Homage Forum

I recently started a more serious interest in watches. Many, many years ago I worked overseas for Schlumberger where an instructor explained the uniqueness of Rolex watches. When I returned home from Nigeria I decided to buy one.

Details on my Rolex are: based on the serial number it was manufactured in 1974, purchased by me in 1976 for $545 Cdn, the model is a Datejust 1603, all stainless steel with a Jubilee bracelet, Sigma Piepan dial, and an Engine Turned bezel.

I have had very little service done to my Rolex other than 2 crystal changes. Recently I had some water ingress and it did not feel like it was winding or running properly. I took it to a local watchmaker who I consider both a genius and a master. 17 days later I had my baby back and it is running perfectly. The crystal was partially split around the circumference and below the top edge of the bezel! The service included a new crystal, all new seals, a mainspring, and a total teardown with new lubrication.

Until recently it was the only watch I have had since 1976 and as you would assume, was my daily wear. I have added 2 homages from Pagani Design: a Rolex Daytona and an Omega Seamaster 300 Heritage. I am posting a picture of my 47 year old Rolex Datejust below. Thanks for looking. Best regards, Peter




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Welcome to H-F!

No wonder why it came in humidity in your watch. I know a guy who let it go into the dishwasher from time to time....LOL!

I have tried it myself, but without anything inside, best way to clean bracelet and case from years of dirt.

Welcome to the shop.

Hope you will enjoy this place

Welcome!

soszek wrote:I recently started a more serious interest in watches. Many, many years ago I worked overseas for Schlumberger where an instructor explained the uniqueness of Rolex watches. When I returned home from Nigeria I decided to buy one.

Details on my Rolex are: based on the serial number it was manufactured in 1974, purchased by me in 1976 for $545 Cdn, the model is a Datejust 1603, all stainless steel with a Jubilee bracelet, Sigma Piepan dial, and an Engine Turned bezel.

I have had very little service done to my Rolex other than 2 crystal changes. Recently I had some water ingress and it did not feel like it was winding or running properly. I took it to a local watchmaker who I consider both a genius and a master. 17 days later I had my baby back and it is running perfectly. The crystal was partially split around the circumference and below the top edge of the bezel! The service included a new crystal, all new seals, a mainspring, and a total teardown with new lubrication.

Until recently it was the only watch I have had since 1976 and as you would assume, was my daily wear. I have added 2 homages from Pagani Design: a Rolex Daytona and an Omega Seamaster 300 Heritage. I am posting a picture of my 47 year old Rolex Datejust below. Thanks for looking. Best regards, Peter




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welcome from germany Peter. your datejust is an amazing watch and my birthyear
enjoy here

Welcome from a fellow Canuk!


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Welcome and thanks for the story. Does the lume still work?

Lovely Datejust!

Welcome, eh!

Nice model .. with the work horse 1570 movement. The crystal splitting can be a problem with those old Rolex because most those bezel/crystal parts are all pressure-fit on. If the previous smith used an aftermarket crystal, the machined tolerances of the crystal may be too small for the bezel mount, so when he pressed on the crystal, it created micro cracks in the acrylic. Then it spread over time and compromised its water proofing. Once the bezel was installed, you would not be able to see the cracks, but humidity would creep in over the years. Same thing with old and dried out seals in the crown and caseback.

I hope these vintage models come back in style, they can be had for affordable prices and the dial variations are so many and so nice to customize.

Don't polish it, don't change any of the original parts (well, the crystal can be an exception).


https://shop.hodinkee.com/products/1970 ... 6468036676

TimemiT wrote:Welcome, eh!

Nice model .. with the work horse 1570 movement. The crystal splitting can be a problem with those old Rolex because most those bezel/crystal parts are all pressure-fit on. If the previous smith used an aftermarket crystal, the machined tolerances of the crystal may be too small for the bezel mount, so when he pressed on the crystal, it created micro cracks in the acrylic. Then it spread over time and compromised its water proofing. Once the bezel was installed, you would not be able to see the cracks, but humidity would creep in over the years. Same thing with old and dried out seals in the crown and caseback.

I hope these vintage models come back in style, they can be had for affordable prices and the dial variations are so many and so nice to customize.

Don't polish it, don't change any of the original parts (well, the crystal can be an exception).


https://shop.hodinkee.com/products/1970 ... 6468036676

Thanks so much for the information and the advice. Very kind of you!


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