Rolex Datejust Ref. 1601 - Gloss Black 'Tropical Gilt' Dial

Hard to believe - but the Datejust has been around since 1945. It is far older than its bigger and attention-hogging Submariner brethren. The Datejust was Rolex’s idea of the perfect everyday watch. The robustness of the Oyster case, combined with the elegance of an Oyster Perpetual. The ‘4 digit’ series of Datejust are particularly attractive for their pie-pan dials which offer a layer of three-dimensionality to the dials that went away with the advent of quickset date and 5-digit Datejusts. These early Datejusts were available as the 1601, with a fluted white gold bezel, or the 1603, with an engine-turned steel bezel. The 4-Digit Datejusts were also the first series to become available with a myriad of dial colors and case and bracelet materials.

This particular piece is a Reference 1601 from circa 1960 and it comes to us in very nice overall condition with a fantastic dial. The case has seen a light previous polishing and retains a strong shape with symmetrical lugs. It shows normal wear from age and use with some scuffs here and there. The characteristic 'fluted' white gold bezel is excellent, with crisp and defined finishing and shows normal wear. The dial, however, is the real highlight of this piece. To start, it is a 'gilt' piece. These dials were deep black in color with the brass base of the dial peeking through the black material. While absolutely gorgeous, they were ultimately complicated to make were phased out of the catalog by the mid-1960s. Over the years, some of these dials developed unique and attractive patina of varying colors... The dial in this piece is one of those examples, having changes to a rich brown color over the decades. Expose it to natural light, and it really stands out. It shows light scattered wear with a few blemishes here and there and presents beautifully. It comes fitted to a period correct Jubilee bracelet with a signed blade clasp in matching condition.

Like any Datejust this could easily be your one watch... And this one, with its unique patina in the form of that gorgeous tropical dial, presents great value when compared to its 'tropicalized' siblings from the professional line.