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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Datejust

1972 Rolex Datejust Ref. 1603

Partially verified

This Rolex Datejust, reference 1603, dating to 1972, features a 36mm stainless steel case and an engine-turned bezel. The watch is distinguished by its blue "Sigma" sunburst dial, which incorporates a "Wide Boy" configuration characterized by broader markers and hands compared to standard stick equivalents. The term "Sigma" refers to the printing at the 6 o'clock position, indicating the use of gold components within the dial construction. The watch is accompanied by a Rolex 62510H rolled-link Jubilee bracelet with 55 end pieces. The timepiece features a date display with a metallic wheel, noted for its "open" 6 and 9 numerals. The dial includes tritium lume plots and original tritium-filled hands, which exhibit a consistent patina. The case has been recently polished, and the movement is currently functioning as a timekeeping instrument.

Front view of the 1972 Rolex Datejust Ref. 1603 showing the blue Sigma dial and engine-turned bezel.
Front view of the 1972 Rolex Datejust Ref. 1603 showing the blue Sigma dial and engine-turned bezel. — Craft & Tailored. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
craftandtailored.com
Category
Wristwatch · Datejust
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
1603
Catalogue / lot identifier
RLXDJ160372
Source-reported date
1972
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
31XXXXX

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Bracelet

The 1972 Datejust reference 1603 is housed in a 36mm stainless steel case featuring an engine-turned bezel. The case has undergone a recent polish, resulting in what the auction description reports as extremely thick lugs that retain their finishing. The exterior of the case is maintained in a crisp condition with minimal signs of prior use.

The watch is secured by a Rolex 62510H rolled-link Jubilee bracelet. This bracelet is equipped with 55 end pieces and comprises 22 links. The auction description reports that the bracelet exhibits light stretch commensurate with its style and construction, and is sized to accommodate a wrist measurement of up to 7 3/4 inches.

Evidence for this section
  • “The stainless steel engine-turned bezel is also crisp and displays almost no signs of use.”
  • “The Rolex 62510H rolled-link Jubilee bracelet with 55 end pieces retains 22 links that show light stretch”

Dial and Hands

The timepiece features a blue sunburst "pie-pan" dial identified as a Sigma "Wide Boy" variant. This designation is based on the broader design of the hour markers and baton hands. The term "Sigma" refers to the symbols printed at the 6 o'clock position, signifying the application of gold components. The dial includes tritium lume plots, which are described as having a creamy patina.

The hands are the original tritium "Wide Boy" style, matching the dial's patina. The dial is equipped with a metallic date wheel, which displays open-style 6 and 9 numerals. According to the provided information, the dial is in a condition without aging or damage, and the hands do not show degradation under ultraviolet light inspection.

Evidence for this section
  • “A Sigma dial is a Rolex dial named for the letters printed at the bottom of the dial at the 6 o'clock position.”
  • “a Sigma dial is marked “σ T SWISS T σ.” This signifies the use of gold components within the dial.”
  • “The metallic date wheel is original with "open" 6's and 9's.”

Provenance and Condition

The watch is listed with the stock number RLXDJ160372. The vendor reports that the movement has been recently serviced and is currently maintaining time as expected. No original papers or boxes are included with the object.

All observations regarding the condition of the case, dial, and bracelet are based on the vendor's provided descriptions and the accompanying photographs.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch was recently serviced and is keeping time perfectly, backed by a 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific month of production for this 1972 serial number?
  • Has the movement caliber been officially confirmed by the vendor for this specific serial range?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for 1972 Rolex Datejust Ref. 1603
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerRolex“Vendor: Rolex”
ModelDatejust 1603“1972 Datejust ref. 1603”
Dial typeSigma Wide Boy“is a unique blue Sigma dial that features a sought-after dial layout, commonly referred to as the "Wide Boy”
Date wheelOpen 6s and 9s“The metallic date wheel is original with "open" 6's and 9's.”
Bracelet62510H Jubilee“The Rolex 62510H rolled-link Jubilee bracelet with 55 end pieces”

Visible details

  • Blue sunburst pie-pan dial with Sigma markings at 6 o'clock
  • Engine-turned stainless steel bezel
  • Open 6 and 9 numerals on the date wheel
  • Rolled-link Jubilee bracelet with 55 end pieces

Research qualifications

  • The exact serial number is partially redacted as 31XXXXX
  • The claim of 'factory-like' finishing is a subjective assessment by the vendor

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت مچی رولکس Rolex Datejust 1603 با صفحه آبی Wide Boy Sigma مدل ۱۹۷۲

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 802f6b16a2

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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