A bi metal Datejust is a timeless watch – they have been making them since 1945 to prove that point! Model reference 1601
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
From the serial number between the lugs we can accurately date this watch to being made in 1971. But the case back has a stamp for I72, meaning first quarter of 1972. So the case was made in late 1971 but could not have been paired with the case back at the factory until early 1972.
CONDITION
The 1601 series Datejust ran from the late 1950’s to the late 1970’s, and has all the right styling features such as the stepped dial, open 6 and 9’s on the calendar and this model also has the iconic Jubilee bracelet – the watch was nearly called Jubilee not Datejust to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Rolex in 1945. Inside the stainless case with 18k bezel is a calibre 1570, 26 jewel, automatic winding movement that is running well. The acrylic glass is faultless, and has the correct 2.5x magnification cyclops over the date. The dial is very good, with just the tiniest of marks. The twinlock screwdown crown is signed with the correct crown and single line for a gold and steel case, and there is a small loss of the gold cap at the bottom of the crown. The bracelet has 455B endlinks and is stamped 62473 on the Z Clasp, as well as OP12 – this indicates the bracelet is newer than the watch, which may be why there is not as much stretch as the older bracelets have. The case has minor marks associated with age that would be removed with a polish, but we would advise people to keep it original and not polish the scuffs out. The Datejust also looks great on leather, and thanks to the drilled lugs strap changes are easy.
One of many people who chose to wear a Datejust 1601 was Martin Luther King, and you can read about that here.
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 38.2 mm
Width without crown 35.5 mm
Between lugs 20 mm
Lug to lug length 43.1 mm
Case Thickness 12.0 mm
Bracelet will fit a maximum wrist size of 190 mm. The bracelet can be sized for you if you give us your wrist size when placing the order.
All sizes are approximate.
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.
