• Brand & manufacture - Rolex, Switzerland
• Year - 1982
• Serial # -  7251629; model 16030
• Movement & caliber - Automatic 3035
• Case diameter - 36mm

A stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust reference 1603. This is an exceptional, and quite rare dial; a sand base with large printed black Roman numerals, chapter ring and printing for the text. This is a less common combination, and is particularly interesting given the classic Rolex baton hands are also painted black, really standing out from the dial. These dials are often seen in white with black printing, or even the navy with white printing. It is very beautiful on the wrist. One other different variation to this watch is the bezel. As opposed to the classic coin edge, or smooth bezel, this watch features what is known as the “engine turned” bezel. All stainless steel with a engraved pattern into it. The dial is printed "T Swiss T" at the six o'clock position, meaning that it contains tritium luminous material. This material replaced the highly dangerous, and radioactive Radium in 1963. Just like radium, tritium was also radioactive; however, it came with a much lower level of radiation and a much shorter half-life. While tritium was exponentially safer than radium, it only had a half-life of twelve years. This meant that after just a few decades, only a tiny fraction of the initial luminescence would remain. Additionally, as tritium ages, the color changes, which creates often beautiful, and highly sought after patinas on the luminous markers on these older Rolex watches. Tritium was far from perfect, which lead Rolex to search for a better alternative, which happened in 1998 with the introduction of Luminova. The Tritium in this case is all original to the dial, is in perfect condition with every lume plot in tact and in perfect condition. The color is a very beautiful warm lemon color, and the same for the hands. All of which respond the same under ultra violet light. The watch is powered by a Rolex, Swiss made, twenty seven jewel automatic caliber 3035 movement that powered all of the acrylic crystal Datejust quick set date models. These models can be told apart from one another as they do not have the earlier, characteristic, 'pie pan' style dial. They have the newly designed completely flat dials. The watch is fitted to a classic Rolex  stainless  steel Jubilee bracelet with removable links in place, which, if needed, can be taken out to make the bracelet smaller. There is only a little stretch to it given its now over forty years of wear, is still strong and tight.  The watch was made circa 1982 with serial number 725XXXX. The watch is in original condition, showing signs of light polishing to case. However, the case is very strong, with thick lugs. The Datejust is perhaps one of the most produced models by Rolex, but examples like this are hard to come by, and in this condition, even more so.  It is an unusual take on a much produced icon. The watch comes with a Foundwell one year warranty against mechanical failure.

This item is final sale.

One year warranty for mechanical issues provided by Foundwell.