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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Datejust wristwatch

Rolex Datejust Ref. 1603

Partially verified

This Rolex Datejust, identified by reference 1603, is an automatic wristwatch with a 36mm steel case and a reeded steel bezel. According to the serial number 354xxxx, it dates to 1973. It features a grey-taupe pie-pan dial with baton markers and a date display at the 3 o'clock position. The dial incorporates Sigma symbols flanking the 'T SWISS T' marking at the bottom, signifying the use of 18-karat gold for the hour indices. These indices are equipped with luminous dots, described as having a light yellow patina. The watch is fitted with a Jubilee-style bracelet featuring folded links, reference 6215H, and 55 end-links. The movement is a Rolex automatic caliber with a slow-set date mechanism. The auction description reports that the movement has been serviced, and the exterior components, including the case and bracelet, remain in stable condition.

Front view of the Rolex Datejust Ref. 1603 with taupe-grey pie-pan dial and Jubilee bracelet.
Front view of the Rolex Datejust Ref. 1603 with taupe-grey pie-pan dial and Jubilee bracelet. — Zamanito. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Wristwatch · Datejust wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
1603
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1973
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
354xxxx

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 Dial

The watch features a 36mm steel case characterized by a distinct reeded steel bezel. The dial is designed in the pie-pan style, which features a faceted edge. It is finished in a taupe-grey color, with hour markers applied in a linear style.

The dial is signed with Sigma marks adjacent to the 'T SWISS T' text at the bottom. These indicate that the index markers are crafted from 18-karat gold. The markers contain luminous material that has developed a yellow patina over time. A date aperture is visible at the 3 o'clock position, magnified by a crystal cyclops.

Evidence for this section
  • “قاب فولادی قطری برابر با ۳۶ میلی‌متر دارد”
  • “صفحه ساعت با طراحی کلاسیک موسوم به پای‌پن (pie-pan dial) و رنگ متمایز خاکستری-تاپ (Taupe-grey) مزین شده است”
  • “در دو طرف عبارت «T SWISS T» در پایین صفحه، نشان‌های سیگما (Sigma) قرار دارند که نشان‌دهنده ساخته‌شدن نشانگرهای خطی ساعت از جنس طلای ۱۸ عیار هستند”

Movement and Bracelet

The watch is powered by a Rolex automatic mechanical movement, which includes a slow-set date functionality. The auction description notes that the movement has undergone a complete service by the provider's watchmaker.

The timepiece is attached to a steel Jubilee-style bracelet, identified by the reference 6215H. The bracelet utilizes a folded-link construction and is connected to the case via 55 end-links. The overall physical condition of the bracelet and case is reported as being in a stable state.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور ساعت از نوع مکانیکی اتوماتیک رولکس با قابلیت تنظیم آهسته تاریخ (slow-set) است”
  • “طبق منبع، قاب، بزل و بند این ساعت در وضعیت فیزیکی مستحکم و بسیار مناسبی قرار دارند”

Identification and Provenance

The watch is attributed to the year 1973 based on the serial number prefix 354xxxx. The case back is stamped with the reference number 1603, although the listing notes that 1601 was also referenced in some internal documentation.

The auction description serves as the basis for the stated specifications and history, with a disclaimer stating that no independent authenticity verification has been performed by the cataloguer.

Evidence for this section
  • “بر اساس شماره سریال 354xxxx تولید آن به سال ۱۹۷۳ میلادی نسبت داده شده است”
  • “شماره مرجع ۱۶۰۳ (در مشخصات متن فروشنده به ۱۶۰۱ نیز اشاره شده اما بر روی درب پشت ۱۶۰۳ حک شده است)”
  • “کلیه مشخصات فنی، تاریخ‌گذاری و وضعیت قطعه بر اساس اظهارات منبع عرضه درج شده است”

Open research questions

  • Verification of the 1601 vs 1603 reference stamping inconsistency
  • Detailed service history of the automatic caliber beyond provider claims

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex Datejust Ref. 1603
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerRolex“برند سوئیسی رولکس (Rolex)”
Reference1603“شماره مرجع ۱۶۰۳”
Serial354xxxx“شماره سریال 354xxxx”
Date1973“تولید آن به سال ۱۹۷۳ میلادی نسبت داده شده است”
Case diameter36mm“قاب فولادی قطری برابر با ۳۶ میلی‌متر دارد”

Visible details

  • Gray-taupe pie-pan dial design
  • Sigma signatures on dial near 6 o'clock
  • Folded-link Jubilee bracelet
  • Cyclops lens over date aperture

Research qualifications

  • Potential discrepancy regarding reference number 1601 vs 1603 in internal records
  • Authenticity of components not independently verified

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

Consulted source

ساعت مچی رولکس Rolex Datejust مدل Ref. 1603 با صفحه پای‌پن تاپ سیگما

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 2e252fbc35

Terms in this record

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

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