1972 Rolex Datejust 18K Rose Gold (Ref. 1601)
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1972
Maker / issuer
RolexThis 1972 Rolex Datejust (Reference 1601) is constructed from 18K rose gold, a metal type noted in the source as being less commonly used by the manufacturer during this period.
The watch features a 36mm case with a fluted bezel and retains an original twin-lock crown. It is paired with an 18K rose gold Gay-Freres Oyster-Rivet bracelet stamped 4/72, featuring 13 links. The timepiece has a pink sunburst "pie-pan" dial with applied hour markers, tritium lume plots, and original rose gold hands that the source states have been professionally restored with tritium. A metallic date wheel is present with "open" 6s and 9s.
The watch currently functions, though its service history is unknown. The exterior components show light evidence of previous polishing and minimal wear consistent with its age.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Datejust
- Brand
- Rolex
- Hands
- Restored with tritium
- Serial
- 29XXXXX
- Bracelet
- Rolex 18K Rose Gold Oyster-Rivet Bracelet
- Material
- 18K Rose Gold
- Reference
- 1601
- Date wheel
- Metallic with open 6s and 9s
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Maker / attribution
- Rolex
Design
- Dial and Hands
- The timepiece possesses a pink sunburst "pie-pan" dial. It shows light spotting and signs of age, though no notable damage is reported. The tritium lume plots are dark and patinated but remain intact, showing only nominal degradation under UV inspection. The rose gold hands are original to the watch and have been professionally restored with tritium to ensure consistency with the dial. The date aperture at the 3 o'clock position features a metallic date wheel, which includes the "open" 6 and 9 numerals.
- Visible features
- • Fluted bezel in rose gold • Pink sunburst pie-pan dial • Oyster-Rivet bracelet with rivets visible • Magnified date aperture at 3 o'clock
- Case and Bracelet
- The 36mm case is manufactured in 18K rose gold and features a fluted bezel. The auction description reports that the case is well-preserved and exhibits light evidence of past polishing along with minimal wear from use. It retains the original rose gold twin-lock crown. The watch is accompanied by an 18K rose gold Gay-Freres Oyster-Rivet bracelet, which is stamped 4/72. It contains 13 links that exhibit nominal stretch and is sized to accommodate a wrist up to 8 inches in circumference.
- Condition and Maintenance
- The watch is described as currently keeping time. The auction house notes that the service history is unknown and that a movement service is available upon request by the purchaser. The overall condition of the timepiece is characterized as well-preserved for its age, with minimal wear observed on the gold components.
Identification
- Reference
- 1601
- Serial number
- 29XXXXX
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Service history is unknown
- Research required: Exactly how much metal was removed during previous polishing is not specified