1966 Rolex Datejust 36 Watch 1603 Silver Dial Engine-Turned Bezel Wristwatch

Watch Overview 

This Rolex Oyster-Perpetual Datejust Ref. 1603 remains one of the brand’s most recognizable models. Produced in 1966, this vintage example features a distinctive sunburst dial, engine-turned bezel, and leather strap.

It is powered by the reliable automatic Rolex Caliber 1560, featuring 26 jewels, sweep seconds, a date function, a 44-hour power reserve, and a smooth 18,000 vph frequency. It is certified as a Swiss chronometer (COSC) and adjusted for precision in five positions and temperature. Swiss made.

The sunburst silver-tone dial adds elegance, complemented by silver baton hour markers, and matching silver hands. A detailed minute and seconds track surrounds the dial, while the date window at 3 o’clock is enhanced by the Cyclops lens for clear visibility. The Rolex crown at 12 o’clock completes the refined look.

Housed in a 36mm silver-tone round stainless steel case with an engine-turned bezel and classic lugs design. The watch features its original signed screw-down crown and robust Oyster case construction. It comes with a brown leather strap, offering both comfort and classic style. The watch is in good pre-owned condition with light wear consistent with age, showing a solid case and clean dial. Fully inspected and authenticated by our in-house watchmaker, this Rolex Datejust runs accurately and is ready to wear and enjoy.

Product Details

General Specifications

• Brand: Rolex
• Type: Wristwatch
• Model: Oyster Perpetual Datejust
• Reference: 1603
• Year / Era: 1966 - Vintage
• Gender: Men's
• Country of Manufacture: Switzerland

Dial & Display

• Display: Analog
• Color: Sunburst silver-tone
• Features: Applicated hour markers. Minute/second track. Matching hands. Date indicator

Movement

• Type: Self-winding
• Caliber: Rolex 1560
• Jewels:26
• Some Functions:
  • Sweep-seconds
  • Certified Swiss chronometer (COSC)
  • Adjusted for accuracy in five positions and temperature
  • Date calendar
• Power Reserve: 44 hours
• Frequency: 18,000 vph

Case & Band

• Material: Stainless Steel
• Case Shape: Round
• Bezel: Engine-turned. Fixed
• Back: Screw
• Crown: Signed. Screw-down
• Water Resistance: -
• Band Type: Brown leather two-piece strap
• Case Back Markings: Montres Rolex SA Geneva Switzerland Patented Stainless Steel 1603

Case Measurements (mm)

• Case Size: 36
• Case Diameter w/Crown: 38.4
• Case Lug to Lug: 44
• Case Thickness: 11
• Lug Width: 19.7
• Band Width: 19.7

Additional Info

• Box & Papers: NO
• Condition: Very good pre-owned condition, showing some wear consistent with age and use. The case, fixed bezel, sunburst dial, and strap remain in well-preserved form.
• Extras: Fully inspected and authenticated by our in-house watchmaker, confirming that it runs accurately. It is ready to wear.

History & Legacy of Rolex

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date is a classic timepiece that blends the iconic elements of Rolex innovation—precision, durability, and timeless design. Introduced in the mid-1950s, the model evolved alongside Rolex’s major advancements, including the introduction of the waterproof Oyster case in 1926 and the self-winding “Perpetual” rotor movement patented in 1931. The Date series shares DNA with the famed Datejust, offering the signature date window at 3 o’clock with the Cyclops magnifying lens, first introduced in 1953. Over the decades, Rolex continually improved the collection with upgraded calibers, quickset functionality, sapphire crystals, and evolving luminous materials—from tritium to Luminova, Super-Luminova, and ultimately Chromalight. Robust yet refined, the Oyster Perpetual Date remains a versatile choice for those seeking understated elegance with everyday functionality, embodying Rolex’s heritage of mechanical excellence and design innovation.

About Second Hand Horology

At SECOND HAND HOROLOGY, we offer a curated selection of watches ranging from vintage to modern, including both brand-new and pre-owned timepieces. We’re committed to quality, accuracy, and integrity. Our listings feature:

Professional, unedited photography and clear, transparent descriptions. Every watch is thoroughly inspected and securely packaged to ensure a confident, seamless buying experience.

We also warmly invite you to visit our physical shop and explore the collection in person.

Contact Us

We appreciate you checking out our listing! Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions, offers, or just to talk watches — we love what we do and enjoy connecting with fellow enthusiasts.

Thank you for your business—we truly appreciate your support and look forward to serving you again in the future!

WA-6417