Approved by luxury watch enthusiasts all over the world! Get your hands on a Rolex watch with ease with our recommended item, the Datejust Ref.1601!
The value of a Rolex doesn't end with the current model!
For over 80 years, vintage Rolex watches have been hugely popular across all age groups and nationalities, and the popularity of the Datejust Ref. 1601 in particular shows no signs of slowing.
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.
[The appeal of later dials!]
After all, the look of a watch is what matters.
Because you want to have a long-lasting relationship with it, you want to carefully choose the best one.
When considering a vintage Rolex watch, a familiar refrain is , "Should I go for the original dial or the restored redone?"
The new genre that we are now recommending is the Later Years Dial!
A later dial is a dial manufactured for use during maintenance .
If a watch undergoes repairs at Rolex and the dial needs replacing, they will replace it with a new one. This new dial is the later dial.
The later dials manufactured for maintenance purposes use newer parts than the watch being serviced, so there is less damage to the dial and it remains in beautiful condition, which is a recommended point.
Furthermore, it beautifully reproduces the stepped dial design on the outer periphery, which is a characteristic of Datejust models with four-digit model numbers.
From the 5th digit onwards, the dial design has changed from stepped to flat, so it's nice to be able to get an authentic product that retains the original design!
A dial design with a smooth outer circumference seen on Datejusts with five digits or more
Recently, it has become easier to find Ref. 1601s with later dials, and there is now a wide variety of designs to choose from to find your favorite one .
For those who have been interested in vintage Rolexes for a while, but can't get used to the damage on the dial and don't feel like buying one , we recommend the later dials.
Most customers who saw the actual watch commented, "Is this a vintage Rolex? The dial is so beautiful."
Furthermore, vintage Rolex watches that have had their dials replaced at later years are also proof that they have been serviced by Rolex.
Even if the manufacturer's repair invoice is no longer available, it is possible to determine that the watch has been maintained by the manufacturer, which is reassuring for those who are new to vintage watches .
If you don't like the aging that is typical of vintage watches, why not choose a watch with a later dial replacement and experience the vintage life?
[Two stylish ways to choose the Ref.1601]
Choose a watch for your birth year
One of the coolest ways to buy a vintage Rolex watch is to pick one from the year you were born .
The Ref. 1601 has a long history in the Rolex collection, so it's recommended as a birthday watch as it makes it easy to identify your birth year!
In our research, the manufacturing years of those who have handled the product in the past were between 1958 and 1977. In terms of age, the subjects were between 47 and 66 years old .
The year of manufacture is only approximate.
If the watch comes with a warranty, you will be able to confirm the exact year of manufacture, but for other watches, the year of manufacture will be assigned from the serial number engraved on the case, so you should only choose a watch based on the approximate year of manufacture.
The special feeling of knowing that the watch you wear every day was manufactured in the same year as you is truly a joy for adults.
Listen to your honest feelings
Even if vintage Rolex watches have the same silver dial, no two watches undergo the same aging process .
The phrase "once in a lifetime" is truly appropriate, as even watches with the same model number have a wide range of different charms, such as subtle differences in the dial color, index and hand designs, logo designs, and distressing.
When you're having trouble deciding which one to buy from multiple options, it's best to go back to basics before getting lost in the labyrinth.
It's important to get hold of a huge amount of information about the many vintage Rolex watches available, but ultimately , the secret to not regretting your choice is to look at your watch every day and choose a watch that lifts your spirits .
Be sure to take your time to compare the times and enjoy a luxurious exploration.
[About repairs]
Among vintage Rolex watches, the Ref. 1601 is one of the most popular. One of the reasons for its popularity is its ease of maintenance .
Collections that are widely loved will make it easier to find the parts needed for repairs, making it easier to avoid unexpected situations such as "parts are not available and you are charged an unexpectedly high repair fee!"
In that sense, the Ref. 1601 is recommended as a vintage Rolex watch with very little maintenance needs!
Our overhaul costs are approximately 50,000 to 70,000 yen (as of April 2024).
*If special circumstances occur, the repair cost may be different from the above.
One thing to pay attention to is the waterproof aspect .
No matter how much it was advertised as an "Oyster case," that was back then. Please be aware that vintage watches are not waterproof, and you should be extremely careful when using them in the bathroom or when it rains when you go out.
If you keep the above points in mind, you will definitely enjoy a vintage Rolex watch that you will not regret owning.
It will be a powerful magical item that will grant all your hidden desires.
Why not enjoy the charm of the Ref. 1601 with its beautiful later dial?
[Purchase/Trade-in]
Unlike current Rolex watches, vintage Rolex watches tend to have relatively stable price fluctuations in the second-hand watch market .
Furthermore, it is rare for a box or warranty card to be included, making them highly valuable and resulting in them being traded at a higher price than if they were not included.
On the other hand, products without accessories are traded at a more affordable price range than products with accessories, so choose according to your preference.
Regarding the trade-in and purchase estimate, if you purchase this product from our store, the estimated value will be around 380,000 yen, and if you sell it in the future, you can enjoy it for about 188,000 yen! (This is the market price as of April 2024)
How was it?
The Datejust is a collection that has been around for approximately 80 years .
With its perfect form that will be passed down to future generations, the Ref. 1601 continues to receive strong support from all over the world, both today and in the past.
We cannot change the reality that current Rolex watches are extremely difficult to obtain.
So why not change your perspective a little and enjoy your dream Rolex watch without any trouble, or make yourself look cool with ease?
There is no doubt that your satisfaction will be completely fulfilled.
(PART 1) If you are interested in the value of vintage Rolex watches or the features of the Datejust, check this out!
If you're interested in the Datejust collection, check it out now!
If you are interested in other vintage Rolex watches, check here!
