Launched in 1945, the Rolex’s Datejust model was a celebration of the renowned firm’s 40th anniversary. Over its long history, now spanning eight decades, the Datejust model, similar to the Day-Date, has been produced in many different variations; from different metal types to exotic dials and textured cases. In 1954, the Datejust would introduce the iconic cyclops date magnifier, an emblematic feature found on nearly all Rolex watches with a date aperture up to and including the present day.
The Datejust reference 1600 offers a smooth bezel that brings a simplistic touch than the fluted and crenelated bezels of its siblings reference 1601 and 1603. Sought-after by collectors, Rolex embellished their Datejusts and Day-Dates with additional flair and exuberance by creating delicate hard stone dials with an exotic appeal. Only highest-quality semi-precious stones were sliced and fitted within precious metal Datejust cases. These hard stones include jasper, rubellite, coral, lapis lazuli, malachite, obsidian, opal, and ammonite, as well as tiger’s eye like the present example. Presented in excellent overall condition, its lustrous tiger’s eye dial encased in the warmth of yellow gold is sure to be a trophy for any man or woman lucky enough to find it in their possession.
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.