13
Rolex
Ref. 1601
DateJust
A fine and rare white gold wristwatch with sweep centre seconds, date and 'tropical' dial
- Estimate
- HK$100,000 - 150,000
HK$150,000
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Rolex
- Year
- 1965
- Reference No
- 1601
- Movement No
- D030245
- Case No
- 1'168'635
- Model Name
- DateJust
- Material
- 18k white gold
- Calibre
- Automatic, 1570, 26 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Brown leather strap
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel <em>Rolex</em> buckle
- Dimensions
- 36 mm. diameter
- Signed
- <em>Case, dial and movement signed </em>
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
The present watch is a very rare example within the DateJust family as it is cased in white gold. Over time, the dial has aged to a slightly brown 'tropical' color, with the patina coating the dial in a very even and consistent way. The dial contrasts beautifully against the shimmering and soft appearance of the white gold case. This watch is furthermore presented to us in very original condition. The case has strong definition, features original satin finishes to the top of the lugs and very full proportions to the lugs and band. There is also a clear and crisp hallmark under the lug, and the case back still retains its milled factory finish.
Literature
Rolex
Swiss | 1905Founded 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.
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