Manufacturer: Rolex Year: 1970 Reference No: 1601 Movement No: D852785 Case No: 2'774'688 Model Name: Datejust Material: 18K yellow gold and lapis lazuli Calibre: Automatic, 1066, 25 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex Jubilee bracelet, 185 mm. maximum length, end link stamped 53 Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex folding deployant clasp stamped Rolex SA Dimensions: 36mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
Catalogue Essay
Since its debut in 1945, the Rolex Datejust has remained a revered model in the realm of wristwatches, seamlessly blending ageless sophistication with groundbreaking technology. Pioneering the presentation of the date within an aperture at 3 o'clock in a self-winding wristwatch, it helped position Rolex for further success by integrating innovations like the waterproof Oyster case and the perpetual self-winding mechanism. Its versatility to seamlessly shift from formal events to everyday use has solidified its status as an essential model in the repertoire of watch aficionados worldwide.
The present lot is a stunning and highly charismatic example of the reference 1601 as it is fitted with a rare and sought-after lapis lazuli hardstone dial. Objectively attractive, the color of the lapis lazuli is vibrant and consists of small gold specks throughout that matches pefectly with the gilt lettering and yellow gold case.
The case is extremely well preserved, with excellent proportions, and the gold Jubilee bracelet is equally as appealing. The hardstone dial is preserved in outstanding condition, free from any cracks or damange, and is destined to attract the attention of tasteful collectors worldwide.
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.
