Now that I've grabbed a Speedy:

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Hey, folks:

First, let me say this: thank you for all of your help when I was on the fence with that Speedy a few days back; it was truly appreciated.

Now that I have made that move, I am considering a classic Datejust, reference 1601. I've found this one for 4K, but I am wondering if the dial may not be original to this piece, for it is super clean for a 1975. What do you think? Good buy?
 
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With the bracelet, I don’t think the price is unreasonable.

I suspect the dial is original, but I’d wait for the real experts. The case is polished - see the lug widths in the last photo, but not excessively.

Of course, I’d want to see both sides of the caseback.

With the bracelet (assuming it’s a genuine Rolex), it’d be tempting to me if it had a more interesting dial. Has it been serviced recently?
 
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Case is certainly polished a bit, as are most DJs of this period.
I also think the dial looks good it has the correct step and T Swiss T and the printing looks correct on those pictures. I'd like a clear face on shot though to confirm.

What is the currency, this is an international forum -£, $Aus, €, $US?
 
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The bottom left lug has been polished to look like a toothpick. For that price I’d expect a better looking case. These have shot up in recent months, I prefer a 16220 with better looking case and full kit in that price range.

Good luck.
 
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Looks good to me and decently priced; Datejusts have shot up recently. Case condition is not bad at all in my opinion.

The final two photos appear to be from HQ Milton - assume the seller originally bought it from them?

Go for it I say.
 
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With the bracelet, I don’t think the price is unreasonable.

I suspect the dial is original, but I’d wait for the real experts. The case is polished - see the lug widths in the last photo, but not excessively.

Of course, I’d want to see both sides of the caseback.

With the bracelet (assuming it’s a genuine Rolex), it’d be tempting to me if it had a more interesting dial. Has it been serviced recently?

Yes, it has been serviced recently. And here is that other photo of the caseback:

 
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Case is certainly polished a bit, as are most DJs of this period.
I also think the dial looks good it has the correct step and T Swiss T and the printing looks correct on those pictures. I'd like a clear face on shot though to confirm.

What is the currency, this is an international forum -£, $Aus, €, $US?

4K USD. Sorry for my haste!
Edited:
 
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Looks good to me and decently priced; Datejusts have shot up recently. Case condition is not bad at all in my opinion.

The final two photos appear to be from HQ Milton - assume the seller originally bought it from them?

Go for it I say.
And yes, he told he he got it from HQ Milton. And yes! They have shot up! That's why I thought this a good price.
 
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Case is certainly polished a bit, as are most DJs of this period.
I also think the dial looks good it has the correct step and T Swiss T and the printing looks correct on those pictures. I'd like a clear face on shot though to confirm.

What is the currency, this is an international forum -£, $Aus, €, $US?

Here is the straight-on shot:

IMG-2313.jpg
 
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The main flaw is the thin lugs, but as mentioned above, that is extremely common with these, and it's factored into the price I would say. Overall $4k USD is a good price given the current market. The dial and hands are nice and clean. These silver dials hold up very well, so it's not unusual to find them in good condition. My 1603 is several years older and the dial is pretty clean.

 
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The main flaw is the thin lugs, but as mentioned above, that is extremely common with these, and it's factored into the price I would say. Overall $4k USD is a good price given the current market. The dial and hands are nice and clean. These silver dials hold up very well, so it's not unusual to find them in good condition. My 1603 is several years older.


Gotcha! Yes, I was thinking that 4K USD is good, too. That is a gorgeous watch!
 
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Pretty spot-on for both buyer and seller to be happy, in my personal estimation for condition and current market (I've been quite into 60s/70s OPs and DJ/Dates myself, lately)

Good luck!
 
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Pretty spot-on for both buyer and seller to be happy, in my personal estimation for condition and current market (I've been quite into 60s/70s OPs and DJ/Dates myself, lately)

Good luck!

Thanks! Yea, I find it very compelling, too.
 
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I love the 1601 with the Grey dial and crenellated bezel....
 
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Yes, it has been serviced recently. And here is that other photo of the caseback:

That’s a lot of pitting between the lugs which again detracts from value. Also, not only are the lugs thin, but the brushed finish on them is sub-par. Don’t mean to be harsh, but at $4k this becomes relevant. When these used to go for $1.5-2k, one could overlook the defects.

finding a good DJ is not easy, take your time and you’ll find one that’s fits the bill.
 
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That’s a lot of pitting between the lugs which again detracts from value. Also, not only are the lugs thin, but the brushed finish on them is sub-par. Don’t mean to be harsh, but at $4k this becomes relevant. When these used to go for $1.5-2k, one could overlook the defects.

finding a good DJ is not easy, take your time and you’ll find one that’s fits the bill.

Good point. I just got this Speedy, so I am going to chill now. Lol!
 
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I would not pay 4k.
I do like the dial but I don’t wanna get a pitted case. That’s a no for me, unless the watch is an absolute bargain.
 
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Nice open 6 date wheel but agree at 4k I'd wait for a better case.Theyre not rare, especially in the US.
 
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Some thoughts:
- first and foremost, why don’t you simply start enjoying the Speedy if you just got it? You state you got it 4 days ago... and you are already on the hunt again? Pace yourself. 😉

Now, if you still want to go ahead because you desperately need to add a dressy watch to the bunch, I will not repeat what others already pointed out above, but:
- why are there different backgrounds behind the watch? I would be suspicious and would ask for a consistent series of photos with same background and with a written note with words or phrase that YOU would suggest to seller.

Remember to always buy the seller first. If the deal is too good to be true... then it is.

Good luck. 👍
 
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Some thoughts:
- first and foremost, why don’t you simply start enjoying the Speedy if you just got it? You state you got it 4 days ago... and you are already on the hunt again? Pace yourself. 😉

Now, if you still want to go ahead because you desperately need to add a dressy watch to the bunch, I will not repeat what others already pointed out above, but:
- why are there different backgrounds behind the watch? I would be suspicious and would ask for a consistent series of photos with same background and with a written note with words or phrase that YOU would suggest to seller.

Remember to always buy the seller first. If the deal is too good to be true... then it is.

Good luck. 👍

Ha! Yea man, I got the bug bad, I guess. I was looking at the Speedy and the DJ concurrently, so it was more of a "one or the other" situation at first, but then I was like "well, maybe get them both?" After reading the wisdom of folks here, I have decided to go with the reasonable and, frankly, prudent advice of people here and forgo the DJ. So, I will be pacing myself! New Year's resolution: No hunts for 2021.