Datejust 1601 question

Skv · Sep 18, 2014

Hi all,

After having sold a few of my Omegas, I'm in the market for a Datejust 1601.

I have seen quite some examples, but most of them are overpolished. This morning, I received a message from a private seller who offers me this watch from 1974:

He has invited me over to come and see it myself. Unfortunately I am not totally sure how I can determine it is genuine when I am hat his place.
He has a good track record online so the 'buy the seller' principle applies.

Could any of you experts give me some quick advice on the watch pictured above and what I should be looking for?

Darlinboy · Sep 18, 2014

!974 will have a serial number in the 4xx,xxx,xxx range, plus or minus. Reference number and serial number will be engraved between the lugs on the 12 and 6 o'clock sides. The watch looks genuine to me, based on that single picture. Correct "t Swiss t" dial and handset. Looks to have seen a polish, but the case looks quite good, would want to see side views, and of the crown. Would also want to see more dates - I believe this reference should have the open 6 & 9 date disc configuration. And check condition/authenticity of the bracelet.

You're right that "buy the seller" always applies. What's the price, and who's the seller?

Skv · Sep 18, 2014

Darlinboy
!974 will have a serial number in the 4xx,xxx,xxx range, plus or minus. Reference number and serial number will be engraved between the lugs on the 12 and 6 o'clock sides. The watch looks genuine to me, based on that single picture. Correct "t Swiss t" dial and handset. Looks to have seen a polish, but the case looks quite good, would want to see side views, and of the crown. Would also want to see more dates - I believe this reference should have the open 6 & 9 date disc configuration. And check condition/authenticity of the bracelet.

You're right that "buy the seller" always applies. What's the price, and who's the seller?

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts.

The seller is Roos Beumkes from Arnhem, the Netherlands.

Some reviews (all in Dutch though) of the seller:
http://www.rolexforum.nl/topic.php?id=12750

http://www.dezinvanluxe.nl/forum/3/7899

http://www.horlogeforum.nl/read.php?13,67184,69560

I am going to have it checked for corrosion and general state at a local jeweler this afternoon.
Do you have any additional advice on what to check for when looking at the bracelet? I believe the end links need to be 55.

Skv · Sep 18, 2014

I had never seen one in person and I think it is a stunning watch.

Serial number is in the late 39 million. Bracelet is 62510 with 555 endlinks.
I have taken it to a watchmaker to ask his professional opinion. He took it back and informed me that it has a 1575 movement that is correctly calibrated. The date jumps at 2 minutes past 12 and when you wind back after 12, the date moves back, too. The date disc is indeed the one with open 6 an 9's.

The dial is in good and original condition. Two markers (10 and 4) are slightly discolored and the case is definately worn, but still shows its original finishing (at least, I am told that it does).

Two quick pictures:

speedbird · Sep 18, 2014

An honest watch at an honest price. At €1600 you're right where you'd want to be, of course less is always better but you're not being taken for a ride

Skv · Sep 19, 2014

I think I did quite okay with this watch and I got it at the right price.

I have bought it about 18 hours ago and thus far it runs at +5 seconds.

Some additional pictures:

Darlinboy · Sep 19, 2014

Looks very nice! Congratulations. 😀

I have a mid'60s 1625 Turnograph datejust that is one of my favorites.

Nobody Move · Sep 19, 2014

Like you, I would have definitely pulled the trigger on that watch. Congratulations! If the seller couldn't determine the time of its last maintenance, I would certainly have it serviced sooner rather than later. Thanks for posting your excellent photos, too, they're quite nice.

adam78 · Sep 19, 2014

Nice one!

Skv · Sep 20, 2014

Nobody Move
Like you, I would have definitely pulled the trigger on that watch. Congratulations! If the seller couldn't determine the time of its last maintenance, I would certainly have it serviced sooner rather than later. Thanks for posting your excellent photos, too, they're quite nice.

The watch runs at +6 / +7 sec during the first 24 hours. I will keep checking it the coming few days and will bring it to a watchmaker to ask if it needs servicing.

Skv · Sep 20, 2014

Have you guys got any suggestions for a nice leather strap to go with it?

phishfromvermont · Sep 27, 2014

Jelle86
Have you guys got any suggestions for a nice leather strap to go with it?

as a guy from chicago, maybe a horween shell cordovan #8

CanberraOmega · Sep 28, 2014

Jelle86
Have you guys got any suggestions for a nice leather strap to go with it?

Are you interested in selling the bracelet? I would consider buying it.

Also, the horween leather straps are great. @woodwrk2 sellers them here

Skv · Sep 29, 2014

Great, I'll ask him for one. Hopefully there is a way to avoid import taxes for these add 21% plus a fixed price of about eur 25 to each imported package.

I will not sell the bracelet by the way, just want a leather strap to swap it with the bracelet once in a while, sorry.

pitpro · Oct 6, 2014

Nice watch. I am partial to jubilee.
They are the most comfortable and
best looking Rolex bracelet

Skv · Oct 6, 2014

I have sent it to my watchmaker for a service 2 weeks ago. Still no word from him. I miss my watch. :-( I hate the feeling that every time I buy a new vintage watch I have to get it serviced right away and need to wait for several weeks before i can finally wear it on my wrist.

Alpha · Oct 6, 2014

Sorry I missed your o.p. Very nice indeed and something that is very near the top of my want list.
Congrats 👍

aga79 · Nov 18, 2014

Very nice Datejust sir...
next time , you should go for a predecessor

such as 6105 or 6605
here's mine

Nobody Move · Nov 18, 2014

I think white dial, Rolex dress watches look best paired with their original SS or TT bracelets. On the other hand, sports watches likes Rolex Subs and Omega Speedies look awesome with a leather strap...Bulang & Sons, for instance.

Skv · Nov 19, 2014

It's still off for the service. :-(

Datejust 1601 question

Skv

Darlinboy

Skv

Skv

speedbird

Skv

Darlinboy

Nobody Move

adam78

Skv

Skv

phishfromvermont

CanberraOmega

Skv

pitpro

Skv

Alpha

aga79

Nobody Move

Skv

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