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Lot #4441

Rolex Datejust 1607 Bark Bezel Black Gilt Dial 18k RG

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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 rose gold case with a screw-down crown and caseback, this 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

$8,000 – $12,000

The Details

Brand

Rolex

Dimensions

36mm

Model

Datejust

Movement

Automatic cal. 1550

Reference

1607

Bracelet

Leather strap

Year

Circa 1963

Condition

Excellent

Material

18kt rose gold

Included

Watch only

Dial Color

Black

THE DIAL
THE DIAL

Featuring a black dial with gilt inscriptions and architectural dauphine hands and applied indices, this example's dial comes to life and adds a wondefully luxurious aesthetic to an already exclusive timepiece.

THE CONSTRUCTION
THE CONSTRUCTION

Sporting a leather strap in lieu of the Datejust's typical Jubilee bracelet and a bark-finish bezel instead of the usual fluted bezel, this ref. 1607 is much more understated than the collection is known to be.

TIMING MACHINE READOUT
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 excellent condition. The rose gold case is well defined, with some light scratches and marks as expected of a watch of this vintage. A fully legible hallmark remains on the back of the top right lug. The so-called "bark-finish" bezel is very well defined, showing some gentle aging at the edges, and the gold has taken on a pleasing patina across both bezel and case. The glossy black gilt dial has some light surface marks, with all lume plots intact. The hands are clean, with patina to the gold and a crack in the lume of the minute hand. It is fitted with a brown leather strap and an aftermarket Rolex signed plated buckle.

Our Perspective

With its bark-finish bezel, gorgeously aged 18kt rose gold case, and stunning black gilt dial, this ref. 1607 has just about everything needed to differentiate it from a run-of-the-mill Datejust.

Eric Ku

Co-founder