it...use the money to get a sport model. You can always find another DJ...always.

[L.K Johnson]

I own both 4 digit Date justs and a 5-digit one and as Claven2 stated above regarding the dial being less nice on a 5-digit that doesn’t have the pie pan feature is totally correct. The 5 digit dials are per se much flatter and doesn’t give same dynamic feel to it as a 4 digit dial does...IMO

[Patou Batemanou]

All right, I didn't take the absence of pie pan dial into account...thanks

[Wahlberg]

A linen dial is imho one of the most beautiful dials ever available on a datejust (if not the most).

Your watch is perfect so I would keep it. One day these will shoot up as well.

[Patou Batemanou]

Originally Posted by Wahlberg

A linen dial is imho one of the most beautiful dials ever available on a datejust (if not the most).

Your watch is perfect so I would keep it. One day these will shoot up as well.

I agree, and and I dont see many "no lume" either (original condition?), that's why I was wondering if it was somehow special/rare, a watch to keep. Thanks for your advice

[Dan S]

I greatly prefer your 1603, with its lovely piepan linen dial, over most later DJs. Sport models are an entirely different can of worms, and fill different roles in a collection.

[dane75]

Count another vote for keeping the one you have. The dial is subtle and fantastic, as is the bezel. I love that it's a style I don't see as often.

[zapokee]

Keep it and save your pennies for the next one. You bought it for a reason.

[Verdi]

Keep it, a nice linen dial is not that common.

[Patou Batemanou]

Originally Posted by zapokee

Keep it and save your pennies for the next one. You bought it for a reason.

Yes indeed, in order to celebrate a professional success, after a few years of troubled times.

Thanks you all guys, you convinced me. I just needed to hear it from you. I'll keep it and work harder for the next one, the 16013, or another... (a sub, one day, hopefully...)

Here, for your trouble

[Andad]

That’s a nice 1603.

Keep it.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Patou Batemanou

Yes indeed, in order to celebrate a professional success, after a few years of troubled times.

Thanks you all guys, you convinced me. I just needed to hear it from you. I'll keep it and work harder for the next one, the 16013, or another... (a sub, one day, hopefully...)

Here, for your trouble

Very nice

[Patou Batemanou]

Originally Posted by directioneng

That’s a nice 1603.

Keep it.

thanks ! I definitely will.

If it wasn't for the linen dial and the no lume, I would probably be selling it right now, but they re not so common, so I'll keep it for now

Originally Posted by zapokee

Very nice

thanks !