The 1968 Rolex Datejust 1601
Few watches are so easily recognizable on the wrist of a stranger to both an experienced and novice watch enthusiast as the Rolex Datejust. Both, for design that is in a league of its own and for brand recognition, the Datejust has become a symbol of prowess for a brand, and accomplishment for the wearer.
The Rolex Datejust was first launched in 1945 but this was not the first time Rolex incorporated the date complication into their watches. In fact, the first date appeared on a Rolex was around 1915. Fast forward 30 years and Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf was interested in premiering the Datejust for the 40th anniversary of the brand. Rolex had achieved three main accomplishments by this time and the plan was to debut a watch that exemplified all three. First, the water tight oyster case, second, a movement that could wind itself via a rotor and the third official certification as a chronometer.
All these accomplishments were true to what Rolex had done up until this point. They they added a date window at 3 o’clock that allowed for the centrally borne disc to advance one increment punctually at midnight, making the date ‘just in time’. Put all this incredible watchmaking together, and Rolex was ready to launch the Datejust.
The first Datejust reference was the reference 4467 and has become desirable by many vintage watch collectors. The first few refences did not have a cyclops magnifier on the crystal of the dial which makes the date larger and more readable. This was a later addition to some of the later references and was of course added to the reference 1601, the watch for today.
The reference 1601 Datejust from Rolex was introduced in 1959, 14 years after the Datejust was created. There was a large variety of Datejust’s produced, each with their own unique character. Many of the variations were in three main areas - the metal used for the bezel, dial colour and dial finishing. Bezel’s ranged from steel, white gold to yellow gold. Dial colours were a lottery of white to champagne. Dials even came with a variety of materials - some having linen dials.
The 1601 you see today is a combination of these features. The 1601 is a 36mm watch, making it smaller to some but perfect size for many. The steel case is capped with a beautiful 14k yellow gold fluted bezel. It has the typical pie-pan dial that is a champagne tone. The champagne tone of the dial looks picturesque with the applied hour markers and Rolex logo. Overall condition of the dial is very good, with very few signs of much wear. The watch is on a StrapsCo brown leather strap, but with drilled lugs holes, one can have a lot of fun mixing and matching with straps. Because of the oyster case, it is very versatile so it can be worn in the board room, or casually at home or in the outdoors.
One thing that many collectors probably have heard is how often a Datejust is purchased for an accomplishment in someone’s life, or passed down from father to son or daughter. When one straps this watch onto the wrist, all of those floods one’s mind. That a watch signifies not only the accomplishment or history of a person, but of all those who have chosen a classic watch like this to be the one they wear. Maybe that would feel heavy to some, but fill others with pride. And if you don’t really want to think about that, well it sure is a stunning watch to look down on and tell the time.
The watch is available on our store here.
Enjoy!
