Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust SS/Gold – Ref 1601 – 1974 – 1 owner

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust with reference 1601 in stainless steel and gold with a champagne round dial with yellow gold batons for each hour. At 6 o’clock you have “Superlative chronometer officially certified”. It is a “T Swiss T” model. The hands are in yellow gold with “Baton” style. Date window displayed at 3 o’clock with a cyclops magnifying lens. The watch comes with a yellow gold fluted bezel and crown with Rolex logo. The case is stainless steel with screw back case. The serial number is 3,516…. and date the watch to 1974. Jubilee bracelet is in stainless steel and gold and Rolex deployant buckle with reference”. The bracelet is unstretched. The watch fits a 7.75 inches wrist. The watch has been serviced by Rolex in 2023 but no warranty card is provided. It comes with the service box and pough.

History

In 1905, Hans Wilsdorf founded in London “ Wilsdorf & Davis” a wholesaler company. The same year, he signed a contract to distribute the Aegler wristwatches brand in UK. In 1908, he creates his own brand called “Rolex” abbreviation of “Rolling Export”. In 1914, Wilsdorf won a class “A” rating certificate from the Kew observatory in England. In 1914, “Les Fils de jean Aegler become Rolex Watch Co. Aegler SA, Manufacture d’Horlogerie”. In 1920, Wilsdorf founded “Montres Rolex SA” in Geneva. In 1926, he patented a watchcase with a screw down crown. In 1927 the “Oyster” was born when Mercedes Gleitze crossed the Channel in 15 hours and 15 minutes. In 1931, came the “Perpetual”, then the “Datejust” in 1945. Since 2000, Rolex makes its own movements and produce over 700,000 watches a year many being iconic like the Daytona, Submariner or the Prince to name a few.

Technical details

Rolex automatic 1570 movement with 26 jewels and 19,800 A/h.

Measurements

Diameter excluding winding crown: 36mm


Length including lugs: 44mm