Get your hands on a Rolex watch with ease with the Datejust Ref. 1601, a highly recommended item recognized by luxury watch enthusiasts around the world!
The value of a Rolex doesn't end with the current model!
"I want a current Rolex watch, but it's hard to find one in a boutique."
"I've looked at the used watch market, but the prices are so high I'm hesitant to buy..."
People who are considering buying a Rolex watch have endless worries.
I understand how you feel all too well.
Now, I have one question for you.
"What on earth did you want a Rolex watch for?"
In this article, I would like to present a new theme with a slightly different perspective, aimed at those who want to wear a Rolex watch and look cool both in public and private .
It would be a shame to let your dream of owning a Rolex watch remain just that: a dream!
If you just want to fulfill your pure desire to own and wear a Rolex , then you should definitely check out this genre.
This range is highly regarded by luxury watch enthusiasts around the world, so there's no doubt that it will satisfy your passion for Rolex!
Datejust Later Dial
Reference 1601
[What is a vintage Rolex watch?]
Vintage Rolex watches generally refer to Rolex watches that were produced up until around the 1970s .
There are three great things about owning a world-famous Rolex watch!
1. The peace of mind of owning a reliable and popular watch
2. The satisfaction of enjoying a timeless classic design
3. The special feeling of wearing a birthday watch made in the memorable year of your birth
What sets them apart from current models is their historical value . For over 80 years , vintage Rolex watches have been loved by countless luxury watch enthusiasts, regardless of nationality or generation.
It is now impossible to ignore vintage Rolex watches in the luxury watch market.
Nowadays, the prices and popularity of Rolex watches are skyrocketing.
We often hear from many customers that "Even when I come to the boutique, it's difficult to buy the products, and when I search the used watch market, I'm hit with premium prices! Rolex watches are too expensive, so I gave up on buying one."
But think about it carefully.
Rolex is a group of professionals who continue to demonstrate the artisanal spirit that continues to strive for greater heights, an insatiable desire to explore, and the talent to grasp the trends of the times.
Our respect for the complete collections of our past works is second to none.
Vintage Rolex watches are the origin of modern products.
The reason why current Rolex watches continue to shine as the world's champions cannot be explained without mentioning the existence of vintage watches.
It is not just current Rolex watches that are valuable; vintage Rolex watches are the foundation of their continued existence .
That's why I want you to know!
If you've been thinking of giving up on buying one because they're so hard to come by , then we wholeheartedly recommend the world of vintage Rolexes.
Now is the time!
Why not break away from the constraints of current Rolex watches and venture into the world-renowned field of vintage Rolex watches?
It is in the good old things that new discoveries lie dormant.
[The appeal of the Datejust Ref. 1601]
1. The hugely popular and long-selling Datejust Collection
The Datejust collection is a long-running, popular model with a history spanning approximately 80 years since the founding of Rolex.
Among vintage Rolex watches, the Ref. 1601 is known to have many loyal fans around the world.
Key features include a date display at the 3 o'clock position on the dial, a jagged fluted bezel , and an elegant Jubilee bracelet , giving it a dressy look.
The roots of the Datejust can be traced back to the Ref. 4467, released in 1945 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Rolex .
The Ref. 4467 Ovetone was released in 1945 to commemorate Rolex's 40th anniversary.
(URL) https://www.phillips.com/detail/rolex/CH080118/222
(Source) Phillips Auctioneers "222 Rolex Ref. 4467"
It is nicknamed Ovettone because of its resemblance to an egg .
Currently, it is rare to see the Ref. 4467 on the auction market around the world, with prices easily exceeding 25,400,000 yen .
The reason why the Ref. 4467 attracted worldwide attention is said to be that it combined the three major inventions of Rolex at the time: the Oyster case, the perpetual function, and the Datejust function . It is truly a legendary vintage watch.
2. Five features of the Datejust
・Cyclops lens
The cyclops lens (magnifying glass) at the 3 o'clock position, a characteristic of the Datejust, was first adopted around 1954 and has been a huge hit as a standard part for improving visibility!
It is used not only in the Datejust, but also in many sports models such as the Submariner and GMT Master.
Cyclops Lens
・Flute bezel
Compared to the Ref. 4467 Ovetone, the fluted bezel of the Ref. 1601 has evolved from a narrow jagged design to a wider design!
The wide design has been inherited by the current Datejust model, making it easy to wear.
The wide jagged design is a distinctive feature! Fluted bezel
・The Jubilee bracelet created for the Datejust
The Jubilee bracelet was designed to add a more sophisticated touch to the Datejust.
From 1945 to around 1977, wrap-type jubilee bracelets were mainstream.
Since then, the watch has shifted to a heavy-duty Jubilee bracelet that is highly robust!
This product is a heavy type jubilee bracelet.
The heavy type has hollowed-out links, making it lightweight and comfortable to wear .
Heavy bracelets are no longer in production , so Jubilee bracelets that are close in age to the watch itself and have little slack are extremely valuable parts .
- Buckle type (dead belly/flat back)
When choosing a vintage Rolex watch, pay attention to the buckle!
When choosing a buckle, it is important to consider things such as the protruding belly buckle, which was manufactured until around the 1970s, and the flat buckles, which began to be used between 1971 and 1973 .
(Belly Buckle)
The term "debut buckle " refers to a buckle designed to make the Rolex crown mark protrude, and is extremely popular among enthusiasts .
(Flat buckle)
A design in which the logo is engraved to fit inside the buckle is called a flat buckle .
The position of the crown engraving varies depending on the era , so one of the fun things to do is enjoy the differences.
・Super excellent! Equipped with the highly recommended Cal.1570
Among vintage Rolex watches, the Cal. 1570 was produced for a long period from around the 1960s to the late 1980s.
It is well known as an excellent movement that has supported the foundation of vintage Rolexes with its high precision and robustness.
Since Cal. 1570 began to be equipped with hacking functions from the 1970s onwards, they are classified into early and late models based on whether or not they have this function .
The hack function stops the second hand when adjusting the time, allowing you to adjust the time down to the second.
What we would like to point out here is that the Ref. 1601 is a collection that has been produced for one of the longest periods of time by Rolex.
As for the caliber, when it was first released it was equipped with the previous model Cal. 1560.
The Cal. 1560, which was manufactured from around the early 1960s to the 1970s, is famous as a movement that has endured great popularity, just like the Cal. 1570.
In particular, the early Cal. 1560 is designed with a roller with unique notches, which is nicknamed the butterfly rotor because of its butterfly-like design.
How was it.
Rolex does not only have current models. Before you get disheartened because you can't buy a Rolex watch, why not try to get your hands on a vintage Rolex watch, beloved by enthusiasts all over the world, even if you think you might be cheated?
You'll definitely be grateful for the advice they offer.
In (PART 1), we introduced the value of vintage Rolex watches and the features of the Datejust.
In (PART 2), we will take a look at what a later dial is, what to look out for when actually purchasing one, and what to do if you decide you want to get rid of your watch after using it for a while.
(PART 2) If you want to know more about the appeal of later dials, check this out!
If you're interested in the Datejust collection, check it out here!
Check out other vintage Rolex collections here!
