Manufacturer: Rolex Year: circa 1974 Reference No: 1601 Movement No: D129'730 Case No: 4'007'311 Model Name: Datejust Material: 18K white gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K white gold Rolex Jubilee bracelet, reference 6311, end links stamped 53, max length 200mm Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Rolex folding deployant clasp Dimensions: 35mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
Catalogue Essay
Rolex introduced the Datejust model in 1945 to commemorate the brand’s 40th anniversary. This model that may now seem to be very classical was actually a real breakthrough in watchmaking as it was the very first waterproof automatic wristwatch with a date that would jump at midnight.
The present example from the mid-70s is a rare model as it is made in white gold and even more interesting is the red signature of his Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Saided of Oman, an important collector in his own right. When found anywhere on a watch, this signature signifies an important object of royal provenance. Such watches were made on commission for the Sultan of Oman, to be offered as gifts to foreign dignitaries and loyal staff. Combining the extremely sought after Qaboos signature and a precious yet discreet metal make this watch a very good addition to any collection: easy to wear but with a twist.
Founded 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.