Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1965 Reference No: 1601 Movement No: 52434 Case No: 1'140'472 Model Name: Datejust Material: 18K pink gold and diamonds Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1560, 26 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Gilt pin buckle Dimensions: 36mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
Catalogue Essay
This Datejust features a number of details that separates it from the ordinary. Firstly, it displays a stunning lacquer dial that has turned to an even and rich brown tone over time. There is no telling how a dial will react over time and to find such a consistent and saturated "Tropical" tone is a real anomaly indeed. Secondly, the dial does not display any signs of cracking, which is incredibly rare for a lacquer dial, adding to its desirability and beauty. Finally, the combination of dagger and diamond markers are another rare detail that is very rarely found on Datejust models.
The case is preserved in excellent condition with sharp hallmarks beneath the lug and crisp finishes to the top of 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.