Rolex Datejust

Why We Love It

The Datejust may just be the perfect watch. There - we said it! 

Why? It couples perfect proportions, a simple dial layout, and a robust movement into a timeless, easy to wear package. It has been Rolex's most prolific model and is an icon of timekeeping that has been in continuous production for decades. This particular example dates from 1972 and hasn't aged so much as a wrinkle - giving it nothing to envy from its more contemporary cousins. 

Perhaps the best part of the Datejust is that it is the ultimate do-anything, go-anywhere watch. Two parts sport (Rolex's Oyster case and crown), and one part dress (the fluted white gold bezel), the Datejust wears just as well with jeans as it does with a suit, no matter the expression.

This example, a Reference 1601 features a phenomenal unpolished case and flawless silver sunburst dial with perfectly aged puffy Tritium luminous indices and a matching handset. With its white gold fluted bezel, the 1601 can be distinguished from its sister references of Datejust, the 1600, which has a smooth steel bezel; or the 1603, which has an engine-turned 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 - such as the folded link Jubilee style included here.

These timepieces are incredibly versatile for everyday use, and can easily be dressed-up for formal occasions or dressed-down and worn as a sporty everyday companion.

The Datejust Story

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. 

The beauty of the Datejust is that it is the ultimate do-anything, go-anywhere watch. Equal parts sporty and dressy, the Datejust wears just as well with jeans as it does with a suit, and thanks to the signature Oyster case and tough-as-nails movement, it’s ready for anything that you can throw at it.

In production continuously since 1945, the original Datejust was the world's first wristwatch to incorporate a date disc and aperture at the 3:00 position. Since then, date windows at 3:00 have become commonplace, and the Rolex cyclops magnifier bubble has become a hallmark of the brand. Datejusts have proudly been worn by presidents, athletes and movie stars (and probably your grandfather), in a testament to how timeless and versatile the watch truly is.

While recent horological trends have favored larger sporty wristwatches, the age of the giant watch is drawing to a close, making more reasonably sized watches like the original Datejust, a pleasantly stylish option that fits the bill in every setting.

There's a magic to the Datejust's simple design, a timelessness that proves that true style never dies. 

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.

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.