Rolex Datejust Ref. 1601/8, circa 1973
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1973
Maker / issuer
RolexThis Rolex Datejust reference 1601/8 is a solid yellow gold automatic wristwatch dating to circa 1973. Featuring the characteristic 4-digit 'pie-pan' dial geometry, the watch is finished with a satin blue dial and applied baton indices.
The dial is marked as a 'Sigma' variant, indicated by the 'T SWISS T' signature at the 6 o'clock position. It is equipped with a fluted yellow gold bezel and an Oyster-style case. The watch is paired with a specific South American market Jubilee bracelet featuring a blade-style clasp. The auction description notes the presence of degradation along the edge of the pie-pan dial and confirms the presence of original, patinated Tritium luminous plots on the dial and handset.
The piece represents a production variation of the 1601 series, documented as being manufactured in fewer quantities than the steel-cased alternatives of the era.
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
- Date
- circa 1973
- Type
- Datejust wristwatch
- Dial Type
- Pie-pan dial
- Reference
- 1601/8
- Clasp Type
- Blade clasp
- Case Material
- Solid yellow gold
- Bracelet Style
- Jubilee bracelet
- Maker / attribution
- Rolex
Design
- Case and Dial
- The watch is housed in a solid gold Oyster case, paired with a fluted yellow gold bezel. This architecture provides a stepped edge to the dial, which is noted to exhibit some degradation. The dial is further characterized by applied baton indices and a matching handset. Tritium plots remain visible on the dial, which the source describes as evenly patinated. The presence of 'T SWISS T' at the base of the dial identifies this as a 'Sigma' dial variant.
- Visible features
- • Satin blue finish on the dial • Fluted yellow gold bezel • Pie-pan dial profile with degradation at the edge • Jubilee-style bracelet with a blade clasp
- Bracelet and Appointments
- The watch is mounted on a Jubilee-style bracelet, which the source identifies as a South American market version. Unlike standard iterations, this specific bracelet is fitted with a blade-style clasp. This configuration is identified by the source as a distinct variation within the 4-digit reference range, intended to provide a contrast to the commonly encountered steel or gold/steel combinations of the same era.
- Condition and Attribution
- The auction description reports that the watch is in excellent overall condition, emphasizing that the case retains a thick and symmetrical profile. The movement and specific production history are not detailed beyond the general manufacturing context of the 1601 series. The piece is dated by the source to approximately 1973. It is noted that solid gold variants of the 1601 were produced in lower quantities compared to the contemporary Day-Date models.
Identification
- Reference
- 1601/8
- 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: The exact origin of the 'South American market' attribution for the bracelet is not verified.
- Research required: The extent of internal movement condition is not specified in the source.