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Lot #1682

Rolex Datejust 1601 Black Gilt Dial

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Introduction

Released to celebrate Rolex's 40th anniversary in 1945, the Rolex Datejust has become one of the Genevan Giant's most iconic watches. The world's first wristwatch to display the date via an aperture on the dial, the Datejust revolutionized wristwatch design for decades to follow. With its emblematic Cyclops lens, jubilee bracelet (designed specifically for the model in 1945), and classy fluted precious metal bezel, the Datejust's aesthetic has always been that of pure elegance and class. Perhaps one of Rolex's most recognizable designs, the Datejust has evolved from its dressier roots into a perfectly capable timepiece rivaling the robustness of most brand's sports watches. Featuring a stainless steel case with a screw-down crown and caseback, the Datejust packs an impressive 100m of water resistance alongside its consistently capable movements and construction that have enabled it to become one of the best-equipped watches for daily wear and tear. Available with several different dial options, in a multitude of materials, and across many styles, the Datejust is an inescapable reflection of its owner, with a model out there to suit pretty much everybody's tastes and preferences.

Loupe This Scorecard

Grade

V 8.5

Status

Vetted & Approved

Included

Watch Only

Est. value range

$4,000 – $6,000

The Details

Brand

Rolex

Dimensions

36mm x 12mm

Model

Datejust

Movement

Automatic cal. 1570

Reference

1601

Bracelet

Stainless steel Jubilee bracelet

Year

1968

Condition

Very good

Material

Stainless steel and 18kt white gold

Included

Watch only

Dial Color

Black

THE DIAL

Featuring golden inscriptions, this Datejust's black gilt pie-pan dial boasts beautifully aged lume pips that match the gold hue of its inscriptions beautifully.

THE CONSTRUCTION

Offered on the Datejust's signature Jubilee bracelet with an 18kt white gold fluted bezel, this ref. 1601 features all of the Datejust's signature design tenets.

TIMING MACHINE READOUT

This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.

Condition

Watch is in overall very good condition. Case shows signs of wear along surfaces as well as some accumilation of debris around the edges. The WG bezel retains a sharp well defined fluted edge. The gilt dial is in excellent condition, with some even surface texturing as visible in the dial image. Luminous dots are even and perfect still, and the tone matches the hands. The swiss rivet bracelet has 23 links, with little stretch.

Our Perspective

One of Rolex's most emblematic timepieces, the Datejust has stood the test of time and lives on with most of its aesthetic unchanged over the several decades it has been in production. It is a truly iconic watch.

Eric Ku

Co-founder