Rolex Datejust Ref. 1601 - Rose Gold Chocolate Stardust Dial
Straight Facts
There are levels to collecting. For starters, this is a solid-gold Datejust which makes it incredibly rare to begin with - Rolex did not make a lot of these so it didn’t compete with its more expensive sibling, the solid-gold only Day-Date. This watch is not only a solid gold one - but it’s ROSE GOLD. It gets better - this is not just Rose Gold Datejust - but this is an early example that began life with a black gilt dial that has aged to this elegant stardust patina.
This belongs to 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. The 4-Digit series is also the first Datejusts to become available in a myriad of colors and styles, which is where this originally black gilt dial comes into play. Over time, this black gilt dial has taken on a truly stunning and unique dial patination. The black as worn away in very small portions throughout creating this visually stunning stardust pattern. In combination with the overall black fading to a deep brown, and the rose gold case - this watch is a feast for the eyes and may cause you to become distracted in meetings. You have been warned in advance!
The case has been well preserved and maintained with some signs of previous polishing, but this watch represents everything we love so much about vintage watches - marrying truly unique and one-of-a-kind nature with everyday wearability.
*Some marks or spots on the dial are reflections or dust on the crystal and are due to high intensity strobe lighting used while photographing. They are not actually on the watch or visible in natural lighting.
Condition Report & Details
Condition:
Movement:
Bracelet/Strap:
Shipping, Returns, & Warranty
Every Oliver & Clarke timepiece comes with a one-year mechanical warranty starting from the date of delivery. We ensure all watches are in wonderful working condition and are ready for daily wear. Many have been fully serviced by our team of watchmakers.
Please note:
- Due to the vintage or antique nature of many of our watches, they may not keep time as accurately as when new, nor as precisely as quartz or electronic devices.
- We do not guarantee water resistance and do not warranty against moisture or water damage. Deliberate exposure to water or steam is not recommended.
Warranty Exclusions:
- Internal or external damage caused by accidents, mishandling, abuse, modifications, or services performed by anyone other than our authorized personnel.
- Our warranty is non-transferable.
The Oliver & Clarke Guarantee
At Oliver & Clarke, we meticulously vet each watch to ensure its authenticity and quality. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and our mission is to help you find the perfect timepiece. If you have any questions, we are here to assist you promptly.
Our Guarantee:
- Each timepiece is thoroughly evaluated, authenticated, and approved by our expert team before it is offered for sale.
- We guarantee the period-correctness of all components unless otherwise stated.
- The authenticity of each watch is guaranteed in perpetuity.
Choose options
"As collectors themselves, Oliver and Clarke are on a mission to make buying vintage watches as painless as possible."
"The company focuses on good prices for its pieces, elite customer service and full transparency."
"The appointment-only space is inviting, with comfortable seating areas and exposed brick walls."
From Rolex & Patek Philippe, to Cartier & Audemars Piguet. As collectors first, we love the small details that separate the Submariner from Daytona and Calatrava from Royal Oak. This is why you'll find our curated assortment spans decades of generations of models and brands. We believe that watches don't just tell time, they tell history - and life is too short to wear a boring watch.
Oliver & Clarke