1983 Rolex - what to look for?
Discussion
I want to get myself a 1983 Rolex Datejust with the Jubilee Bracelet, like this one.
Given that it's a nearly 40-year old watch - and aside from a reputable seller - what else should I look for? Boxes and papers might be harder to come by unless in pristine condition and I'm assuming (perhaps mistakenly) that the chances of fakes in this type of thing are rare(r)?
Given that it's a nearly 40-year old watch - and aside from a reputable seller - what else should I look for? Boxes and papers might be harder to come by unless in pristine condition and I'm assuming (perhaps mistakenly) that the chances of fakes in this type of thing are rare(r)?
OP. That's a nice watch fella! I had a 1972 Datejust that I recently gave to my son (I inherited from my father in 2000, he bought it new). I had it serviced and all is going well with it. He wears it daily.
I don't know where you are based but you could visit the Rolex specialist in the Burlington Arcade in London. There are also other specialist watch shops there who may be able to assist. If I wander past in the next few days I'll have a gander and see what's there, how much and what documents it has with it.
Alternatively, call, or email, Dom Hackett in Hatton Garden with your requirement (he's on here). He will guide you to the right place, if he doesn't manage to get one for you himself. He's a diamond geezer (see what I did there....Hatton Garden...diamond....)
I'll get my coat.
Edited to say.....
Now I've looked at your profile I see you are in Merseyside.....call Dom Hackett of Hackett Watches
I don't know where you are based but you could visit the Rolex specialist in the Burlington Arcade in London. There are also other specialist watch shops there who may be able to assist. If I wander past in the next few days I'll have a gander and see what's there, how much and what documents it has with it.
Alternatively, call, or email, Dom Hackett in Hatton Garden with your requirement (he's on here). He will guide you to the right place, if he doesn't manage to get one for you himself. He's a diamond geezer (see what I did there....Hatton Garden...diamond....)
I'll get my coat.
Edited to say.....
Now I've looked at your profile I see you are in Merseyside.....call Dom Hackett of Hackett Watches
Edited by Johnniem on Wednesday 30th March 13:50
These two shops are reputable - one is run by Mike Wood & the other (the Chester branch I think) by Haywood Milton. Both are up your way.
http://www.theoldwatchshop.com/index.html
https://www.miltonaires.com/shop
http://www.theoldwatchshop.com/index.html
https://www.miltonaires.com/shop
I’d look at lots of images and figure out what gets lots most quickly to polishing, and avoid ones that have been excessively polished.
Keeping boxes and paper was much, much less common right up until quite recently so I wouldn’t be too concerned about that.
I’d either by one with a recent service (and evidence of such) or price one in.
Oh and bracelets is the other thing. Bracelets from that era are an acquired taste - particularly if you’re used to modern bracelets. They also stretch. And will be very expensive to replace with original (if they’re still available). So I’d pay attention to that, and probably buy a (much better) aftermarket bracelet if I was buying, because I cannot stand those old ones.
Keeping boxes and paper was much, much less common right up until quite recently so I wouldn’t be too concerned about that.
I’d either by one with a recent service (and evidence of such) or price one in.
Oh and bracelets is the other thing. Bracelets from that era are an acquired taste - particularly if you’re used to modern bracelets. They also stretch. And will be very expensive to replace with original (if they’re still available). So I’d pay attention to that, and probably buy a (much better) aftermarket bracelet if I was buying, because I cannot stand those old ones.
Edited by gregs656 on Wednesday 30th March 15:20
Johnniem said:
I don't know where you are based but you could visit the Rolex specialist in the Burlington Arcade in London. There are also other specialist watch shops there who may be able to assist.
I'd avoid those Burlington Arcade shops that 'specialise' in older Rolex unless you want to pay a hefty price tag! They seem to cater for wealthy foreign tourists. Most don't appear to have the original bracelets (sold on leather) and sans box/papers if you're fussy about the latter.A Jubilee bracelet of that age will have a good degree of stretch. Hold the watch sideways by the clasp and see how far the watch head leans from the vertical. They can be tightened but its a complex job. At that age it could already be a replacement - the code on the clasp will give you an indication of how old the bracelet is and then x-ref to date of the watch.
I have an 84 birth year DJ.
As said, bracelet stretch is something to be aware of.
Fakes of this vintage are rare, but still do your due diligence on the seller.
Get images of the movement and the serial number is engraved on the case between the lugs, behind the bracelet.
You’re looking for a late 7m serial for 83.
Good luck. Take your time and enjoy the process.
As said, bracelet stretch is something to be aware of.
Fakes of this vintage are rare, but still do your due diligence on the seller.
Get images of the movement and the serial number is engraved on the case between the lugs, behind the bracelet.
You’re looking for a late 7m serial for 83.
Good luck. Take your time and enjoy the process.
REM2112 said:
Good choice! I still have the one my father gave me for my 21st (1987) with box and papers, and receipt. £650. I'd try Dom Hackett or Blowers. They were definitely being faked back then.
What you'l find is the fakes from that era would stand out from a mile... Only in the past 5years have fakes been so good that you'll need someone with knowledge to identify the pretender. In addition all the fakes seem to models of high retail/grey value. There is no financial reason for a modern faker to make low demand watch.What I would be more careful about over fake is frakenstein, where a watch may carry genuine Rolex parts but not correct for the period.
With watches this age if they do have papers it may be a different year on them to the date of production (taken from the serial number 7400000-8070022 for 1983) it may not have been sold the year it was produced.
I would also check the bracelet code which would also help point out that it is from the same year which would be a H located on the clasp which can be seen when you open it up. The most likely thing on a watch this age is the dial to be reprinted - these normally have a bit of a texture to them and also will look too 'new'. same with the hands. If the lume is really bright its also another clue.
I would also check the bracelet code which would also help point out that it is from the same year which would be a H located on the clasp which can be seen when you open it up. The most likely thing on a watch this age is the dial to be reprinted - these normally have a bit of a texture to them and also will look too 'new'. same with the hands. If the lume is really bright its also another clue.
Not an expert, but for these older DJ's, I would make sure the dials and hands are original to the actual watch - the model number is laser inscribed between the lugs for cross referencing.
As mentioned above, bracelet stretch is real and make sure the bracelet is original Rolex. It will have stamping on the end pieces.
Would also check the movement is original Rolex.
As mentioned above, bracelet stretch is real and make sure the bracelet is original Rolex. It will have stamping on the end pieces.
Would also check the movement is original Rolex.
Gassing Station | Watches | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff