They don't come much better than this! We are madly in love with this twist on the classic Rolex Datejust and this particular piece is in a super sharp condition! One of the finest, fully-serviced examples currently available in the UK! The solid white gold, fluted bezel adds a new level of sophistication to an already suave watch. The original white dial is crisp for its age and has baton markers, Chrome straight hands and the the date window at 3 o'clock. The dial is signed 'Rolex, Oyster Perpetual, Datejust,' with the famous Rolex logo at 12 o'clock and 'Superlative Chronometer, Officially Certified' at 6. Another added rarity is the slight gap between the dial and the bezel is hidden by a sloping chapter ring, which has the outer minute track. Whilst it is a very subtle feature, it is one that we go crazy for! An unusual point of interest is that this particular 1601 is the so called "No Lume" variation apparently Produced for the Japanese market. It is said the Japanese government preferred not to allow radioactive substances to enter the country although tritium was far less potent than the older Radium paint. Also Notice the lack of cyclops magnification bubble on the glass. This was a preference with some owners , feeling the raised bubble detracts from the design and look. A cyclops glass can be fitted on request but we tend to agree!
The 36mm, brushed, stainless steel, screw-back (unpolished) case has the correctly Rolex-signed case back and Rolex Oyster, screw-down crown. The watch comes on its original, stainless steel, Jubilee ( unpolished ) bracelet for the classic 1601 sporty look, but it looks equally good dressed up on leather. The preference in today's vintage watch world is for an "unpolished" and original watch. This keeps the original case / bracelet detail and shape - Watches can be polished on request if required.
Hans Wilsdorf founded Rolex in 1905 at the age of 24, along with Alfred Davis in London. In 1919 they moved their operation to Geneva, Switzerland. This move was brought about by high wartime taxes on Gold and Silver in the UK after the Great war 1914-1918. They were now closer to their suppliers in Bienne. The Rolex Oyster case was released in 1926. Marketed as the world's first “waterproof” watch. The notches on the bezel and case back meant they could be screwed down to the middle case with a special tool invented and manufactured by Rolex to hermetically seal the case. In 1927 a young swimmer Miss Mercedes Gleitz swam the English channel wearing the “Oyster”. Later in 1933 the team of the first expedition to fly over Everest wore them. It was also famously worn by Sir Malcolm Campbell, “King Of Speed”, on the 4th September 1935. An advert of the time made a big splash with him saying “The Rolex watch is still keeping perfect time- I was wearing it yesterday when Bluebird exceeded 300 mph.” He broke the world land speed record 9 times between 1924 and 1936. 1931 saw the debut of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, their first self-winding watch that was also water-resistant and dustproof.
Rolex first introduced the Datejust in 1945 to commemorate the company’s 40th anniversary. The Rolex Datejust first made its appearance as the reference 4467, and upon its initial release, it was only available in solid 18ct yellow gold. It wasn’t until the 1950s, with the introduction of the reference 5030 and 5031, that stainless steel and Rolesor (two-tone) versions became available, and the “Datejust” name started to appear on the dial.
Fully serviced by us in our on-site workshop and comes with our 12 month, non-waterproof service cover.
What we think
This is a very attractive and highly sought after model of the Rolex Datejust and, in our opinion, much nicer than the newer version. The finest "No lume" example we have seen from this year and model. Buy the most recent Rolex Datejust today which will cost you just over £10,000, if you can find one... The case and bracelet comes unpolished as preferred by the vintage Rolex collector today ! This watch is also perfect for males and females alike and everybody needs a Datejust in their collection!
Spec Stuff
Serial : 250####
Reference : 1601
Movement : Automatic Rolex Cal. 1570 Chronometer Age : 1970/1979 Specific Age : 1970 Case Size :36mm Case Thickness : 12mm Lug to Lug : Lugs :20mm Condition : Pre-Owned Box & Papers : Chronometer Cert Case Material : Stainless Steel Service History : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
1970 Sharp Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust with White Gold Fluted Bezel "No Lume" Model 1601 in Stainless Steel on Jubilee Bracelet
