Rolex Datejust Ref. 1601 - Sunburst Blue 'Wideboy' 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 1973 and it comes to us in excellent overall condition. The case shows signs of a very light polishing at an earlier time, retaining thick and symmetrical lugs. It shows normal wear from age and use with a few scattered scuffs and impressions. The characteristic 'fluted' white gold bezel is excellent, with crisp and defined finishing and shows normal wear that matches that of the case. Inside, the gorgeous blue dial retains its vibrant sunburst effect and exhibits only faint wear in a few areas. The Tritium plots remain fully-intact and exhibit an attractive and uniform patina, which is matched perfectly by the handset. This piece comes fitted to a correct folded-link Jubilee bracelet with a signed blade clasp in condition consistent with the rest of the watch.

All in all, a well-rounded example of what could easily be your one watch!