Morning All

I recent bought an Explorer 214270 from an AD in the UK. This may have started me on a bit of a Rolex phase and I've now bought a 1603 DJ.

I like a bit of risk and I'm a big boy so rather than asking for any help from OFers, I just did my own research and took the plunge whilst also using the same criteria and method I would apply to buying vintage Omegas.

Anyway, this arrived this morning. 1603 with linen/textured dial, 2,2xx,xxx serial and what I think is the original jubilee. The lume looks wonderful and the dial as a whole I find mesmerising.

I just have one question on the 'J' in DateJust. Most dials I've seen have a 'crossed J' with a bar at the top. However, mine (and other examples I've seen) has a 'straight J'. I've only seen this is examples up to around 1970. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Is it a legitimate 60's variation or is there something amis?

 

Its fine. I have a 1603 with the straight J. Ser 2,156,xxx, caseback made Q1 68, That was Sold in UK In 1973

 

Forgot to mention, the bracelet clasp should be dated on the reverse of the clasp? And these seem to come with the drop down 7 date wheel, like this

 

my 1603 dj has longer datejust text, similar text size of 'ROLEX', and rounded J (like tail). i have no idea why because it's 2tone black dial.

 

I'd be more concerned with the bracelet. Mixture of oval and D link

 

I just noticed that thought it looked weird

 

I spotted that too and sent David a message back channel

 

Ah gotcha.

Funnily enough I didn't notice this until I saw my own picture. It's only the removable links so I'll try and source some correct ones.

All part of the learning process but as long as the head is correct I'm happy.

 

That dial is absolutely beautiful - you're having a great run!

 

indeed, it's a beautiful silk dial..

 

You might want to take a closer look as you might need more parts than that. Seems they got handy on your bracelet and cobbled a D link directly to your existing clasp as well.

 

I see what you're saying. It's not ideal but I'm sure I can sort it. The dial was the main attraction for me so if the only issue is the bracelet I can live with that.

Thanks for the feedback all. Welcome to rookie Rolex status I guess!!!

 

It just goes to show that you need to spend time researching all aspects.

Despite my experience with vintage Omega and Speedmasters (and the importance of bracelets) I've spent considerable time researching vintage DJs recently but just the heads, not bracelets. Lesson learnt!

 

Oh you did just fine I'm sure. Bracelets are interchangeable but a lousy head is a much bigger problem. Yours is a stunner. Let me know if you need any original USA oval links as I got some along with other bracelet parts.

 

Beautiful classic Rolex .....with a beautiful dial...enjoy here’s mine..