Please help identify this Rolex model

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Hi all,

I only have this one image (a photo of a photo my father sent), so please bear with me.

I'm not an expert with Rolex watches, and this will be my first - an heirloom handed down from my grandfather. My dad has had the watch for some time, but it has not been operational since my grandfather's death, about 15-20 years ago.

A quick story my father shared about the watch:
"I couldn't get a good shot with our camera so this was the best alternative. This may sound eerie: when my dad passed away, his watch stopped working. And, in all the years that I've had the watch, it never ran. As I was getting ready to get a photo of it for Scott (me), the second-hand began to move. The second hand is still moving and the minute-hand has moved on its own from the 9:10 shown in the photo to 9:35. I don't believe it's run by a battery. I think it has to be hand-wound. But the thumb screw on the side of the watch is still "frozen" in place so it can't be wound or the time or date can't be changed manually."

If you're able to identify the model from this photo I'd greatly appreciate it. I won't be able to receive the watch until it's fixed, something my father is working on doing.

Thank you for taking the time to read this story.

Take care,

Scott

[R.W.T.]

The watch is a 1601 Datejust most likely. The "thumbscrew" is actually the winding crown. Reverse it counterclockwise. Then it will "pop" out and you can wind it manually. It may be stiff from stale lubrications. DO NOT FORCE IT OR GO FAST. The crown wheel is very fragile on this movement and if you force wind it when it is very stiff you can break teeth. The watch winds automatically though it needs to be fully wound manually to keep good time and the automatic portion is only to keep it topped up. The watch needs to be professionally cleaned and serviced after this long of sitting but it likely will run if you give some turns on the crown once it is unscrewed and also wear it some. The date is "slow set" in other words, you have to advance the hands 24 hours to move the calendar one day. You can go in the reverse direction without hurting the watch. Hope this helps.

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Thanks R.W.T.! I really appreciate it. My father will be taking it in for service...hopefully soon as I am very eager to become its new owner!

[Gaijin]

Great picture bu the way.

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Haha, yeah a "great shot" - I think my parents are still on analog, non-macro technology. I'll post better photos once I acquire the watch.

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Finally received the watch, and got a nice Horween Chromexcel strap to go with it (ordered a second custom strap which is on the way).



Even though I have a small wrist this still looks small to me, although the wide angle lens makes it look deceptively larger.

[R.W.T.]

Great watch with a "linen" dial. It's the perfect size :-)

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As soon as it arrives, I'll post another photo with the second strap I ordered that has a darker finish to it.

[Vincent65]

nice watch, congrats

[crowncollection]

Nice linen 1601 cheers

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Thanks guys. Here are a couple more photos with the new custom strap from https://www.etsy.com/shop/VieuxHalloo





I highly recommend Mitch at Vieux Halloo - great to work with, great prices and top notch materials.

[Observor]

Great looking classic watch with a beautiful linen dial. The history of the watch makes it even more special.

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Thanks. After taking a look at the serial number, 2,1xx,xxx, it appears to have been produced between 1967 and 1968 - coincidentally, I was born in 1968!