Rolex Datejust - Freshly Serviced - 1601

Description

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust ref. 1601 is a classic example of Rolex design and practical luxury. This example features a 36mm stainless steel case paired with a stainless steel Jubilee bracelet with a folding clasp, and is finished with a fluted 18k white gold bezel that gives the watch a refined presence on the wrist. The silver dial is fitted with tritium hands and markers, protected by a domed plexiglass crystal that adds vintage character. Powering the watch is Rolex’s automatic caliber 1570, a robust and well-regarded movement known for reliability and solid performance. The watch is offered without the original box and manuals.

History

Introduced in 1945, the Rolex Datejust was the first self-winding wristwatch to display the date in a window on the dial, a milestone in wristwatch development. The reference 1601, produced primarily in the 1960s and 1970s, became one of the quintessential Datejust iterations. It commonly paired a steel case with a gold fluted bezel (in this example, 18k white gold), and often featured the Jubilee bracelet, which was originally introduced for the Datejust’s 40th anniversary. Caliber 1570, used in the 1601, is part of Rolex’s lineage of dependable in-house movements and helped establish the Datejust’s reputation for durability and accuracy. Over the decades the 1601 has become sought-after by collectors for its classic proportions, pleasing aesthetic, and vintage charm.