ROLEX Datejust

Oyster Perpetual

Ref. 1601 - Black Dial

Jubilee Bracelet

“The Datejust was the flagship of the Rolex collection.”

We are excited to present one of Rolex's most popular models: the Rolex Datejust.

This vintage timepiece is a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust automatic watch, reference 1601, featuring a striking black dial. Bearing the serial number 1235221, it was produced in 1966. It is crafted from stainless steel and features an 18K white gold fluted bezel. The Rolex Datejust has been around since 1945 and has undergone several updates over the years. The reference 1601 was introduced in 1960 and remained in production until approximately 1977.

The Rolex Datejust is a milestone in watchmaking history and continues to embody Rolex’s definition of classic elegance. It was the first self-winding waterproof chronometer wristwatch to feature a date window at the 3 o’clock position. This innovative design was further enhanced in 1953 with the addition of the Cyclops lens, which provides a magnifying effect on the date display.

It is a self-winding watch powered by the in-house Rolex caliber 1560 automatic movement, which features 26 jewels, a sweeping second hand, date indicator and is adjusted for accuracy in five positions and temperature. With a frequency of 18,000 beats per hour and a 42-hour power reserve, this Swiss-made movement bears the serial number D13714.

Released in 1959 and remained in use until 1965, the Rolex caliber 1560 was the start of the second generation of the 1500 series calibers. Like all Perpetual movements, the caliber 1560 is a certified Swiss chronometer. It has been officially certified, timed and inspected for strict accuracy for the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). 

The black matte pie-pan dial features baton hour markers and a white minute track, along with luminous dots and matching hands. The date window is positioned at 3 o’clock. Additionally, the dial is signed with the Rolex name and logo, as well as "Oyster Perpetual Datejust" and "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified."

Housed in a 36mm stainless steel case, this watch features an 18K white gold fluted bezel. It is equipped with a Rolex signature waterproof screw-down crown and a crystal with the magnifying effect of the Cyclops lens. The watch comes on the original Rolex Jubilee stainless steel bracelet, reference 6251H. It will fit a wrist up to 7 1/4" (18.4 cm). 

It is in excellent pre-owned condition and would be a fantastic addition to any vintage collection.

Thank you for viewing! Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or reasonable offers.

About ROLEX Oyster Perpetual –

The first waterproof watch case Rolex made was the “Oyster” – And “Perpetual” refers to the perpetually winding rotor inside every Rolex watch.

It was around 1945 when the name Oyster Perpetual first came out to be seen. The Oyster Perpetual watches combined the robust Rolex Oyster case with the Rolex self-winding movement.

In 1926, Rolex launched the original Oyster watch – the first waterproof watch. “The Oyster name comes from an oyster, sealed keeping the bivalves closed keeping ocean water in. Of course, for a Rolex Oyster, the opposite is the goal, sealing the movement keeping water and dust out.”

Then, in 1931, Rolex patented a self-winding movement that uses a weight to gently wind the watch as it is being worn on the wrist, and thus the word “Perpetual” was added as the watch could be perpetually wound. 

Vintage watches are traditionally smaller than today's watches. Men’s watches typically measure between 29-36mm wide (some larger, some smaller) excluding the crown. In the listing details we typically try to do our best to list all pertinent dimensions of a watch. If you don't see it, or we failed to do so, please reach out to us. Women’s watches from the 1900s-1970s were also much smaller than today's offerings. Please also feel free to ask any questions you have pertaining to size. 

We prefer to shoot photographs outside when weather is permitting. However, when we shoot indoors, please be aware that we shoot our photographs inside of lightboxes that are lit with 360 LED bulbs. This indeed magnifies any flaws. Usually, they are much less obvious to the naked eye. Having said that, we never photoshop any of our photography, remove blemishes, etc. We adjust the lighting, when necessary, but what you see is what you are getting, and we take pride in that. 

The condition is pre-owned.  
The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear but is fully operational and functions as intended.
Please review the photos and feel free to ask any questions you may have. 

It will be carefully packed. 

Please view our other listings. 

Thank you for looking! 

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