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MetalMickey

Just got a delivery...

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MetalMickey

I got into reps in order to find a watch for my 40th Birthday. I wanted something smart, Swiss-made and suitable to hand down to the kids. I've bought and sold a lot of reps over the last few years - and I am not done yet - but I've finally picked up one of my grails after finding a deal I could not refuse.

 

Anyway, the postman has just been, and I unwrapped this beauty...

 

286DBA86-92C0-41DA-821F-040B9348518B.jpg

 

Box is in good nick: surely not original? It's certainly well presented. Reminds me of opening an Apple product...

 

3D024DD2-6024-4B9E-A40E-F1CA81F56479.jpg

 

 

Introducing the Rolex Datejust 1601!

 

BBB0992C-C2F2-48DE-BFF4-EC0C3F19185A.jpg

 

I had hoped to find a birth-year watch (1978) but the classic models ceased in 1977 which is when this one is from. After 1978 they have the 3035 movement (=higher servicing costs). There's a real charm to these older, low-beat ones with "pie-pan" dials and low beat movements and this one seems in very good condition considering it's older than me!

 

Check out that lovely open date-wheel (no quick set on these but you can change the date backwards or forwards which reduces the amount of winding you have to do!)

 

76042784-9518-4f97-a167-b8e91b278d4e.jpg

 

The white-gold bezel really sparkles. It is noticeably different to a rep in that regard.

 

6A08FC27-B586-48DE-83F1-315FE9EDC31D.jpg

 

There is a bit of bracelet stretch but not too bad: and not as bad as the two-tone models I've seen where the soft gold makes the bracelet look awful. Crystal is either new or polished; no scratches at all.

 

C1283CF5-9E17-43E3-ABB8-14ABE2C3DA5C.jpg

 

Caseback is also clean - obviously worn for 40 years.

 

72DBF361-1F15-4F64-97CA-F6B63937651B.jpg

 

Just look at the 3D effect at the edge of the pie-pan dial. You simply don't get this in newer models.

 

44CF3D31-0DBB-4FDD-9E54-9B1A6687BFD5.jpg

 

A few people have asked why buy this when a good franken looks almost indistinguishable (I'm talking to you, Genius!). Apart from the obvious investment properties (it might lose value, but not as bad as a rep!) there is a certain something withthe gen that I just can't explain. It is shiner, sparklier and feels smoother than any rep - franken or otherwise. The movement winds in a buttery smooth way. The low-beat (5.2 beats per second) actually seems smoother than some of my Asian ETAs with no stuttering at all. The bracelet is silky smooth and the clasp shuts "just-so".

 

I'm made up with it, and with nine months to go till by 40th, I've achieved my grail earlier than I had ever expected.

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splke

Fucking beautiful MM absolutely stunning

 

proper made up for you pal

 

any chance of a vid ?

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Genius

Have ti admit it is lovely that pie pan dial is really nice (I'm looking at the dial on mine now thinking maybe its a bit flat) and definitely something over and above the franken you just sold!

 

Maybe I couldn't justify the cost to myself but it doesn't stop me being a bit jealous

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Davesjourney

Wow - nice one, Mickey. What a great day for you, mate

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rikracy

A real beauty for sure!!!

 

Congrats mate!

 

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Not That Rich

Lovely watch mate and congrats :)

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MetalMickey

 

any chance of a vid ?

 

I know what kind of vids you like...

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freezee90

Congrats! - wear it in good health.

 

Also, looks like you may be needing a new bracelet soon - jubilee's "stretch". I wouldn't say it's any less secure on your wrist, but Rolex HQ might think otherwise when they try to push the product when you come to get it serviced!

 

Beautiful watch :)

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Genius

Congrats! - wear it in good health.

 

Also, looks like you may be needing a new bracelet soon - jubilee's "stretch". I wouldn't say it's any less secure on your wrist, but Rolex HQ might think otherwise when they try to push the product when you come to get it serviced!

 

Beautiful watch :)

Fuck RSC

 

The stretch is part of what makes the old jubilee bracelets so desirable, at least for me it is

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porschespeedster

you also know that a gen rollie legitimizes your entire collection.

and in order to keep up/capitalize on this new bit of legitimacy...

you should probably order a few more reps

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MetalMickey
Congrats! - wear it in good health. Also, looks like you may be needing a new bracelet soon - jubilee's "stretch". I wouldn't say it's any less secure on your wrist, but Rolex HQ might think otherwise when they try to push the product when you come to get it serviced! Beautiful watch :)
Fuck RSC The stretch is part of what makes the old jubilee bracelets so desirable, at least for me it is

 

Agreed. RSC don't need to service 1570s, anyway. Plenty of local specialists.

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Chiquita Fanjita

You jammy bastard!! Its my 40th in September and been looking for a nice 1977 Rolie myself. That looks fantastic :thumbsup:

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Steve36

Stunner, wear it in good health mike

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Nickfive

Stunning mate, congratulations :thumbsup:

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deju

A few people have asked why buy this when a good franken looks almost indistinguishable (I'm talking to you, Genius!). Apart from the obvious investment properties (it might lose value, but not as bad as a rep!) there is a certain something withthe gen that I just can't explain. It is shiner, sparklier and feels smoother than any rep - franken or otherwise. The movement winds in a buttery smooth way. The low-beat (5.2 beats per second) actually seems smoother than some of my Asian ETAs with no stuttering at all. The bracelet is silky smooth and the clasp shuts "just-so".

 

I'm made up with it, and with nine months to go till by 40th, I've achieved my grail earlier than I had ever expected.

 

Beautiful watch, completely agree, a Franken may look 99% right and cool in a photo but that 1% is miles apart in real life, the sparkle of a gen Rolex is indescribable but there. When you've studied and bought the reps like in this hobby that 1% is everything really :D

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MAJ75

Congrats mate that looks wonderful.

 

I'm sure you will cherish it & enjoy your years of ownership.

 

It is testament to the build quality and engineering prowess that these pieces look so great nearly 40 years after they left the factory.

 

Your pictures capture its beauty well, particularly the bottom one.

 

Wear it with pride & in the rudest of health.

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NCRich

You jammy bastard!! Its my 40th in September and been looking for a nice 1977 Rolie myself. That looks fantastic :thumbsup:

 

You guys are children. Born in 77? Hell I was applying to university. :lol:

 

Beautiful watch. I love it.

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dilip

Very nice, congratulations are in order :) the lack of quick-set for the date just means you have to wear it more often ;)

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Chiquita Fanjita

You jammy bastard!! Its my 40th in September and been looking for a nice 1977 Rolie myself. That looks fantastic :thumbsup:

 

You guys are children. Born in 77? Hell I was applying to university. :lol:

 

Beautiful watch. I love it.

:lol: just to make you feel old mate.

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Robin195959

That's lovely Mickey well done.

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TheTinMan

Absolutely gorgeous. Well done.

 

You're old, not as old as me, or that watch, but you're old.

 

Wear it in good health!

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GC

Superb addition to any collection. It looks phenomenal, !

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avc0002

where did you find that bad boy? ebay??

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MetalMickey

where did you find that bad boy? ebay??

 

Hell no! https://www.charlesfish.co.uk via Chrono24

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ohhelloooo

I had this watch and sold it... Miss it every freakin day. Its such a classic and wears great with everything.

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