Reference: 1601

Model: Datejust

Movement: Automatic

Year: 1972

Contents: Watch Only

Case: The case is 36mm. The lugs are even and the case is in nice shape. The white gold bezel is also clean. The watch has normal signs of wear.

Dial: The dial and hands have beautiful tritium lume. The sunburst dial is clean and perfect to the naked eye.

Strap &Buckle: The folded jubilee is stamped 2651h and is unsized with little stretch. The bracelet has the correct 55 endlinks.

The Rolex Datejust, introduced in 1945, is one of Rolex's oldest collections of watches. It was the world's first self-winding wristwatch with a date window that automatically changed over at midnight. The Datejust was not designed for specific sports, environments, or lifestyle activities, but was a classic and reliable wristwatch with a timeless aesthetic. The original Datejust was available in solid 18k yellow gold, but stainless steel and Rolesor versions became available in the 1950s. The reference 160x series introduced the Caliber 1560 movement, followed by the reference 160xx series in the late 1970s. The reference 162xx series introduced the Caliber 3135 movement, offering better timekeeping, reliability, and convenience. The Datejust II introduced a 41mm version in 2009, but the 41mm Datejust II did not immediately catch on. The Datejust 41 continues to be in production today, available in various metal combinations and with more dial, bezel, and bracelet options than any other Rolex watch line.

This specific example is a classic. The 1601 reference was the start of the mainstream datejust. It was the first Datejust to be produced in such high numbers and the earliest Datejust that could be had at an affordable price. The silver sunburst dial is the classic go-to dial for many when it comes to the Datejust.

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