Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1961 Reference No: 1600 Movement No: D82’542 Case No: 702’129; inside caseback stamped “1603”, III.61 Model Name: Datejust Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1560, 25 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Jubilee bracelet, endlinks stamped “55”, max length 210mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp stamped “3.62” Dimensions: 35mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex guarantee certificate stamped Romolo Verga S.p.A. (Milano) dated 23 March 1963, Bulletin de Marche certificate, Rolex service document, hang tag, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
Launched in 1945, the Rolex Datejust endured the test of time with its timeless and elegant aesthetic. Not only is the Datejust the first self-winding wristwatch with a date function, it is also revered for its robustness and waterproof capabilities. In celebration of the brand’s 40th anniversary in 1945, the model was introduced with a new bracelet called “Jubilee”, fitted exclusively at the time for the Datejust model. The combination is unmistakably an expression of the classic Rolex wristwatch.
The present example Rolex Datejust from circa 1961 offered in well-preserved condition is the most classic iteration of the iconic Datejust. Cased in stainless steel with a domed bezel and baton indexes, this watch also features a timeless sunburst silver dial in superb condition with luminous material that has aged to an attractive buttery hue seen under UV light. Heightening its rarity are the accessories that remain intact along with this incredible timepiece.
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.