Rolex - Datejust - 1601 - Men - 1970-1979

Rolex Datejust Ref. 1601 – 14k Yellow Gold – Black Dial – Pie-Pan – Leather Strap – 36mm
Made for the U.S. Market • Circa 1970s

An elegant and collectible vintage Rolex Datejust reference 1601, cased in solid 14k yellow gold — a configuration produced specifically for the American market. This example features a rich, matte black pie-pan dial with applied baton indexes and is preserved in exceptional condition.

Key Features:
■ Case: 36mm diameter, solid 14k yellow gold, fluted bezel, screw-down crown. U.S.-market hallmark (14k) between the lugs. Sharp and full-bodied lugs with crisp fluting and minimal signs of use — an unusually well-preserved example.
■ Dial: Original matte black “pie-pan” dial, with applied gold baton hour markers and matching hands. Luminous plots remain intact and evenly aged. The dial retains its original finish, offering beautiful depth and contrast.
■ Crystal: Acrylic crystal with a few shallow surface scratches - typical for the period and consistent with light, careful use.
■ Movement: Automatic Rolex Caliber 1570, chronometer-certified. Fully serviced and running precisely.
■ Strap: Custom dark brown leather strap with gold-plated buckle, harmoniously complementing the case.
■ Gold Weight: 62 grams

Condition:
■ Excellent overall vintage condition.
■ Case and dial exceptionally well-preserved. Light superficial scratches on the crystal, which do not detract from legibility or aesthetics.
■ Movement recently serviced and functioning flawlessly.


Rolex’s reference 1601 has become a cornerstone of vintage collecting, particularly in its gold configurations. This U.S.-market example, in 14k yellow gold, is especially desirable — rarer than its 18k counterparts and produced in limited numbers for the American clientele. The black pie-pan dial is highly sought after and adds a refined, formal character rarely found in typical Datejust models of the era.

Combined with a richly toned leather strap and vintage gold-tone Rolex buckle, this watch offers timeless appeal and subtle luxury. The original condition, coupled with its sharp case lines and serviced movement, makes it a compelling addition to both seasoned and emerging collections.