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The Crown Collection
The Rolex Datejust Ref. 1601 is a quintessential symbol of mid-century luxury, representing Rolex’s mastery of form, function, and enduring elegance. This iconic timepiece features a 36mm stainless steel Oyster case paired with an 18K yellow gold fluted bezel, a hallmark of Rolex’s pioneering “Rolesor” design—a harmonious fusion of steel and gold. The silver “pie-pan” dial, with its subtly concave profile and sunburst finish, captures light with a dynamic radiance, while applied gold baton indices and Tritium lume plots (aged to a warm, creamy patina) evoke the charm of vintage craftsmanship.Mounted on the legendary five-link Jubilee bracelet, this watch combines comfort with sophistication, its alternating polished and brushed links creating a play of light that complements the two-tone case. Powered by the Caliber 1570 movement—a self-winding marvel of reliability—the watch proudly bears the “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified” designation, a testament to its precision. A versatile companion for both formal and casual settings, the Datejust 1601 remains a cornerstone of Rolex’s legacy.
Case & Bezel: Unpolished stainless steel case with light hairlines; fluted bezel shows minor wear but retains sharp edges.
Dial: Pristine silver “pie-pan” dial with even patina on Tritium plots.
Hands: Original gold hands with matching Tritium lume.
Crystal: Light scratches consistent with age; no cracks.
Bracelet: Moderate stretch; clasp functions flawlessly.
Movement: Serviced in 2020; accuracy within +5 seconds/day.
Rolex green leather pouch (1970s era)
Service documentation (2020 overhaul)
Two additional Jubilee links
The Datejust 1601 is a blue-chip collectible, prized for its historical significance and timeless design. The 36mm case and “pie-pan” dial cater to modern tastes, while the Caliber 1570 ensures reliability. Values for unpolished examples have risen 10% annually, with auction results regularly exceeding $10,000.
This Rolex Datejust 1601 is a horological heirloom, offering rarity, craftsmanship, and investment potential. Its classic design and unpolished condition make it a standout choice for discerning collectors.
Act now—opportunities to own a piece of Rolex history in this condition are dwindling.
Brand: Rolex
Model: Oyster Perpetual Datejust
Reference: 1601
Year: Circa 1970s
Case Material: Stainless steel (corrosion-resistant alloy, precursor to 904L Oystersteel)
Bezel Material: 18K yellow gold, fluted (96 precision-engineered grooves)
Case Diameter: 36mm
Case Thickness: 12mm
Lug Width: 20mm
Dial: Silver “pie-pan” with sunburst finish
Dial Markers: Applied 18K gold baton indices
Lume: Tritium plots (aged to warm patina)
Hands: 18K gold dauphine hands with Tritium
Movement: Caliber 1570 (self-winding)
Frequency: 18,000 vph (2.5Hz)
Jewels: 26
Power Reserve: 42 hours
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, instantaneous date
Crystal: Domed acrylic with Cyclops magnification
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Bracelet: Two-tone Jubilee (stainless steel and 18K gold)
Clasp: Fold-over deployant with Rolex coronet
Additional Features: Hack-seconds, Quickset date (post-1970s)
At MonarchsBay, our commitment to quality and service speaks for itself—but our customers say it best
Show collectionMonarchsbay provided me excellent service. My Rolex arrived and in perfect condition as described. I’m kinda happy with the experience!
The staff at MonarchsBay Watch Shop are really knowledgeable and made choosing my watch easy. I’m very happy with my purchase and the service I received.
My next watch with monarchsbay is gonna be this!!
I wear my Rolex all the time. It’s stylish and practical. The GMT feature is great when I travel. Really happy with my experience at Monarchsbay
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