An absolutely exceptional 1976 Rolex Datejust reference 1601, and quite simply one of the cleanest examples of the reference we have handled. Beautifully preserved, freshly serviced and presented with a superb pale grey/silver dial, this is vintage Datejust at its best.
The defining feature is the immaculate pale grey/silver dial, which remains in genuinely outstanding, near-mint condition. Applied baton hour markers and the Rolex coronet sit against the beautifully clean surface, while the dial retains the iconic stepped outer edge, commonly known as the “pie-pan” dial. This distinctive profile is one of the most desirable aesthetic signatures of the four-digit Datejust.
Surrounding it is the classic 18ct white-gold fluted bezel, itself in exceptional condition. The individual flutes remain beautifully defined and catch the light sharply, giving the watch the subtle precious-metal detail that distinguishes the ref. 1601 from its smooth-bezel counterparts.
At 36mm excluding the crown, the stainless-steel Oyster case has received a light polish during its lifetime, but crucially retains strong, sharp edges and excellent overall definition. The case dates the watch to 1976.
The watch is fitted to a later genuine Rolex solid-link Jubilee bracelet and Rolex clasp, accommodating a wrist of approximately 18.5cm. The bracelet has been professionally re-pinned and welded, eliminating the excessive stretch so commonly found on older Jubilee bracelets. The result is an exceptionally tight bracelet with virtually no sag at all.
Inside is Rolex's celebrated automatic chronometer movement. The watch has just been serviced and is running beautifully, making this not simply an impressive collector's example but one ready to be enjoyed.
Condition is what truly separates this watch. The dial is exceptional, the 18ct white-gold bezel remains remarkably crisp, the case retains sharp definition and the Jubilee bracelet is extraordinarily tight. Finding all of those qualities together on a Datejust approaching fifty years old is increasingly difficult.
A phenomenal ref. 1601, combining the mint pale silver pie-pan dial, beautifully preserved 18ct white-gold fluted bezel, sharp 36mm case and freshly serviced movement. Quite simply, one of the finest vintage Datejusts we have had through our hands.
An absolutely exceptional 1976 Rolex Datejust reference 1601, and quite simply one of the cleanest examples of the reference we have handled. Beautifully preserved, freshly serviced and presented with a superb pale grey/silver dial, this is vintage Datejust at its best.
The defining feature is the immaculate pale grey/silver dial, which remains in genuinely outstanding, near-mint condition. Applied baton hour markers and the Rolex coronet sit against the beautifully clean surface, while the dial retains the iconic stepped outer edge, commonly known as the “pie-pan” dial. This distinctive profile is one of the most desirable aesthetic signatures of the four-digit Datejust.
Surrounding it is the classic 18ct white-gold fluted bezel, itself in exceptional condition. The individual flutes remain beautifully defined and catch the light sharply, giving the watch the subtle precious-metal detail that distinguishes the ref. 1601 from its smooth-bezel counterparts.
At 36mm excluding the crown, the stainless-steel Oyster case has received a light polish during its lifetime, but crucially retains strong, sharp edges and excellent overall definition. The case dates the watch to 1976.
The watch is fitted to a later genuine Rolex solid-link Jubilee bracelet and Rolex clasp, accommodating a wrist of approximately 18.5cm. The bracelet has been professionally re-pinned and welded, eliminating the excessive stretch so commonly found on older Jubilee bracelets. The result is an exceptionally tight bracelet with virtually no sag at all.
Inside is Rolex's celebrated automatic chronometer movement. The watch has just been serviced and is running beautifully, making this not simply an impressive collector's example but one ready to be enjoyed.
Condition is what truly separates this watch. The dial is exceptional, the 18ct white-gold bezel remains remarkably crisp, the case retains sharp definition and the Jubilee bracelet is extraordinarily tight. Finding all of those qualities together on a Datejust approaching fifty years old is increasingly difficult.
A phenomenal ref. 1601, combining the mint pale silver pie-pan dial, beautifully preserved 18ct white-gold fluted bezel, sharp 36mm case and freshly serviced movement. Quite simply, one of the finest vintage Datejusts we have had through our hands.
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