150 Rolex Very Fine and Rare, Datejust, Automatic Wristwatch in Pink Gold, With Gorgeous Brown Tropical Dial, Reference 1601

Estimate: €30,000 –⁠ 60,000

Model: Datejust
Reference: 1601
Case Material: Pink Gold
Bracelet Material: Pink Gold
Year: 1966
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 1565
Case N°: 1 285 220
Dimensions: 36 mm
Signed: Dial, Case and Movement

Introduced at the end of the Second World War in 1945, the Rolex Datejust commemorated the 40th anniversary of the storied brand. Perhaps one of the most iconic watches not only to the brand, but to the world, the Datejust is one of the longest, most continuously produced models. Succeeding the ref. 6600 series, Rolex introduced the ref. 1600 series in 1959, taking advantage of their newly developed cal. 1565. Setting the base for what is determined to be the first modern Datejust, the case no longer resembles the likes of a Rolex Bubbleback. The timepiece was able to rise above its competitors because of its ability, as its name suggests, to instantaneously change the date, just right at midnight. The present lot is a beautiful example of Reference 1601 that is solely produced from pink gold. Boasting a nice case with crisp hallmarks and sharp bevels, the dial is even more charming considering the supercool brown topicalization that has spread at 9 o’clock. The original black dial turned into a brownish-maroon color throughout the decades of wear in the sun. The watch has the iconic fluted bezel which remains sharp and a jubilee bracelet.