Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1975 Reference No: 1601 Movement No: D'043'369 Case No: 4'200'996 Model Name: Datejust Material: 18K yellow gold and lapis lazuli Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex President bracelet, max length 190mm Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex deployant clasp Dimensions: 36mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex box and product literature.
Catalogue Essay
Launched in 1945, the Rolex Datejust is one of the most iconic models ever created. Its fluted bezel is instantly recognizable upon a glance, and is still deeply ingrained in the DNA of modern Rolex watches today.
Rolex in particular excels in using hard stone. The manufacture has elevated its dress watches with materials such as rubellite, blood stone, coral, and even fossil, providing an unusual design twist to classic models.
This beautifully preserved reference 1601 features a stunning lapis lazuli dial. This very example is particularly rich and saturated in tone, with slight copper and gold flecks throughout. No two hardstone dials are exactly the same in appearance, as they are naturally occurring materials. The present example does not display any cracks on the dial, and is preserved in excellent condition. Furthermore, the case is also presented in crisp condition, with sharp and deep hallmarks beneath the lugs.
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.