1973 Rolex Datejust Ref. 1603 With 'Ghost Sigma' Dial Why This Watch Matters It's always great to find a Rolex Datejust with a bit of uncommon flair. This one boasts a "Ghost" look with a bit of extra intrigue with everyone's favorite funky circles below six o'clock making it a sigma dial. The Full Story You may have realized over the years that, at HODINKEE, we're fans of watches with grey dials – and this Datejust is no exception. The Datejust has remained Rolex’s mainstay model since the brand introduced it in 1945. When it comes to popularity, the steel Oyster case and Jubilee bracelet combination is at the top of the pecking order for its sleek appearance and versatility. There is something about the grey dial on this Datejust that is decidedly modern, despite the watch being born nearly 50 years ago. The sunburst finish on the grey dial contrasts beautifully against the soft creamy patina of the lume, a look that is undeniably attractive and a reminder of why we love vintage watches so much. What struck us almost immediately about this example is, while it features the classic 36mm stainless steel case with engine-turned bezel and the Jubilee bracelet, this is not your average Datejust. It's great to offer the classics in our selection, but when it comes to a 36mm Datejust, we want to find something a bit different. That different bit here is the grey dial with white text which collectors have begun to refer to as the "ghost" Datejust. Additionally, the engine-turned bezel is a nice touch, breaking away from the more classic fluted or smooth bezels that we see on Datejusts more often. On this ref. 1603, the dial is also indicated with the "Sigma '' symbols at the bottom; the "Sigma" dial has become more famous and sought-after for its appearance on a few Daytona references. These small Sigma symbols are most often associated with watches produced in the 1970s, to indicate that the hour markers and hands of a watch were made of gold – in this case, white gold. It was an effort by the Swiss watch industry trade association, l’Association pour la Promotion Industrielle de l'Or (APRIOR), to emphasize the value of Swiss watches using any gold material. This Sigma designation can be seen in other timepieces around the same time, such as on the dial of a Patek Philippe Nautilus. The overall condition of this example is great and honest. We especially love the custard colored lume on each hour marker, sitting in the recessed or stepped-down portion of the dial on the minute track. This step adds an additional dimension to the watch that comes through exponentially in the overall look on the wrist. The Fine Print Maker: Rolex Model: Datejust Reference: 1603 Year: 1973 Case No: 3475475 Material: Stainless steel Dimensions: 36mm diameter; 12mm thickness Crystal: Plexiglass Lume: Yes, tritium Caliber: Rolex, self-winding, caliber 1575 Bracelet/Strap: Rolex, stainless steel, 62510H Jubilee bracelet with 555 endlinks Lug Width: 20mm Box/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - Grey sunburst dial - Engine-turned bezel - White dial text - Sigma symbols Things To Know: - Scratches on case - Patina around hour markers This Datejust is in overall great and attractive condition. The case is in strong condition with light scratches. The case appears to have been polished. The back of the lugs have scratches that are likely from the bracelet being taken off and on. The numbers between both sets of lugs are clearly visible. The caseback has some light scratches. The grey dial is in great condition. The lume on the dial and on the hands have developed patina and are matching in color. The hands and hour markers have developed some patina. The overall lume color is creamy and looks excellent with the rest of the watch. The dial has developed more patina around the hour markers. The Jubilee bracelet is fitted with solid links and has some light stretch in between. The clasp is marked "D" indicating that this bracelet is from 1979 and is a later replacement. The case, dial, movement, crown, and bracelet are all signed by Rolex. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
