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We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence | About us
The authenticity of the watch has been checked and certified by Sebastian, who is one of Sweden's leading watch experts.
Light scratches at case, slightly stretches bracelet.
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/ Rolex
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/ Datejust
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Product Description
This vintage Rolex Datejust 36mm Ref. 1603 from 1970 is crafted in stainless steel and presented in very good condition, with light scratches to the case and bracelet and slight bracelet stretch. Featuring an engine-turned bezel, silver dial with date window and Jubilee bracelet, it is an elegant choice for everyday wear or more polished occasions.
RETURNS
A Retro Tale offers 14 days return policy upon receipt of your order.
In order to request a return, please email [email protected] with your order number and state ”return request” in your email. From there, our Customer Support will confirm that your return request has been approved and further instructions will be provided by email.
Please note that the return shipping fee is covered by the returnee and all return shippings to A Retro Tale must be traceable. Thus, please retain your receipt of shipping and tracking number until your return has been completed and you have received your refund.
Please allow up to 10 business days for your return to be completed from the return shipping date as shipping time might vary depending on shipping country and shipping provider.
Bags
Watches
Jewelry & Accessories
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• Stainless steel case
• Engine-turned bezel
• Silver dial with date window
• Jubilee bracelet
• Vintage
Show more product information
Q: What makes the Rolex Datejust Ref. 1603 different from other vintage Datejust models? A: Ref. 1603 is best known for its stainless steel engine-turned bezel, which gives it a more understated look than the fluted versions. This example also features the classic 36 mm case, silver dial, date window, and Jubilee bracelet for a timeless vintage Datejust appearance.
Q: Is 36 mm a good size for everyday wear? A: Yes. A 36 mm Datejust is considered a classic, versatile size that wears comfortably on a wide range of wrists. It offers a refined vintage proportion rather than an oversized look, which is one reason the model remains so popular for daily wear.
Q: What wrist size will this watch fit? A: The listed bracelet perimeter is approximately 19 cm. That should suit wrists up to around that size, while smaller wrists may be accommodated by removing links if available. If you would like the fit checked before purchase, it is best to confirm the current bracelet configuration.
Please note that the majority of our items are vintage and therefore have tales to tell unless stated otherwise. Therefore, please look at pictures, descriptions and measurements provided as they give you the best idea of the story this item has to tell.
* Please note that when you buy a vintage product, the dimensions may vary slightly from a new one depending on previous care and storage.
Dimensions & Specifications
SHIPPING
All orders are insured and trackable. Once your shipment has been issued, a link to our Track & Trace service will be provided where you can track your shipment and check delivery status online.
A Retro Tale is registered for UK VAT. All prices on the website include shipping, customs, and VAT for deliveries to the UK.
These charges are typically collected by the shipping carrier at the time of delivery and are not included in the product price.
We offer secure shipping via DHL and UPS with the following delivery time:
Outside Europe: 3-6 business days.
Delivery & Returns
Q: What makes the Rolex Datejust Ref. 1603 different from other vintage Datejust models? A: Ref. 1603 is best known for its stainless steel engine-turned bezel, which gives it a more understated look than the fluted versions. This example also features the classic 36 mm case, silver dial, date window, and Jubilee bracelet for a timeless vintage Datejust appearance.
Q: Is 36 mm a good size for everyday wear? A: Yes. A 36 mm Datejust is considered a classic, versatile size that wears comfortably on a wide range of wrists. It offers a refined vintage proportion rather than an oversized look, which is one reason the model remains so popular for daily wear.
Q: Does the Datejust 1603 have a quickset date function? A: Most vintage Ref. 1603 watches are non-quickset, meaning the date is usually changed by advancing the hands through 24-hour cycles rather than by using a separate quickset crown position. That is normal for this reference and part of its vintage character.
Q: What does slight bracelet stretch mean on this watch? A: Slight bracelet stretch is common on older Jubilee bracelets and refers to looseness that develops over time from long-term wear. On this specific watch, the condition notes mention slight stretch along with light scratches to the case and bracelet, which is consistent with honest vintage use.
Q: What wrist size will this watch fit? A: The listed bracelet perimeter is approximately 19 cm. That should suit wrists up to around that size, while smaller wrists may be accommodated by removing links if available. If you would like the fit checked before purchase, it is best to confirm the current bracelet configuration.
Q: Can I swim or shower with a vintage Rolex Datejust like this? A: It is best to treat a vintage watch with caution around water. Even though the Datejust was designed as an Oyster case watch, water resistance on a piece from 1970 depends entirely on its present condition, seals, and any recent pressure testing. Unless it has been freshly tested and confirmed safe, avoid swimming, showering, or submerging it.
Q: What is included with this watch? A: This listing states no accompanying product information is included. If you are looking for a box, papers, service records, or other extras, they are not included unless specifically mentioned on the product page.
Q: How should I care for a vintage Rolex Datejust? A: Store it in a dry place, keep it away from strong magnets and sudden shocks, and wipe it gently with a soft cloth after wear. For long-term care, have it inspected and serviced only by a reputable watchmaker experienced with vintage Rolex models.
Q: Is the engine-turned bezel desirable? A: Yes. The engine-turned bezel is one of the defining details of the 1603 and is appreciated by collectors for its subtle texture and less flashy appearance compared with a fluted bezel. It gives the watch a distinctly vintage Rolex personality.
FAQ
Trustpilot
Delivered with
no accessories
Made in
Switzerland
Serial number:
2564843
Year of Manufacture:
1970
Reference Number:
1603
Product number:
K2606101562
Rolex Datejust 36mm Ref 1603 1970 Watch
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RETURNS
A Retro Tale offers 14 days return policy upon receipt of your order.
In order to request a return, please email [email protected] with your order number and state ”return request” in your email. From there, our Customer Support will confirm that your return request has been approved and further instructions will be provided by email.
Please note that the return shipping fee is covered by the returnee and all return shippings to A Retro Tale must be traceable. Thus, please retain your receipt of shipping and tracking number until your return has been completed and you have received your refund.
Please allow up to 10 business days for your return to be completed from the return shipping date as shipping time might vary depending on shipping country and shipping provider.
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4 434 £
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Very Good Condition
This vintage Rolex Datejust 36mm Ref. 1603 from 1970 is crafted in stainless steel and presented in very good condition, with light scratches to the case and bracelet and slight bracelet stretch. Featuring an engine-turned bezel, silver dial with date window and Jubilee bracelet, it is an elegant choice for everyday wear or more polished occasions.
Please note that the majority of our items are vintage and therefore have tales to tell unless stated otherwise. Therefore, please look at pictures, descriptions and measurements provided as they give you the best idea of the story this item has to tell.
* Please note that when you buy a vintage product, the dimensions may vary slightly from a new one depending on previous care and storage.
Q: What makes the Rolex Datejust Ref. 1603 different from other vintage Datejust models? A: Ref. 1603 is best known for its stainless steel engine-turned bezel, which gives it a more understated look than the fluted versions. This example also features the classic 36 mm case, silver dial, date window, and Jubilee bracelet for a timeless vintage Datejust appearance.
Q: Is 36 mm a good size for everyday wear? A: Yes. A 36 mm Datejust is considered a classic, versatile size that wears comfortably on a wide range of wrists. It offers a refined vintage proportion rather than an oversized look, which is one reason the model remains so popular for daily wear.
Q: Does the Datejust 1603 have a quickset date function? A: Most vintage Ref. 1603 watches are non-quickset, meaning the date is usually changed by advancing the hands through 24-hour cycles rather than by using a separate quickset crown position. That is normal for this reference and part of its vintage character.
Q: What does slight bracelet stretch mean on this watch? A: Slight bracelet stretch is common on older Jubilee bracelets and refers to looseness that develops over time from long-term wear. On this specific watch, the condition notes mention slight stretch along with light scratches to the case and bracelet, which is consistent with honest vintage use.
Q: What wrist size will this watch fit? A: The listed bracelet perimeter is approximately 19 cm. That should suit wrists up to around that size, while smaller wrists may be accommodated by removing links if available. If you would like the fit checked before purchase, it is best to confirm the current bracelet configuration.
Q: Can I swim or shower with a vintage Rolex Datejust like this? A: It is best to treat a vintage watch with caution around water. Even though the Datejust was designed as an Oyster case watch, water resistance on a piece from 1970 depends entirely on its present condition, seals, and any recent pressure testing. Unless it has been freshly tested and confirmed safe, avoid swimming, showering, or submerging it.
Q: What is included with this watch? A: This listing states no accompanying product information is included. If you are looking for a box, papers, service records, or other extras, they are not included unless specifically mentioned on the product page.
Q: How should I care for a vintage Rolex Datejust? A: Store it in a dry place, keep it away from strong magnets and sudden shocks, and wipe it gently with a soft cloth after wear. For long-term care, have it inspected and serviced only by a reputable watchmaker experienced with vintage Rolex models.
Q: Is the engine-turned bezel desirable? A: Yes. The engine-turned bezel is one of the defining details of the 1603 and is appreciated by collectors for its subtle texture and less flashy appearance compared with a fluted bezel. It gives the watch a distinctly vintage Rolex personality.
SHIPPING
All orders are insured and trackable. Once your shipment has been issued, a link to our Track & Trace service will be provided where you can track your shipment and check delivery status online.
A Retro Tale is registered for UK VAT. All prices on the website include shipping, customs, and VAT for deliveries to the UK.
These charges are typically collected by the shipping carrier at the time of delivery and are not included in the product price.
We offer secure shipping via DHL and UPS with the following delivery time:
Outside Europe: 3-6 business days.
AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEED
A Retro Tale specialises in vintage and pre-owned goods from the world's most loved fashion houses. We guarantee that all of our products are 100 percent authentic. Every item sold on our site undergoes a rigorous authentication process, in which our experts delve deep into the heritage of a brand via its craftsmanship techniques. This requires a rigorous and methodical process.
For us, authentication is about more than expertise; it offers a fascinating insight into the history of fashion and the craftsmanship involved in production.
Style discovery
Bracelet perimeter
Case diameter
/ Rolex
/ Watches
/ Mens watches
/ Datejust
4 434 £
• Stainless steel case
• Engine-turned bezel
• Silver dial with date window
• Jubilee bracelet
• Vintage
Condition
Dimensions
Product Information
PRODUCT FAQ
Delivery & Returns
Authentication
Contact an expert
19cm
36
mm
Verified authenticity by our experts
read more
All watches comes with a 12-month mechanical guarantee
All prices includes customs & VAT
Free shipping & duty to the UK
Delivered with
no accessories
Made in
Switzerland
Serial number:
2564843
Year of Manufacture:
1970
Reference Number:
1603
Product number:
K2606101562
The authenticity of the watch has been checked and certified by Sebastian, who is one of Sweden's leading watch experts.
