91 Rolex Very Fascinating and Well Preeserved, Datejust Automatic Wristwatch in Steel and Pink Gold, With Arabic Date, Reference 1601

Estimate: €5,000 –⁠ 10,000

Model: Datejust
Reference: 1601
Case Material: Stainless Steel and Pink Gold
Bracelet Material: Stainless Steel and Pink Gold
Year: 1968
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 1565
Case N°: 1809994
Dimensions: 36 mm
Signed: Dial, Movement and Case

The Datejust, Rolex’s iconic timepiece, traces its origins back to 1945 when the Swiss luxury watchmaker introduced reference 4467 to commemorate its 40th anniversary. This model, featuring a coin-edge bezel and a date aperture, marked the inception of the Datejust series and introduced the distinctive “Jubilee” bracelet. Fourteen years later, Rolex continued to evolve the Datejust, introducing the reference 1601, which became a symbol of prestige and a cherished piece among watch enthusiasts. The showcased timepiece, a rare example of the reference 1601, distinguishes itself further by embracing a two-tone composition, combining the durability of steel with the elegance of pink gold. Pink-gold Rolex vintage watches are a rarity, as Rolex ceased the use of pink gold around the 1970s. The scarcity of these watches on the market stems from this limited production period, making them highly sought after by collectors. The three-body case of this Datejust is exceptionally well-preserved, exhibiting no apparent signs of wear, with even the green sticker on the case back still intact. The Jubilee bracelet, a hallmark of Datejust models, features inner links crafted in pink gold, mirroring the material used for the bezel and baton indexes. Notably, the calendar wheel is in Arabic, suggesting that this watch was likely intended for the Middle East market, a distinctive touch that adds to its uniqueness. The rare combination of materials, coupled with the special calendar configuration, makes this particular Datejust a highly coveted and sought-after timepiece for collectors and enthusiasts alike.