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.
This vintage Rolex Datejust 36mm Ref. 1603, crafted in stainless steel, is presented in very good condition. It features the highly collectible and very rare grey 'Ghost' Sigma dial, a hallmark of its era. Produced in 1973, this timepiece has a stainless steel Jubilee bracelet showing some stretch and shiny hardware with some scratches, indicative of its authentic vintage character. While it comes with no original accessories, it is backed by a 12-month mechanical guarantee.
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 the Rolex Datejust 36mm Ref. 1603 (1973) with Ghost Sigma dial? A: It’s a vintage, Swiss‑made automatic Datejust with a 36mm stainless‑steel Oyster case, a stainless‑steel Jubilee bracelet and a very rare grey “Ghost” Sigma dial. This 1973 example is in very good overall condition, with shiny hardware showing light scratches and some bracelet stretch typical of vintage wear. It’s delivered with no original accessories and includes A Retro Tale’s 12‑month mechanical guarantee.
Q: What does “Ghost Sigma” dial mean, and why is it collectible? A: “Ghost” describes the subtle, pale grey tone and low‑contrast printing that can appear to shift under different light—an aesthetic prized by vintage collectors. “Sigma” refers to the small Greek σ marks flanking “T SWISS T” at 6 o’clock, indicating the hour markers (and often the hands) are made of solid gold. The combination of a grey ghost finish and sigma designation is scarce and highly sought after for its period‑correct character and rarity.
Q: Which movement does the 1603 typically use, and does it have a quickset date? A: Most Datejust 1603 models from the early 1970s house the automatic Rolex Calibre 1575 (15xx series) with date. It is non‑quickset, meaning the date advances by rolling the hands past midnight. Many examples from this era feature hacking seconds. Power reserve is around 48 hours. We’re happy to confirm the exact calibre in this specific watch on request.
Q: Is it water‑resistant and suitable for swimming? A: When new, the Oyster case was rated to 100 metres, but water resistance on vintage watches cannot be guaranteed without recent servicing and pressure testing. Treat it as splash‑resistant at best: avoid swimming, showering or submersion. Always ensure the crown is fully screwed down before any contact with moisture.
Q: Does the 1603 have acrylic or sapphire crystal, and is there a Cyclops magnifier? A: The 1603 of this period typically features an acrylic crystal with Rolex’s Cyclops magnifier over the date. Acrylic is period‑correct and can often be lightly polished by a professional to reduce fine marks. We can confirm the crystal on this exact watch if required.
Q: How do I set the time and date on a non‑quickset Datejust safely? A: Unscrew the crown anti‑clockwise. Position 1: wind the movement (about 20–40 turns if it has stopped). Position 2: set the time. Advance the date by rolling the hands past midnight as needed. Avoid changing the date between roughly 8pm and 2am to protect the mechanism. When finished, push the crown in and screw it down firmly to help maintain moisture resistance.
Q: What distinguishes the 1603 from the 1601 and other Datejust references? A: The 1603 is known for its engine‑turned stainless‑steel bezel, giving a refined, textured look. By contrast, the 1601 features a fluted bezel in 18ct white gold. Later references (e.g., 16014/16030/16000) introduced different bezel materials and updated movements. The 1603’s steel bezel and 15xx series calibre make it a quintessential early‑1970s Datejust.
Q: Will the Jubilee bracelet fit my wrist, and can it be resized? A: This bracelet fits wrists up to approximately 19cm as listed. We can size the Jubilee by adding or removing links prior to dispatch. Extra period‑correct links can often be sourced (subject to availability and a fee). Some stretch is normal on vintage Jubilee bracelets; regular, gentle wear helps preserve condition.
Q: What accuracy and servicing should I expect from a vintage Datejust? A: A well‑maintained 15xx‑series Datejust should keep good time, though performance varies with age and service history. A routine full service every 5–10 years is generally recommended, or sooner if you notice issues (e.g., running fast/slow or condensation). Keep the watch away from strong magnets, chemicals and extreme heat, and wipe it with a soft microfibre cloth after wear.
Q: Is it authentic, what is included, and what warranty/shipping do you offer? A: A Retro Tale rigorously authenticates every item and guarantees 100% originality. This listing is delivered with no accessories unless stated otherwise. We provide a 12‑month mechanical guarantee, free fully insured DHL shipping, a 14‑day return policy, and 0% customs fees for EU buyers. Contact us for any additional photos, movement verification or delivery questions.
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.
A Retro Tale offers free shipping to most EU countries. Click here to see the full list of eligible countries.
The shipping fee will be clearly shown during the checkout process. In some cases—such as during promotions or depending on your delivery location—shipping costs may vary. If no special rates apply, the standard international shipping fee of $49 will be charged.
We ship all orders from Sweden. Depending on your country’s import regulations, your order may be subject to customs duties, VAT, GST, or other local taxes upon arrival.
These charges are typically collected by the shipping carrier at the time of delivery and are not included in the product price.
We offer secure shipping via DHL and UPS with the following delivery time:
Outside Europe: 3-6 business days.
If you have any questions about customs, duties, or taxes, feel free to contact our customer service team — we’re happy to help!
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.
Please note that the return shipping fee is covered by the returnee and all return shippings to A Retro Tale must be traceable. Thus, please retain your receipt of shipping and tracking number until your return has been completed and you have received your refund.
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.
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.
