Rolex Datejust Ref. 1601
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1978
Maker / issuer
RolexThis Rolex Datejust, reference 1601, is a stainless steel wristwatch dating to approximately 1978. The timepiece is fitted with a silver-colored dial with a satin finish, which the source notes was observed on the final production run of the four-digit Datejust series.
The dial displays applied hour markers and is accompanied by a matching handset with Tritium luminous material. The watch is presented on a stainless steel Jubilee-style bracelet. The case and bracelet have undergone previous polishing. The timepiece functions as an Oyster Perpetual model, incorporating the standard Rolex Oyster case design.
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 wristwatch
- Dial finish
- Satin silver
- Bezel material
- White gold
- Bracelet style
- Jubilee
- Estimated date
- circa 1978
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Luminous material
- Tritium
- Maker / attribution
- Rolex
Design
- Condition Report
- The vendor reports the watch to be in excellent overall condition. The case and Jubilee bracelet are noted as having been polished, though the vendor states that the fluted bezel retains its definition and original detail, appearing to have avoided significant polishing. The dial is described as remaining in outstanding condition with a clean surface. The luminous Tritium plots are confirmed to be fully intact, maintaining their consistency with the handset.
- Visible features
- • Satin finish on the silver-colored dial • Fluted white gold bezel • Applied indices with luminous material at their base • Jubilee-style metal link bracelet
- Case and Dial Construction
- The watch features a stainless steel Oyster case equipped with a fluted bezel constructed from white gold. This specific bezel design is a feature identifying the model as a reference 1601 within the Rolex four-digit Datejust series. The case, along with the included Jubilee-style bracelet, has been subject to previous polishing, which the vendor describes as having been performed gently. The dial is silver-colored and features a specific satin finishing. The source indicates that this finish is a detail exclusive to the final production batch of the four-digit reference Datejust line. The dial layout includes intact Tritium luminous plots positioned at the base of the hour markers, paired with a handset that matches the dial in age and condition.
- Model Classification and Dating
- This object is identified as a late-production example of the Rolex reference 1601. The Datejust model line was introduced by Rolex in 1945. The reference 1601 is distinguished from the reference 1603 by the usage of a white gold fluted bezel as opposed to an engine-turned steel bezel. The piece is dated to approximately 1978 based on the vendor's assessment of its late-series production status. These four-digit reference models are described by the vendor as having pie-pan dials, which possess a three-dimensional quality in their construction.
Identification
- Reference
- 1601
- 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 source notes that the satin finishing is observed only on the last batch based on their own observations
- Research required: The extent and history of the case and bracelet polishing are described as 'gently' and 'tastefully' performed without independent verification