particularly unusual Rolex Datejust reference 1603 dating to 1970, featuring a highly desirable silver Sigma dial that creates a striking monochrome appearance rarely encountered on vintage Datejusts.
The original silver sunburst dial displays light, even patination and is fitted with the sought-after Sigma designation, identified by the small Greek sigma (σ) symbols positioned either side of the "SWISS" text at the very bottom of the dial. Sigma dials were introduced in the early 1970s by the Association pour la Promotion Industrielle de l'Or (APRIOR) to indicate that the applied hour markers and hands were manufactured from solid gold. Today they are highly collectable and are considered one of the defining dial variations of the era. Interestingly, this example pairs a no-lume Sigma dial with luminous hands, a configuration generally believed to have been produced for certain export markets, particularly Asia, making it a far less common specification than the standard European versions. The watch remains entirely original, including its stepped pie-pan dial and engine turned bezel. It is running perfectly and is fitted to a quality aftermarket suede strap with a Rolex-style pin buckle. Serial dates the watch to 1970, placing it amongst the very earliest Datejusts produced during the introduction of Sigma dials, making this an especially desirable example for collectors.
Specifications
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust
Reference: 1603
Serial dates to 1970
36mm stainless steel case (excluding crown)
Original stepped silver Sigma pie-pan dial
Rare no-lume dial configuration
Luminous hands
Automatic Rolex movement
Running perfectly
Rolex-style pin buckle
Quality aftermarket brown suede strap
Watch only
What is a Sigma Dial?
Sigma dials can be identified by the tiny Greek sigma symbols (σ) either side of the "T SWISS T" signature at 6 o'clock. Introduced in the early 1970s, they signified that the applied hour markers and hands were made from solid gold rather than plated metal. Production lasted only a relatively short period, making Sigma dials one of the most collectible variations among vintage Rolex enthusiasts.
Condition
Presented in excellent vintage condition. The original dial retains a soft, attractive patina that complements the monochrome silver aesthetic beautifully. The case remains well defined with crisp lugs, while the original 18ct white gold bezel displays sharp fluting. The movement is running perfectly, and the watch is ready to wear or add to a serious vintage Rolex collection. A wonderfully original early Sigma Datejust that combines a rare dial configuration with timeless 1970s Rolex design.
particularly unusual Rolex Datejust reference 1603 dating to 1970, featuring a highly desirable silver Sigma dial that creates a striking monochrome appearance rarely encountered on vintage Datejusts.
The original silver sunburst dial displays light, even patination and is fitted with the sought-after Sigma designation, identified by the small Greek sigma (σ) symbols positioned either side of the "SWISS" text at the very bottom of the dial. Sigma dials were introduced in the early 1970s by the Association pour la Promotion Industrielle de l'Or (APRIOR) to indicate that the applied hour markers and hands were manufactured from solid gold. Today they are highly collectable and are considered one of the defining dial variations of the era. Interestingly, this example pairs a no-lume Sigma dial with luminous hands, a configuration generally believed to have been produced for certain export markets, particularly Asia, making it a far less common specification than the standard European versions. The watch remains entirely original, including its stepped pie-pan dial and engine turned bezel. It is running perfectly and is fitted to a quality aftermarket suede strap with a Rolex-style pin buckle. Serial dates the watch to 1970, placing it amongst the very earliest Datejusts produced during the introduction of Sigma dials, making this an especially desirable example for collectors.
Specifications
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust
Reference: 1603
Serial dates to 1970
36mm stainless steel case (excluding crown)
Original stepped silver Sigma pie-pan dial
Rare no-lume dial configuration
Luminous hands
Automatic Rolex movement
Running perfectly
Rolex-style pin buckle
Quality aftermarket brown suede strap
Watch only
What is a Sigma Dial?
Sigma dials can be identified by the tiny Greek sigma symbols (σ) either side of the "T SWISS T" signature at 6 o'clock. Introduced in the early 1970s, they signified that the applied hour markers and hands were made from solid gold rather than plated metal. Production lasted only a relatively short period, making Sigma dials one of the most collectible variations among vintage Rolex enthusiasts.
Condition
Presented in excellent vintage condition. The original dial retains a soft, attractive patina that complements the monochrome silver aesthetic beautifully. The case remains well defined with crisp lugs, while the original 18ct white gold bezel displays sharp fluting. The movement is running perfectly, and the watch is ready to wear or add to a serious vintage Rolex collection. A wonderfully original early Sigma Datejust that combines a rare dial configuration with timeless 1970s Rolex design.
Image 1 of 10
Image 2 of 10
Image 3 of 10
Image 4 of 10
Image 5 of 10
Image 6 of 10
Image 7 of 10
Image 8 of 10
Image 9 of 10
Image 10 of 10