A broad subject....

The datejust started life in the mid 1940's and was the first watch to show the number of the date in a separate window.

There are many versions of many metals and with each generation more modern movements and subtle case design changes took place.

Your husband was born seemingly in either 1961 or 1962 and the model that was being made in his birth year was the 160X series. This watch featured a 1565 movement.

The various bezel styles will indicate what the last digit is. The smooth bezel is a 1600, the fluted bezel is a 1601 and the engine turned steel bezel is a 1603 roughly.

These are some of the most reasonably priced DJ's around. The 1600 with the smooth bezel is far less common and will often command a premium.

You have a choice of either the more traditional jubilee bracelet or the riveted oyster bracelet which will also raise the price.


Later the movement was given a hacking seconds in the set position and upgraded to a quicker "beat" rate....price may be a little more. This was about 71 or so. This is the 1575 calibre.


Prior to that the 660x series utilized a 1035 or 1065 movement. These are from the mid to late 1950's. These are gaining in popularity though they are slightly less serviceable.



The price tends to jump when you move into the early 1980's with the addition of the quickset date feature, which allows you to set the date without stopping the watch or turning the hands a full 24 hours. Movement 3035. Now the model numbers have 5 digits. ie., 1601x the last one designating the type of metal involved.

The price takes another jump with the advent of the calibre 3135 movement and the sapphire glass. These will be the most expensive of the modern datejusts. This isn't what he seems to be looking for.

True white dials are less common and bring a premium. There is a white ish dial with a sort of satin gloss finish to it that is more common and less expensive.

Originality of the dial and hands and the amount of polishing done to the case through the years are paramount in the pricing. Look for even ness of the thickness of the bracelet lugs on the watch. Always look on the back side of the watch and see that they are mostly close to the same breadth.


This is certainly not an all inclusive report but it should give you a little more background.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the 160x series datejusts even though they are quite vintage now. The 1565 and 1575 are notably some of the finest most robust movements Rolex ever made and a favorite with watchmakers. They made literally MILLIONS of these movements and spares are plentiful.

I would suggest you place a WTB (read the guidelines) in our Vintage Rolex Market section. The sellers are mostly vetted and prices while not necessarily always a steal are generally quite fair for what you are purchasing and most everyone knows everyone here and references are easy to obtain. Don't be afraid to ask on the VRF side about a seller. References are generally very happily given for the good guys. Peace of mind in a minefield is worth quite a lot.

Good luck with your search.

TT