Manufacturer: Rolex Year: 1965 Reference No: 1601 Movement No: D’035’947 Case No: 1'148'970 Model Name: Datejust Material: 18K white gold Calibre: Automatic, 1570, 26 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K white gold Rolex Jubilee bracelet, 185 mm. maximum length, end links stamped 53 Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Rolex folding deployant clasp stamped Rolex SA, 2.67 Dimensions: 36mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed.
Catalogue Essay
The Rolex Datejust stands as an enduring icon within the horological world, embodying both timeless elegance and technical innovation since its introduction in 1945. As the world's first self-winding wristwatch to display the date in a window at 3 o'clock, the Datejust revolutionized the watch industry by combining features such as the waterproof Oyster case and the “perpetual” self-winding movement. With its ability to effortlessly transition from formal occasions to everyday wear, the Datejust has become a “must-have” staple in the collections of watch enthusiasts.
The present example cased in white gold is made ever more appealing by its unique tropical lacquered dial, a feature that captivates with its clear reflection of the passage of time. Typically, a tropical dial is achieved through different exposures to various environmental elements. In this case, the dial has transformed from black to a very warm caramel brown.
Fitted on a period 18 karat white gold Jubiliee bracelet, the present Rolex reference 1601 in 18 karat white gold with a tropical dial not only adds a touch of vintage charm but also enhances its value as a cherished timepiece with a story to tell.
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.
