
Ghost, Gray and Buckley.
1970 Rolex Datejust Ref. 1603 'Ghost Gray Buckley' dial
Reference: 1603
Serial: 2387xxx
Year: 1970
Case: All stainless steel
Dimensions: 36mm excluding crown
Function: Date
Caliber: Rolex cal. 1570 Automatic
Strap: Rolex Jubilee 62510H stainless steel solid-links bracelet with 555 end links and clasp code K9
Crystal: Acrylic
Accessories: None
First released in 1945, it marked forty years of Rolex timepieces. Today, it holds a spot in even the most exclusive collections and remains one of the most popular timepieces among both men and women.
Loved for its sporty yet elegant design, the present-day Datejust is available in varied sizes, many case and bezel metals, and with seemingly unlimited dials.
The Rolex Datejust Ref. 1601 was released in 1959 and it has been on the market until 1981.
Amongst all Datejusts, there is one that stands out from the rest. The 'Buckley' Datejust is named after famous NYC watch dealer John Buckley started collecting these rare variants. They are distinguished by the big, painted Roman numerals on the dial rather than the more commonly seen small, applied ones.
Offered here today is a Rolex Datejust Ref. 1601 that dates to 1970 in one of the rarest, loveliest and most sough-after variants; the ‘Ghost’ gray ‘Buckley’.
The rare gray ‘Buckley’ dial is preserved in extraordinary condition. If you have been looking for one of these lately, you know that these dials tend to chip easily, especially around the lume plots, and finding one in this condition is almost impossible. The big white painted roman numerals, along with the rest of the printings on the dial, contrast in such a harmonized way with the gray background that under certain light conditions the white printings appear to have entirely faded away turning it into a ‘ghost’ dial. The fat, clean lume plots are also very well preserved, with no chipping around them and featuring a lovely yellow patina that match with that on the original steel hands.
The stainless steel case remains in strong condition, showing sharp bevels and some normal signs of wear. The case back remains in the same condition. The stainless steel bezel remains in good condition too, also letting visible some signs of use.
It is suited on a Rolex Jubilee 62510H solid-links stainless steel bracelet with 555 end links and clasp code K9 that shows little stretch and normal signs of wear. The clasp has an inscription with initials.
The original acrylic crystal has some minor scratches.
The Rolex automatic cal. 1575 (the date version of the 1570) is running great and keeping time, although service history is unknown.
This is indeed a very good opportunity to own a classic Rolex timepiece in a rare and beautiful configuration, ready to become your daily beater.
Macros of dial and case are available under request.