118
Rolex
Ref. 1601
Datejust
A fine and rare white gold wristwatch with "tropical" black lacquer dial, sweep center seconds, date, and bracelet
- Estimate
- $20,000 - 40,000
- Manufacturer
- Rolex
- Year
- 1965
- Reference No
- 1601
- Movement No
- D’035’947
- Case No
- 1'148'970
- Model Name
- Datejust
- Material
- 18K white gold
- Calibre
- Automatic, 1570, 26 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- 18K white gold Rolex Jubilee bracelet, 185 mm. maximum length, end links stamped 53
- Clasp/Buckle
- 18K white gold Rolex folding deployant clasp stamped Rolex SA, 2.67
- Dimensions
- 36mm Diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed.
Catalogue Essay
The present example cased in white gold is made ever more appealing by its unique tropical lacquered dial, a feature that captivates with its clear reflection of the passage of time. Typically, a tropical dial is achieved through different exposures to various environmental elements. In this case, the dial has transformed from black to a very warm caramel brown.
Fitted on a period 18 karat white gold Jubiliee bracelet, the present Rolex reference 1601 in 18 karat white gold with a tropical dial not only adds a touch of vintage charm but also enhances its value as a cherished timepiece with a story to tell.
Rolex
Swiss | 1905Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.
One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.