Latest Vintage Piece

1968 Rolex Datejust 1603, dark grey dial with black text, full kit, $7,200.00 CAD. 505-00121 e14432

Besides a hammer or screwdriver, I can’t think of many consumer products that after close to 57 years of faithful service are still useful, reliable, and have residual value. A stainless steel Rolex Datejust is the definitive “tool” of wristwatches today and when the model was introduced way back in 1945. These do it all watches are Rolex’s best sellers. They come in several sizes, countless different configurations of bracelets, bezels, dials, and metal choices. The entry-level stainless steel versions have always been the collector/enthusiasts favorites. Our latest vintage DJ is interesting on several levels, the most obvious in how complete the package is. Getting a watch with the original box is always a treat, but when that box is this nice after well over 50 years, it makes the presentation quite special. Even the protective outer box is here. A previous owner coloured the edges of the box where the green had worn off, they obviously wanted the outer box to look as nice as the inner. I suppose you can always find an old Rolex box if you are missing the original, but you can never duplicate the original paperwork documentation, and this watch has it. The 30-page warranty/instruction booklet bears the serial number 1943697 pierced through the centre tear-out pages. The booklet goes on to document notable Rolex achievements through 1968 (the year this watch was made). Finding a vintage Rolex from the 1960s that comes with the actual chronometer testing certificate is something we’ve only seen a few times. The Swiss Institute for Official Chronometer Tests outlines the specific timing results of this actual watch. The tests lasted 15 days, and were completed on March 4, 1969. The movement was tested in 5 different positions at 3 different temperatures. At the end of the exhaustive testing, the movement ran to an average of just 4.1 seconds per day fast (well within specification). Even more remarkable than the rare chronometer testing results, this watch comes with the original embossed, foil price tag of only $275.00 and “swimpruf” tag, which also displays the matching serial number and price. These rare accessories are also almost never seen. The original made in USA Jubilee bracelet is showing significant wear and stretch but remains in wearable condition with years left of use remaining. This bracelet is quite long and will accommodate a wrist size of up to 21cm.   My favorite aspect of the watch is the dark grey radial finish dial. The hue is almost identical to the contemporary Rolex “rhodium” colour dial. The black text almost disappears against the dark grey. I suspect this dial was originally a lighter silver, but over the years somehow colour shifted to the dark grey you see today. Rolex always uses strong contrasting text on their dials. Black text on dark grey isn’t their normal practice. Overall dial condition is excellent, all tritium hour plots are fully intact, and matching hands appear original. The engine turned stainless steel bezel is a style that Rolex no longer offers. The finely machined bezel still displays its original subtle detail. We believe only the date-ring and crystal are factory service replacement items. We completed a full overhaul and service to the 57 year old mechanism in September of 2021. The electronic timing report shows the watch is still running within chronometer tolerances, shows an excellent balance amplitude of 238 degrees, and a perfect beat error of zero milliseconds. It has hardly been worn since the 2021 service. It is running great, keeping excellent time with all functions operating as designed. I think it would be almost impossible to find a comparable and complete example for our estate price of $7,200.00 CAD. Stock #e14432 505-00121.

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