The Rolex Datejust has been a popular watch since it was introduced in 1945. Model reference 1601.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
From the serial number between the bottom lugs we can accurately date this watch to being made in 1965. The bracelet has a date code for first quarter of 1966, so it could either be a later replacement or the watch was made in 1965 and sold and paired with the bracelet in 1966, which seems more likely – Rolex didn’t have the long wait times they do now back in the sixties.
CONDITION
The reference 1601 is possibly the easiest to find Datejust reference ever made, thanks to being in production for nearly two decades. This example has the correct calibre 1565 movement (stamped 1560 as they were, but the 1565 has a date function), which was superseded later in 1965 by the 1570, and it is running well. The earlier movement doesn’t have the hack feature that the later 1570 has, and neither have quick set date. The case doesn’t look heavily polished – the lugs can go pointy if these have been aggressively polished – and the signature gold fluted bezel is still crisp. The stepped dial is nice, and looks original with nicely aged lume pips. The screw down crown operates well. The bracelet is very long and that’s great as extra links can be difficult to find and fit to this model if required. The bracelet has been cleaned in our ultrasonic bath. As the bracelet is Swiss made it is likely that every thing that looks gold is 18k gold, whereas the US made bracelets are 14k gold.
This watch will be supplied with our branded presentation box and our Certificate of Authenticity.
Please see the HD video for more detail. All photos and videos are part of the description and are of the actual watch unless mentioned. We do not photoshop any pictures, and the images are copyright of birthyearwatches.com and should not be used without permission.
SIZE
Width with crown 38.3 mm
Width without crown 35.5 mm
Between lugs 20 mm
Lug to lug length 43.5 mm
Case Thickness 11.6 mm
Bracelet will fit a maximum wrist size of 210 mm. The bracelet can be sized for you if you give us your wrist size when placing the order.
All sizes are approximate. The watch is photographed on a wrist of 190mm/7.5 inches.
Included with this watch is a 3 month guarantee and free delivery to UK addresses. If you live outside the UK we can still deliver to most countries. Please see our Worldwide Shipping information, or Contact Us. Payment can be made by most credit or debit cards, bank transfer or PayPal.
From 1st September 2021 we will be planting a tree for every watch we sell, working with the International Tree Foundation (Est 1922) to make this business positive on carbon. By buying anything pre owned you are effectively reusing what already exists, but this takes it further and makes us feel good.
