| Brand | Rolex |
|---|---|
| Model | |
| Reference | 1601 |
| Year of production (circa) | 1972 |
| Material | Steel |
| Crystal | Acrylic |
| Dial color | Silver |
| Movement | Automatic |
| Diameter | 36 mm |
| Bracelet/strap: | Steel |
| Lug Width | 20 mm |
| Set Content | Watch only |
Casual Oyster, Vintage Watches
Rolex Datejust Ref. 1601 Prototype dial
Introducing a horological treasure like no other – the epitome of vintagerarity: The 1972 Ref. 1601 Datejust with a rare prototype dial!
Step back into the captivating aura of the 1970s, an era marked by revolutionary shifts in architecture, fashion, art, and design. A period where innovation met tradition, and boundaries were pushed beyond convention. Amidst this cultural metamorphosis, esteemed watchmakers like Rolex navigated through the tide, seeking to redefine their craft amidst evolving consumer tastes.
This exquisite timepiece stands as a testament to that era of reinvention and experimentation , its unique prototype dial carries the legacy of a bygone era. A relic of a time when Swiss watchmaking was undergoing a renaissance.
The origin of this remarkable dial remains shrouded in mystery, yet its distinct Singer manufacturer features are unmistakable. With the iconic ‘Swiss’ placement and the striking contrast of black markers against a timeless backdrop. It was a prototype so it hit the actual market in very very limited numbers, but here it is!
€ 10.000
Availability: In stock
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Details
Backstory
Shipping
Brand
Rolex
Movement
Automatic
Model
Datejust
Diameter
36 mm
Reference
1601
Bracelet/strap:
Steel
Year of production (circa)
1972
Lug Width
20 mm
Material
Steel
Set Content
Watch only
Crystal
Acrylic
Warranty
2 year (AWCo)
Dial color
Silver
The Rolex Datejust is one of the most iconic watch designs ever made. We try not to use the term “iconic” too liberally, but it is surely justified here. Launched back in 1945 as the Ref. 4467, the design has been only marginally updated every now and then. And it has looked fresh and current ever since.
When it comes to vintage, two generations of Datejust are particularly popular; the Ref. 16xx and the later five-digit references. The 16xx models were made from the fifties until roughly 1978 and feature a beautifully dimensional pie-pan dial. Many of these came on folded jubilee bracelets and they did not yet feature a quickset date.
When the reference was updated to five digits around 1978, the pie-pan dial was replaced by a flat dial. The caliber was updated to now feature a quickset date. A decade later, in 1988, a new update saw the introduction of a sapphire crystal. For us, this is where vintage Datejust becomes modern Datejust.
Countless variations can be found. Different bezels, bracelets, dial colors, sizes and materials. The Datejust is one of the most beloved and versatile watches around. If you are looking for a one-watch-collection, that works equally well with shorts as it does with a three-piece suit, the Datejust is probably a pretty safe bet!
At AWCo we put the safety of our shipments upfront at all times. Therefore, we ship all our packages insured.
We strive to promptly handle packages to minimize delays. Delivery times begin from the day of dispatch. While we make every effort to ensure smooth delivery, we cannot be held responsible for delays caused by destination customs, local duties, taxes, or lost items during transit.
Certainly, we understand that overloaded mail-order companies can also contribute to potential delays in the delivery process. Despite our best efforts, external factors beyond our control may affect shipping times. Rest assured, we remain committed to providing timely service and will work diligently to ensure your order reaches you as promptly as possible. For any inquiries or updates, feel free to reach out to us at info@awco.nl. Your satisfaction is our priority.