Rolex introduced the Datejust model in 1945 to commemorate the brand’s 40th anniversary. The classic design was a breakthrough in watchmaking as it was the world’s first waterproof automatic wristwatch to incorporate a date disc and aperture at the 3’o clock position. The reference 1601 came in various metals with a fluted bezel in gold and was available with a steel, bicolor, or (white, yellow and rose gold) case and bracelet.
Preserved in excellent condition from a Japanese collector, the present example has a unique factor that earned a famed title the “Wide Boy” among collectors. Rare and produced in a short production run in the early 70’s, the “Wide Boy” features unusual block-like wide set indexes and handset. Cased in stainless steel, this example is a classic Datejust model that never goes out of style, it features a recessed silver sunburst pie-pan dial, subtly encircled by sharp angled bezel shimmering in precious white-gold metal. The combination of different shines from the metals complements each other gracefully. The stunning looks of this example is further charmed with fully intact luminous plots that reacts vividly under UV light, its original factory sticker on the caseback, the signature Rolex Jubilee bracelet and fitted presentation box.
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.