Overview
This is the quintessential 'one-watch collection,' featuring the iconic fluted bezel and the revolutionary date window that changed horology forever.
1Identify
Preliminary identification
Rolex Datejust Reference 1601, c. 1970s
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Story
In 1945, Rolex released the Datejust to celebrate their 40th anniversary, and it became the first self-winding wrist chronometer to display the date in a window on the dial.
Maker / Origin
Hans Wilsdorf, the visionary founder of Rolex, was a marketing genius who insisted that a watch must be three things: precise, waterproof, and self-winding.
Condition & Value
The watch shows honest 'desk diving' scratches on the bracelet and case, which collectors often prefer over a heavily polished finish that rounds off the sharp lugs. Value is driven by the highly desirable black dial and the white gold bezel.
Research
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This could merit a closer professional appraisal if condition, maker, or provenance points turn out to be stronger than the quick read suggests.