Datejust which version, newb question

[jespertc]

Hi Guys

I am pretty new inhere, and this is my first post, though I have been listening in for some time.

Now I have a SMB a few Seikos, e.g. Orange monster etc, but now I want my first Rolex, and I have decieded on a Datejust as I a few years ago was scammed in a Sub deal, where I never got the watch (via timezone).

So which version to take if I buy a used, are there any differences in the movement etc, thing to look out for? I want a all steel version, pref with a white or black dial without any diamonds.
My budget is in the 2-3k usd range, and I have seen a few nice one get sold inhere in this price range.
Also if you have any advice on how to buy a datejust used, please tell :)

Regards from Denmark

[unclesallie]

Buy from a trusted seller on TRF. Go to the seller's/buyers section and PM sent!

Welcome to TRF!!

[The GMT Master]

For your price range, you should be looking at a 16200 (the previous model of Datejust). Identical mechanically to the new version, it just comes with a slightly less refined bracelet, and less polishing on the case lugs. If you have the Oyster bracelet, it'll all be brushed as well. If you get one from after 1998, it should have a Luminova or Superluminova dial on it too

[ersnyder]

Welcome to TRF! Visit the sellers on TRF and check them out. You'll find a nice DJ and someone you can trust. Most Rolexes have the same movement with a few exceptions.

[petesjag]

Check out the DJ II series...41 mm
a bit more expensive then you are wishing to spend...maybe a used model..but since they are new it will take a bit of time before you will find the II series for that kind of cash..

[davidf]

I like the 1603 and 1601. Easily found for under $2k and very classic.

[jespertc]

First of, thank you guys! And Dan thank you for the list, I will sent them a PM :)

The 16200 looks nice, and so does the 1601/ 1603, I do prefer the 1601/1603 due to the "bezel", but what is the difference on those two models?

Also in terms of durability, how "old can I go", I mean I want a watch which will last for many years, so I dont want to buy a watch which is in the end of its lifetime ;)

[jatco]

Davs...
and welcome to TRF...
Any Rolex, will last you for many many years.. and probably outlast you..!
I got my DJ from a trusted TRF member..!

[jespertc]

Just an update, I found this watch here in Denmark, and it has the big plus, that here I can go see the watch before I pay. The price is okay I think, remembering that I have to pay around 35% extra on a watch from the US in tax alone.

http://www.timegeeks.dk/index.php?id...0&details=9580

Its a steel and white gold version, this look okay I think, but hard to see from the pictures alone. Can anyone help me ID the version, and perhaps its age?