Make: Rolex
Model: Datejust 36
Reference: 1603
Year: 1978
Movement: Automatic Rolex Calibre 1570
Box & Papers: Original Rolex Box & Service Paperwork
Case: 36mm Oystersteel
Dial: Blue Sigma Dial
Bezel: Stainless Steel Engine-Turned Bezel
Bracelet / Strap: Stainless Steel Jubilee Bracelet
Condition: Very Good Vintage Condition
Serviced: October 2025
Warranty: 12 Month RHW Assured Warranty
The Blue Sigma Dial. A Different Kind of Datejust.
The Iconic Legacy
Few watches have enjoyed the enduring appeal of the Rolex Datejust. Introduced in 1945, it established a design language that has remained remarkably consistent for more than eighty years, combining the practicality of an automatic wristwatch with the elegance of a classic Rolex Oyster case.
By the 1970s, the Datejust had become one of the most recognisable watches in the world. But look beyond the familiar silhouette and you’ll discover an extraordinary variety of dial configurations, subtle design changes and production details that make collecting vintage examples so rewarding.
This 1978 reference 1603 is a particularly interesting example, featuring a beautiful blue Sigma dial, one of the more distinctive variations produced during this period.
The combination of its blue dial, stainless steel engine-turned bezel and classic Jubilee bracelet gives this Datejust a character that feels unmistakably vintage, yet remains just as appealing today.
Why You’ll Love It
The dial is undoubtedly the attraction here.
Blue has always been one of the most desirable colours in the Rolex collection, and on a vintage Datejust it takes on an entirely different personality. The sunburst finish catches the light beautifully, shifting in appearance depending on the surroundings, while the applied hour markers provide just the right amount of contrast.
Look closely at six o’clock and you’ll find the small Greek Sigma symbols, σ, positioned on either side of the dial’s Swiss designation. These discreet markings indicate the use of precious metal components in the dial furniture, a detail associated with a relatively short period of Swiss watchmaking during the 1970s.
It’s exactly the sort of small distinction that makes vintage Rolex collecting so interesting. To most people, this is simply a beautiful blue Datejust. To an enthusiast, those tiny markings tell a much more interesting story.
The 36mm Oyster case remains one of the most successful proportions Rolex has ever produced. Paired with the five-link Jubilee bracelet and the understated engine-turned bezel, it offers a balance of elegance and everyday wearability that larger modern watches sometimes struggle to achieve.
This example is presented in very good vintage condition and was serviced in October 2025, making it an especially appealing proposition for someone looking to enjoy a vintage Rolex rather than simply admire one.
Iconic Status
The Sigma dial represents a fascinating chapter in the history of Swiss watchmaking.
During the 1970s, certain Swiss manufacturers adopted the Sigma designation to highlight the use of precious metals in their watches. Rolex incorporated these small symbols into selected dials, including examples found across the Datejust, Day-Date and other collections.
Today, these dials are appreciated by collectors for their distinctive period details and their place within Rolex’s production history.
Reference 1603 has its own appeal. Unlike the more familiar fluted-bezel Datejust 1601, the 1603 features a stainless steel engine-turned bezel, giving the watch a slightly more restrained and utilitarian appearance while retaining the elegance of the traditional Datejust.
Inside sits Rolex’s Calibre 1570 family of automatic chronometer movements, an important generation of movements that helped establish the brand’s reputation for durability and reliability.
For me, the attraction of this particular watch lies in its combination of features. The blue Sigma dial gives it genuine collector interest, while the classic 36mm case and Jubilee bracelet make it a watch that can still be enjoyed regularly.
It is a wonderful example of why the vintage Datejust remains such a rewarding area of Rolex collecting.
Ready to Make It Yours?
Visit us at our home inside Martin & Martin, 30 High Street, St Peter Port, Guernsey.
This 1978 Rolex Datejust reference 1603 features the desirable blue Sigma dial, stainless steel engine-turned bezel and classic Jubilee bracelet.
It is presented in very good vintage condition and is accompanied by its original Rolex box and service paperwork. The watch underwent a service in October 2025.
Every watch is supplied to our RHW Assured standard: Authenticated, Prepared, Documented and Guaranteed. It will be presented with its RHW Assured warranty card, RHW Assured swing tag and branded black suede RHW travel pouch, and is covered by our 12 Month RHW Assured Warranty.
Contact us for a secure payment link to pay by any major debit or credit card or Apple Pay
Buy online via our website using PayPal or PayPal Guest. No PayPal account is required and all major debit and credit cards are accepted
Bank transfers
Cash payments welcomed by arrangement
Apple Pay and all major debit and credit cards accepted in store and by private appointment
Book a private appointment via our website
A beautifully understated vintage Rolex with a dial that makes it considerably more interesting than the average Datejust. For collectors who appreciate the small details, this blue Sigma dial example is certainly worth a closer look.
Make: Rolex
Model: Datejust 36
Reference: 1603
Year: 1978
Movement: Automatic Rolex Calibre 1570
Box & Papers: Original Rolex Box & Service Paperwork
Case: 36mm Oystersteel
Dial: Blue Sigma Dial
Bezel: Stainless Steel Engine-Turned Bezel
Bracelet / Strap: Stainless Steel Jubilee Bracelet
Condition: Very Good Vintage Condition
Serviced: October 2025
Warranty: 12 Month RHW Assured Warranty
The Blue Sigma Dial. A Different Kind of Datejust.
The Iconic Legacy
Few watches have enjoyed the enduring appeal of the Rolex Datejust. Introduced in 1945, it established a design language that has remained remarkably consistent for more than eighty years, combining the practicality of an automatic wristwatch with the elegance of a classic Rolex Oyster case.
By the 1970s, the Datejust had become one of the most recognisable watches in the world. But look beyond the familiar silhouette and you’ll discover an extraordinary variety of dial configurations, subtle design changes and production details that make collecting vintage examples so rewarding.
This 1978 reference 1603 is a particularly interesting example, featuring a beautiful blue Sigma dial, one of the more distinctive variations produced during this period.
The combination of its blue dial, stainless steel engine-turned bezel and classic Jubilee bracelet gives this Datejust a character that feels unmistakably vintage, yet remains just as appealing today.
Why You’ll Love It
The dial is undoubtedly the attraction here.
Blue has always been one of the most desirable colours in the Rolex collection, and on a vintage Datejust it takes on an entirely different personality. The sunburst finish catches the light beautifully, shifting in appearance depending on the surroundings, while the applied hour markers provide just the right amount of contrast.
Look closely at six o’clock and you’ll find the small Greek Sigma symbols, σ, positioned on either side of the dial’s Swiss designation. These discreet markings indicate the use of precious metal components in the dial furniture, a detail associated with a relatively short period of Swiss watchmaking during the 1970s.
It’s exactly the sort of small distinction that makes vintage Rolex collecting so interesting. To most people, this is simply a beautiful blue Datejust. To an enthusiast, those tiny markings tell a much more interesting story.
The 36mm Oyster case remains one of the most successful proportions Rolex has ever produced. Paired with the five-link Jubilee bracelet and the understated engine-turned bezel, it offers a balance of elegance and everyday wearability that larger modern watches sometimes struggle to achieve.
This example is presented in very good vintage condition and was serviced in October 2025, making it an especially appealing proposition for someone looking to enjoy a vintage Rolex rather than simply admire one.
Iconic Status
The Sigma dial represents a fascinating chapter in the history of Swiss watchmaking.
During the 1970s, certain Swiss manufacturers adopted the Sigma designation to highlight the use of precious metals in their watches. Rolex incorporated these small symbols into selected dials, including examples found across the Datejust, Day-Date and other collections.
Today, these dials are appreciated by collectors for their distinctive period details and their place within Rolex’s production history.
Reference 1603 has its own appeal. Unlike the more familiar fluted-bezel Datejust 1601, the 1603 features a stainless steel engine-turned bezel, giving the watch a slightly more restrained and utilitarian appearance while retaining the elegance of the traditional Datejust.
Inside sits Rolex’s Calibre 1570 family of automatic chronometer movements, an important generation of movements that helped establish the brand’s reputation for durability and reliability.
For me, the attraction of this particular watch lies in its combination of features. The blue Sigma dial gives it genuine collector interest, while the classic 36mm case and Jubilee bracelet make it a watch that can still be enjoyed regularly.
It is a wonderful example of why the vintage Datejust remains such a rewarding area of Rolex collecting.
Ready to Make It Yours?
Visit us at our home inside Martin & Martin, 30 High Street, St Peter Port, Guernsey.
This 1978 Rolex Datejust reference 1603 features the desirable blue Sigma dial, stainless steel engine-turned bezel and classic Jubilee bracelet.
It is presented in very good vintage condition and is accompanied by its original Rolex box and service paperwork. The watch underwent a service in October 2025.
Every watch is supplied to our RHW Assured standard: Authenticated, Prepared, Documented and Guaranteed. It will be presented with its RHW Assured warranty card, RHW Assured swing tag and branded black suede RHW travel pouch, and is covered by our 12 Month RHW Assured Warranty.
Contact us for a secure payment link to pay by any major debit or credit card or Apple Pay
Buy online via our website using PayPal or PayPal Guest. No PayPal account is required and all major debit and credit cards are accepted
Bank transfers
Cash payments welcomed by arrangement
Apple Pay and all major debit and credit cards accepted in store and by private appointment
Book a private appointment via our website
A beautifully understated vintage Rolex with a dial that makes it considerably more interesting than the average Datejust. For collectors who appreciate the small details, this blue Sigma dial example is certainly worth a closer look.
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