We make luxury accessible for all. We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence.
We make luxury accessible for all. We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence.We make luxury accessible for all. We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence.
Perfect for boardroom meetings and evening engagements, this vintage 1973 Rolex Datejust 36mm in stainless steel lends understated refinement. The blue dial and fluted bezel pair effortlessly with suits or smart-casual, while the Jubilee bracelet adds classic charm. A timeless choice for weddings, anniversaries, and distinguished daily wear.
Please note that the majority of our items are vintage and therefore have tales to tell unless stated otherwise. Therefore, please look at pictures, descriptions and measurements provided as they give you the best idea of the story this item has to tell.
* Please note that when you buy a vintage product, the dimensions may vary slightly from a new one depending on previous care and storage.
Q: What is this specific Rolex Datejust? A: It is a vintage Rolex Datejust Ref. 1603 from 1973 with a 36mm stainless‑steel Oyster case, a blue dial with date at 3 o’clock, and a stainless‑steel Jubilee bracelet with a folding clasp. It is powered by an automatic movement and carries classic vintage proportions.
Q: Does this 1973 Ref. 1603 have a Quickset date? A: No. Datejust models from this era use a non‑Quickset mechanism. To change the date, advance the hands past midnight for each day you need to move. Avoid manual date changes between about 9pm and 3am to protect the mechanism, and always screw the crown back down after setting.
Q: Which movement powers it—does it use a battery? A: It is a mechanical self‑winding Rolex movement from the Calibre 15xx family (commonly the Cal. 1570 on Ref. 1603). It has no battery; wrist motion winds the mainspring. You can hand‑wind it by unscrewing the crown and giving ~25–30 turns to start after periods off the wrist.
Q: What type of crystal does it have? A: Vintage Datejust Ref. 1603 examples are fitted with an acrylic (plexiglass) crystal with the Cyclops magnifier over the date. Acrylic offers the warm vintage look and lightness; minor scuffs can often be polished out with a suitable plastic polish.
Q: Is it water‑resistant for swimming? A: The Oyster case was originally rated to 100 metres, but on any vintage watch we cannot guarantee water resistance without a recent pressure test. Even with a recent service, we recommend treating it as splash‑resistant only—avoid swimming, showering and prolonged exposure to moisture, and ensure the crown is fully screwed down.
Q: Will the bracelet fit my wrist? A: This watch is currently sized to fit a wrist circumference of up to 19 cm. The Jubilee bracelet can be reduced by removing links. If you require extra length, additional period‑correct links can usually be sourced separately.
Q: What is included with this purchase? A: It comes with a Rolex Service Card documenting a complete overhaul and a Rolex service pouch. The Rolex service guarantee is valid until August 2026. As with all our pieces, it is backed by A Retro Tale’s authenticity guarantee.
Q: What is the condition of this piece? A: The watch shows honest signs of age and wear appropriate for a 1970s piece, including scratches on the case, case back and bracelet. Please review the listing photos to assess the character of the wear.
Q: How often should I service it and how should I care for it? A: After the Rolex overhaul (with guarantee through August 2026), a routine service every 5–10 years is a sensible guideline, or sooner if accuracy or power reserve noticeably decline. Avoid magnets and strong shocks, keep it dry, screw the crown down securely, and use only a soft cloth for cleaning; light acrylic scuffs can be polished carefully if desired.
SHIPPING
All orders are insured and trackable. Once your shipment has been issued, a link to our Track & Trace service will be provided where you can track your shipment and check delivery status online.
We ship all orders from Sweden, and when importing to Canada your order may be subject to import duties and sales tax, which will be charged to you upon delivery by the shipping carrier.
These charges are typically collected by the shipping carrier at the time of delivery and are not included in the product price.
RETURNS
A Retro Tale offers 14 days return policy upon receipt of your order.
In order to request a return, please email [email protected] with your order number and state ”return request” in your email. From there, our Customer Support will confirm that your return request has been approved and further instructions will be provided by email.
AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEED
A Retro Tale specialises in vintage and pre-owned goods from the world's most loved fashion houses. We guarantee that all of our products are 100 percent authentic. Every item sold on our site undergoes a rigorous authentication process, in which our experts delve deep into the heritage of a brand via its craftsmanship techniques. This requires a rigorous and methodical process.
For us, authentication is about more than expertise; it offers a fascinating insight into the history of fashion and the craftsmanship involved in production.
Recently viewed
Please note that all return shipments to A Retro Tale must be traceable. Retain your shipping receipt and tracking number until the return is completed and your refund is processed. Return shipping costs will be covered by A Retro Tale, and we will provide you with a prepaid return label.
Please allow up to 10 business days for your return to be completed from the return shipping date as shipping time might vary depending on shipping country and shipping provider.
/ Rolex
/ Watches
/ Mens watches
/ Datejust
50%
off retail price
• Stainless steel case, 36mm
• Blue dial with date display at 3 o'clock
• Stainless steel fluted bezel
• Stainless steel Jubilee bracelet with folding clasp
• Automatic movement
• Vintage, from 1973
