Rolex Datejust

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REF 1601
Automatic
36 MM
– Show less
SKU AS07135
Article Number 40922149
ref 1601
case size 36 MM
movement Automatic Winding
approximate age 1970s
dial color Black
material Two-Tone Steel & Gold
style Dress
category Vintage
bracelet Metal
lug width 20 MM
Includes Rose gold and stainless steel folded-link Jubilee bracelet with signed blade clasp (62523H/255).
overall condition The case is in excellent condition overall showing signs of light previous polishing and light wear from age and use. Matte black Tritium dial with applied rose gold indices is in fantastic condition showing even patination to Tritium elements with matching handset. Signed crown.
REF 1601
Automatic
36 MM
– Show less
SKU AS07135
Article Number 40922149
ref 1601
case size 36 MM
movement Automatic Winding
approximate age 1970s
dial color Black
material Two-Tone Steel & Gold
style Dress
category Vintage
bracelet Metal
lug width 20 MM
Includes Rose gold and stainless steel folded-link Jubilee bracelet with signed blade clasp (62523H/255).
overall condition The case is in excellent condition overall showing signs of light previous polishing and light wear from age and use. Matte black Tritium dial with applied rose gold indices is in fantastic condition showing even patination to Tritium elements with matching handset. Signed crown.

Why We Love it

We've said it over and over again - the Datejust may just be the perfect watch.

Coupling perfect proportions, simple dial layouts, and robust movements, Rolex's most prolific model is an icon of timekeeping that has been in continuous production for decades. Moreover, the Datejust is all the watch that just about any of us really need

With its famous fluted white gold bezel, the 1601 can be distinguished from its sister references of Datejust, the 1603, which has an engine-turned steel bezel; or the 1600, which has a polished smooth steel bezel. Like all 1600-series Datejust models, the 1601 features a pie-pan dial, acrylic crystal, and classic 36mm proportions that work brilliantly on fabric straps or metal bracelets. 

This particular example, a Reference 1601, dates to circa 1970 and is something of a special Datejust. It features a very uncommon two-tone rose gold and stainless steel Oyster case with 'holey lugs' with a magnified acrylic crystal, a signed rose gold crown, a fluted rose gold bezel, a matte black Tritium dial with a matching handset, and a matching two-tone Jubilee bracelet with a signed blade clasp.

How about that!

While remaining incredible versatile as all Datejust are, this outstanding piece flies under the radar and epitomizes the phrase, "if you know, you know..."

Brand Story

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Though much younger than many of its heavy-hitting horological cousins, Rolex has been at the fore of contemporary watch design virtually since its inception in 1905 by founder Hans Wilsdorf. A veritable marketing genius, Wilsdorf understood the power of story, associating his watches with the most notable and intrepid athletes, explorers, soldiers and politicians of the 20th century. His efforts were clearly successful: Today, the word “Rolex” is nearly synonymous in the minds of millions around the word with “watch.”

From the early waterproof Oyster case of the 1920s through to the ultra-complicated Sky Dweller of today, Rolex models and innovations have captivated a global audience and permeated the zeitgeist unlike those of any other brand. Whether it’s a simple, time-only Air King, a function-first Submariner or a complicated GMT Master II for the jet set, a Rolex commands a certain respect on the wrist and says something about the discerning eye of its owner.

From the swimming of the English channel in 1927 to the scaling of Mt. Everest in 1953, Rolex watches have been associated with adventure for the better part of a century. Despite its association since the 1970s more with luxury and status than with commando operations behind enemy lines or sporting achievements, Rolex still makes one of the most robust timepieces available on the contemporary market. And the company continues to support scientific endeavors around the world.

Interestingly, for most of the firm’s history, Rolex largely did not produce its components in-house, including its movements. (Indeed, hand-wound Daytonas sold today at auction for eye-watering prices feature run-of-the-mill Valjoux movements that feature in watches from hundreds of other brands). It wasn’t until the early 21st century that Rolex became the vertically integrated manufacturing behemoth that it is today, purchasing everything from movement manufacturers to bracelet companies. (Notably, the Crown even forges its own gold.)

Whether one is attracted to the rich history of the brand or simply finds its products notable from an investment perspective, Rolex is a company whose wares are guaranteed to remain a benchmark for horological quality forever.

A:S Guarantee

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Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

Shipping & Returns

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All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

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Rolex Datejust

Rolex Datejust

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Rolex Datejust

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