My newly repaired 1603 :)

[davsk1]

Hi folks,

I posted this thread -

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?p=4746293

- about my inherited watch last year, and now it's been done up!

People around here seem quite keen on "before and after" as well as vintage watches in general, so I thought I'd post some pictures :)





I don't have a flash camera and have little talent for taking photos, so apologies if they aren't very good.

I think the watch has turned out lovely though. The new plexi is very different to the smooth dome of the old one, but the lack of scratches and the date bubble are winning me over! I'm happy the dial still has a slightly warn look (in particular the lume dots by the batons and around the circumference by the second markers) - a reminder to me of my dad wearing it for a couple of decades.

The lugs have been polished with a bit of diagonal grain on top and are gloss on the sides - I quite like this effect. The Jubilee also has a slight "two tone" look from the polishing, with the edge pieces being brushed and the centre not.

With a new mainspring, crown and stem the total cost was £555. This seemed comparable to other quotes I got before proceeding - perhaps there are better deals to be had though!

Now the bad news... the lovely bracelet is far too big for me, and the screws (pins?) on the removable links are totally seized. I'd taken it to a local Jeweler to have it adjusted, and even after soaking them all weekend in a penetrating oil they wouldn't budge. Apparently drilling them out is an option, but I'm not keen to pursue that at the moment.

So, I'm back to the plan of getting a leather strap for the time being. Any suggestions on that front are most welcome. Jeweler was surprised I favoured brown over black with the blue dial, but I just don't dig the shiny black look. I didn't think he had anything in stock worthy of attaching itself to a vintage rolex so I'll be looking online I guess :)

David

[Tools]

There are a number of fixtures used to remove the screws. Perhaps someone who is more familiar with Rolex bracelets can be found, certainly the RSC could be of help..

[jdmi32]

Turned out great. I really like the blue dial on these vintage DJ's.

[Dr.Smellody]

Beautiful! Nice Datejust

[JohnnyH75]

Very elegant !!

[davsk1]

Thanks for the comments guys!

Tools - if I have a trip to London lined up I will do that :)

For now I'm gonna search the boards for threads about leather straps.

[sea-dweller]

Very nice!

[davsk1]

Well, I've finally got the watch on my wrist and I'm very pleased with it. (It's non-quickset so setting the date was a bit of a slog mind you!)

I know some will disapprove, but I went with a leather nato from Bulang and Sons. The watch head sits quite proud of the wrist, but it's comfortable and shows off the lovely smooth sides of the case.

The serial is 40xxx97, although I'm not sure how to interpret that regarding date of manufacture. I was pleased to see an "open 9" on the date wheel two days ago, so assuming open sixes as well :)

[JohnBaker3]

David:

The screws in the bracelet are set with Loctite at the factory.

They can be "released" by using heat. Any jeweler with an alcohol burner should be able to size your bracelet with a little effort.

Nice looking watch by the way!