Datejust 1601
Vintage Rolex Datejust reference 1601 in stainless steel and 9k rose gold, cream dial, acrylic crystal, and Jubilee bracelet. 2.9 million series from 1972
Out of stock
Rolex Datejust Reference 1601
Case and Material
Vintage Rolex Datejust reference 1601 in stainless steel with 9-karat rose gold elements. The 36 mm Oyster case features a fluted bezel in 9-karat rose gold. The acrylic crystal, typical for the era, emphasizes the vintage character of the watch. The serial number in the 2.9 million range dates this piece to 1972.
Dial and Special Features
Cream-colored dial with classic Datejust design and applied hour markers. The date display is located at 3 o’clock and is magnified by the characteristic Rolex Cyclops lens in the acrylic crystal.
Bracelet and Clasp
The watch is equipped with a two-tone Rolex Jubilee bracelet in stainless steel and 9-karat rose gold. The Jubilee bracelet is a signature feature of the Datejust and complements the combination of the stainless steel case and rose gold bezel.
Movement
Inside beats the automatic Rolex in-house caliber 1570. This mechanical self-winding movement features a central second hand and a date display. Caliber 1570 was used in reference 1601 for many years and is characteristic of this generation of the Datejust.
Condition and Accessories
The watch is in lightly worn condition, has been carefully inspected by our watchmakers, and is sold with a 1-year technical warranty.
Special Features & Historical Context
Reference 1601 belongs to the classic vintage generation of the Rolex Datejust and was manufactured from the late 1950s as an evolution of the Datejust with a fluted bezel and acrylic crystal. This particular example with a 2.9 million serial number dates from 1972 and combines stainless steel with 9-karat rose gold. This rose gold version is distinguished from the more common steel/yellow gold variants by its warm coloration. Comparable original 1601 models from the early 1970s also feature the caliber 1570, acrylic crystal, and a two-tone Jubilee bracelet.
Timeless design, impeccable quality in every respect, and an annual increase in value make Rolex watches daily companions and portable assets.
As the first hermetically sealed watch in history, Rolex, with its Oyster case, which has been widely copied to this day, began its triumph around the world, and legendary models such as the Submariner, GMT-Master, Explorer, and the classic Datejust have remained virtually unchanged in appearance since their introduction.
Only in recent years has Rolex begun to minimally adapt to current trends in watch design, exceeding the 40mm case diameter limit with its sports models.
In addition to its reputation as a status symbol and sports watch for extreme situations, the Rolex watch also holds a unique place in the hearts of watch collectors as a collector’s item.
