First rolex! comments approiated!

[sundaynitesorrow]

[AlBacon!974]

What year is this?

[crowncollection]

Nice bronze dial but it is for a two tone not that steel watch it is on

[sundaynitesorrow]

It's a 1603. 1960 - 1979?

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by sundaynitesorrow

It's a 1603. 1960 - 1979?

You bought it already? What's the serial number? 1960-1979 is a bit ballpark.

[Lol-x]

The bronze dial (with gold hour markers) and gold hands are not made on stainless steel watches. So someone has swapped the dial and hands into the watch from a TT or a 18K YG Model. Even the off-white date wheel would appear to be from a gold model. Someone has swapped over the dial/movement IMHO.

It is a 1603 with an engine turned bezel and the appropriate hands/dial should be white gold.

[sundaynitesorrow]

Originally Posted by Lol-x

The bronze dial (with gold hour markers) and gold hands are not made on stainless steel watches. So someone has swapped the dial and hands into the watch from a TT or a 18K YG Model. Even the off-white date wheel would appear to be from a gold model. Someone has swapped over the dial/movement IMHO.

It is a 1603 with an engine turned bezel and the appropriate hands/dial should be white gold.

I love the bronze and silver contrast. Will this reduce the value of the watch and can i still have it serviced by Rolex? I was interested in getting a new dial for it with diamonds eventually, what are the downfalls to doing something like that?

[locutus49]

I would get a refund, resell it, or just save up for the watch you actually want. There is no telling what kind of movement is inside, or what maintenance has been done. I have never seen a Rolex that looks like yours and I bought my first one 40 years ago.

But if you are happy with what you have and what you paid, then: case closed. Enjoy.

If you are not quite satisfied: Lesson learned. Use this website as a resource. You can find great deals from trusted Forum members/dealers.

[photo]

Originally Posted by sundaynitesorrow

I love the bronze and silver contrast. Will this reduce the value of the watch and can i still have it serviced by Rolex? I was interested in getting a new dial for it with diamonds eventually, what are the downfalls to doing something like that?

If you are thinking an aftermarket diamond dial such as "custom modification" would be considered "Counterfeit" in the eyes of Rolex. I don't know if this timepiece had a diamond dial option. Any dial not OEM or optioned for the specific model etc, would be of issue in the eyes of Rolex as far as I know.. You can call them Even on pieces with diamond dials specific diamonds and settings were used .. .

Honestly, I am not a diamond dial kind of gal .. .me, I'm not sure this timepiece lends itself to that embellishment.. .it's a SS model. But that's subjective much likened to Art ;)

Fortunately, our terrific TRF experts here can no doubt answer you and this ? in their sleep.. and will no doubt chime in or back in.

[jvmartin]

How much did you spend?

From what I understand Rolex will not make a problem for you as long as original parts were used in the swap. I have actually seen a few 1601 and 16030/16014 models with authentic champagne dials. I was never sure if it was produced that way or if it had been customized with original parts. I have never seen a two tone dial on a SS watch on newer models.

If you decide to add a diamond dial you will never be able to send it back to Rolex for service. This isn't the end of the world to some people. If you do go the diamond dial route do not refinish your current dial. That's a pretty rare dial.

Overall, if you like it and paid a fair price than it's a good deal!

[sundaynitesorrow]

Oh goodness =-/ I don't think i can win. I understand what you guys are saying. In the end, I just don't have the kind of money to drop down on something I really really want. In the near future I will be getting married and I have had this long time goal/dream of having a Rolex on my wrist the day I do so. As you know, a wedding isn't cheap, which limits my funds towards a Rolex.

My thoughts are as follows:
buy something of the stature of this watch and upgrade things over time. Such as the dial and bezel. Spend X amount now and X amount later for those things. I understand that it would deem the watch counterfeit, but In my situation I'm kind of looking into it as a keep sake.

I guess the question is, am I okay with the fact it would not be original and likely worth a good amount less? I like different though, something no one else is running around with on their wrist.

I paid $1,600 for the watch, which may be too much? my limit was 1800 and I was happy to come under it. For my price range I know I wont find anything in the best of condition, but it seems for around 1600 you can get the watch alone with some cheap leather band on it. I like the original stainless bands that go with the majority most Rolex watches.

[photo]

Sundaynitesorrow.. .I just realized it's you. Since the Singapore refund you've already purchased another timepiece, specifically this one? Did you purchase this on eBay as well?

[sundaynitesorrow]

Yes. No, I did not purchase this one on ebay.

[photo]

Was very happy to hear you got your money refunded and all is well. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!! There are a number of Rolex certified watchmakers the community can recommend and honestly any timepiece can be serviced/polished to look showroom new.

If you can show us a photo of the movement and inside of the case back it would be helpful. I'd thought that after we all saw you through the Singapore fiasco - you were going to show us 1st and only once you got a thumbs up from the community here.. pull the trigger. Who did you purchase it from..a private individual, local shop, online?

My feeling is you can WIN and you shouldn't feel discouraged. Let's see if we can't figure out exactly what you have here. ..

This community has literal miracle workers on the roster. It may turn out that down the road you have some original parts ferreted out and do a restoration.. .In any event try not to get overly stressed out.

Do you have the serial number located between the lugs?
Do you have or can you provide any photos of the clasp and end pieces..numbers lettering etc?

Just as David, Adam and Stavrodos have said.. .

[southtexas]

Personally, I think it looks pretty cool. I like the contrast.

[sundaynitesorrow]

I purchased it online from a shop. I don't have it in hand ATM. It will be shipped out Tuesday. I will take pictures and post them asap. I have 14 days to return it. So, if everyone think is junk and/or not worth what i payed for it then i'm covered. (also by paypal) I've also been in communication with the shop over the phone, so If it shouldn't be a problem if I have to return it.

[photo]

All sounds Great! Please keep us posted.

[subtona]

I think it would look killer w contrasting hands.

[sundaynitesorrow]

Just got it in the mail! here are some pictures. (also, how do i safely open it to post picture of the inside for you guys?)

[sundaynitesorrow]

One more question, what do you guys use to clean yours?

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by sundaynitesorrow

One more question, what do you guys use to clean yours?

Rolex recommends warm soapy water and a soft brush.