Hi All,

I am more a UG guy, but could not resist to this one a 1976 Rolex 1600 with sigma dial.

It comes with jubilee bracelet and also papers and box, which I presume are period correct.

Far from me to believe, I am expert on these models, as I only knew 1601 or 1603.

From internet searching I could find that ref 1600 really did existed and it was manufactured in those years (1970´s).

Can anyone please help me disclosure some more information on this specific reference, and also if the dat as the quick set mechanism?

Thanks for all your comments.

I will post better pictures later.

Thanks

 

Very nice I would like to own one like that some day

 

That’s a beautiful example of a 1600 (smooth bezel), with a nice case and sought-after dial (which looks to be in excellent condition). Your watch is probably a little early for quickset function, but simply ask seller.

The sigma is said to denote the use of white gold on the markers (and is probably too late for your serial, if indeed a 1976 circa serial). But definitely not a detail I personally would be hung up on.

The bracelets are heavily faked (not saying anything about yours as the pictures don’t allow determination). But if you trust seller and it’s a good price, I’d say go for it.

 

Hi Thanks for your feedback.

This watch is being sold by grandson of original owner.
It doesn't know nothing about watches, not even this is a sigma dial.

Serial is 3976913, which I presume it is correct for 1976 based in some internet sites.

Bracelet endlinks have stamped 555, which I also presum it is correct.

Papers stamp, says it was purchased in France in December 1976, also clasp as marked 1/76.

Do you believe the dial was replaced? It is original rolex but a later replacement?

I have tried the watch, and it seems no quick set date function.

Thanks,

João

 

The bracelet appears to me to be later than the watch.

 

Dial is original Rolex, they get swapped out all the time, depending on preference of owner. I would not get concerned about the “era” of the dial, DJ dials (to me, at least) are interchangeable depending on what you like. It’s a pie pan, it belongs in 4 digit reference.

The solid oyster 62510h bracelets were introduced around that time, so it’s correct to that era (if yours is all original—again, I can’t tell from picture and best way to know is examine the scroll work on clasp and screws in links). It’s in excellent shape, I’m assuming owner didn’t wear it too often if it’s indeed original to your watch.

Here’s one I sold loose just like it, feel free to compare:

 

Hi,

Thanks for the explanation and pictures.

In did that dial is very similar to mine.

As per the seller, his grandfather did not wear much the watch, it seems he prefered another watches he had.
It only wear it on special occasions.

This guy had this watch for the past six years, so it will need a service.

Box is reference 67.00.3, seems old, so I believe it is correct for this model

Below clasp markings

Thanks for all your help

João

 

1600 denotes smooth bezel. they arent all that common. i have a black matte dial, non-Sigma on Oyster from 1972, if i recall correctly.

 

I love those dark dials...

 

Beautiful watch. I'm a huge fan of 70s era 160x watches.

 

Hi guys
Caseback says 1603 instead of 1600.
Is ir ok or someone swap the casebacks
Thanks

 

the codes reflect what it should be

 

Sorry but that means?

 

....It should have the machined bezel

I'm not sure but I think during this period you could get the bezels swapped out to your personal preference if you wanted. I'm happy to be corrected

Here's my 1603 version.. I swapped out the bracelet as I prefer the older jubilee

 

[Swapped bezel most likely. You can purchase the engine-turned bezel pretty inexpensively if you want to make it correct.]
[Edit: I want to retract this comment. ]

Edit: Sorry, I just re-read the thread more carefully and saw that the case appears to be marked 1600 between the lugs. At least I think so, but the markings are faint, so maybe the OP can confirm. And the original papers also indicate ref 1600. So it looks more likely that the bezel is original (matching the case and papers), and the case-back is the part that is questionable. Frankly, I don't know how much of a concern this is. For example, ref 5513 Subs are often found with 5512 case-backs, and collectors believe that these case-backs are original. So possibly the 160x case-backs were used interchangeably by Rolex in the mid-to-late 1970s. An expert may know.

 

Hi All.
Probably I did not explain myself well.
The case and papers are punched/marked 1600, only the caseback is marked 1603.
That is why I presumed it has been changed. However as they are interchangeable between all 160x references it also could have left factory like this.
I also have read now about 5513/5512 subs case marks.
Thanks

 

Here is my ghost grey 1603 also known as polar grey.

 

That would look sweet on a leather strap.

 

ghost bezels eat your heart out!

 

I am not ashamed to admit that I just found out that Sigma stands for the gold markes.