Why We Love It 

The Rolex Datejust has become a staple of the vintage watch world.  

It's beauty and elegance is regarded as one of the iconic designs and it's relentless timekeeping is unparalleled.  With it's delightful 36mm case and fluted bezel, the Reference 1601 is pure classic that has become the linchpin of the gentleman's wardrobe.

This particular Rolex is one of the more stunning, and more rare, expressions of the classic line.

The two tone steel Oyster case with yellow gold fluted gold bezel holds an early transitional two tone pie pan dial, which has aged to a warm champagne tone. The dial is further punctuated by thick, puffy radium plots and Alpha handset with matching warmth and pumpkin toned lume.

Transitional Datejusts like this Reference 1601 are rare to find in any condition, let alone one of such high quality. This example, dating from 1961 offers an incredible glimpse into the evolution of arguably the most succesful watch in the Big Crown's illustrious history. 

The Story

In production continuously since 1945, the original Datejust was the world's first wristwatch to incorporate a date disc and aperture at 3 o’clock. The cyclops magnifier over the date window was introduced in 1954, and as we all know became a signature Rolex design cue.  

Since then, dates at 3 o’clock has become commonplace, and the Rolex cyclops magnifier bubble has become a hallmark of the brand. Datejusts have proudly been worn by presidents, athletes and movie stars (and probably your grandfather), in a testament to how timeless and versatile the watch truly is.

Where so many watches can be a little too big here, or a little to small there, the Datejust is just right, embracing the wrist with its thin and tapering 36mm case. And while recent horological trends have favored large wristwatches, the age of the giant watch is behind us (thankfully), making more reasonably sized watches, like the original Datejust, a pleasantly stylish option that fits the bill.

There's a magic to the Datejust's simple design, a timelessness that speaks to how true style never dies.