Just Bought 80s Blue Dial Datejust

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Good point which I had overlooked! Bracelet code is 78360, clasp code is L5 which I believe is 1987. Case serial number starts with 8237 which suggests 1984, Rolex warranty papers are dated 1988. Perhaps the watch sat for a couple of years and at the time of sale the customer requested the oyster bracelet to be swapped in. Thoughts?

I think this is plausible. I have heard many times, from people who bought and sold Rolexes decades ago, that bracelets were often matched with watches by the dealer at the time of sale, so the warranty papers and bracelet clasp could well be consistent. As noted by others, there was typically a stylistic consistency between type of bracelet (oyster vs jubilee) and the bezel (smooth, fluted, or engine-turned), so an oyster bracelet would not traditionally be matched with a fluted bezel DJ. However, I wouldn't be at all surprised if dealers in the 80s were willing to deviate from the norm at the request of the buyer. These days, I don't think there is much flexibility.
 
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In the USA at that time, you can tell what bracelet was originally fitted to the watch from the warranty papers

look at the last 4 digits from the top line

this one is mine - and confirms that the oyster 78360 bracelet ( dated I5, so May 1984) was fitted to my 16750 ( serial 858xxxx)

 
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In the USA at that time, you can tell what bracelet was originally fitted to the watch from the warranty papers

look at the last 4 digits from the top line

this one is mine - and confirms that the oyster 78360 bracelet ( dated I5, so May 1984) was fitted to my 16750 ( serial 858xxxx)


I appreciate the detailed reply, but as you can see on my warranty paperwork below, no such long code is included:

 
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I appreciate the detailed reply, but as you can see on my warranty paperwork below, no such long code is included:

I can see the dealer stamped date of sale as 1988 - but when was the paper published - date and month given in the bottom right hand corner?

do EU papers also have the red letters on the back - notifying when the watch was sent to the dealers / AD ?
 
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I can see the dealer stamped date of sale as 1988 - but when was the paper published - date and month given in the bottom right hand corner?

do EU papers also have the red letters on the back - notifying when the watch was sent to the dealers / AD ?[/QUOTE

Thanks for the reply, I’m down for the night but will check and report back in the morning!
 
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As promised here is the reverse side of the warranty paperwork, but unfortunately I’m not seeing enough additional codes which might solve the mystery of the originality of the bracelet. FYI date of sale was July 15, 1988:

 
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how nice and goes great with the oyster bracelet! Enjoy and wear in good health.
 
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I can see the dealer stamped date of sale as 1988 - but when was the paper published - date and month given in the bottom right hand corner?

do EU papers also have the red letters on the back - notifying when the watch was sent to the dealers / AD ?

Sorry I missed understood this question; the code at the lower right hand corner of the warranty paper is 564 00 250 2 1986.
 
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Great catch. I've got an 80's DJ on my list for this year.
 
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Wow, what a lovely dial and excellent condition.

Congrats.

I would like to find another one like this!!

Best.