Rolex Datejust 1601 - do I buy?

[mbec]

Hi all,

I'm a new member and a new collector (I do have an IWC Portfino, but I'm foraying into Rolex for the first time).

I've been looking at a decent early-gen Reg 1601 with a white gold bezel and I've found one! I've negotiated an offer of £2.6k, for a model with no box or papers, a clearly replaced PlexiGlass and a probably-replaced Jubilee bracelet given there's no stretch in this one.

What slightly concerns me is how far the lugs protrude over the bracelet and that the watch pins seem to stick out, perhaps a touch over-polished.

I've attached some photos - what do you all think?

[rootbeer7]

Interesting possible wideboy no lume dial. I thought it was my old one at first. Handset looks wrong. Datewheel newer. Need to see pictures of clasp on bracelet and what endlinks it comes with (the final pieces of the bracelet connecting to watch will be numbered underneath). I’d suggest price a little high.

[mbec]

Thanks rootbeer7, I hadn't even noticed the datewheel.

The bracelet is a 90s Jubilee, the caseback equally looks newer. On account of all of this, plus the clear over-polishing of the case, I think I'll pass on this one!

Back to the search for an original 1601!

[alwayshere]

is the dial right here?

matte white dial? I thought most 1601 came in either sunburst or mosaic...whatever the term is. Or is my screen just playing tricks on me?

[1William]

So many issues and concerns that this would be a hard pass for me. I would find a sorted model that did not raise so many red flags from a reputable dealer.

[rootbeer7]

Originally Posted by mbec

Thanks rootbeer7, I hadn't even noticed the datewheel.

The bracelet is a 90s Jubilee, the caseback equally looks newer. On account of all of this, plus the clear over-polishing of the case, I think I'll pass on this one!

Back to the search for an original 1601!

Funnily enough, the case looked acceptable! I think the springbars are wrong!! But, it is just a mash up of parts. At that price there are some beauties out there.

[Toronto Soup King]

I like the case, I think the springbars are wrong too. But the rest...and the price...I think you could do better. Good luck

[L.K Johnson]

Originally Posted by alwayshere

is the dial right here?

matte white dial? I thought most 1601 came in either sunburst or mosaic...whatever the term is. Or is my screen just playing tricks on me?

Matte white is the only type of white that was available for the 160X series actually, they are pretty common I would say...

[L.K Johnson]

Here is some pics of my wife’s matte white for dial comparison:

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=743411

[swish77]

Is that dial redone? Maybe it's just the lighting, but there's something about the font, and some inconsistencies, that don't look quite right.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by swish77

Is that dial redone? Maybe it's just the lighting, but there's something about the font, and some inconsistencies, that don't look quite right.

I had the same thought.

[vintagewaferthin]

Id pass on that. Messy condition, with a bad dial.

[alwayshere]

Originally Posted by L.K Johnson

Matte white is the only type of white that was available for the 160X series actually, they are pretty common I would say...

Oh really, i stand corrected then. I have a 1601 but with silver sunburst - I have never seen a matte white dial before! Thanks for the lesson

[L.K Johnson]

Originally Posted by alwayshere

Oh really, i stand corrected then. I have a 1601 but with silver sunburst - I have never seen a matte white dial before! Thanks for the lesson

No worries! I love silver sunburst dials on Datejust, especially in the summer when you have a bit of tan going on!

[benbradstock]

My eyes see a refinished dial as well.


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[AJMarcus]

I don’t like the over-polished case. That’s why the spring-bars are extended past the lug holes. I’d pass. I’m a stickler for minimally polished cases..good luck

[L.K Johnson]

Here you can see the difference between the dial text on the watch you posted vs mine:

[mbec]

Thanks all - I didn't buy, as it happens! Still on the market for a 1601 now...

[AJMarcus]

The lugs look like nubs. Smart to pass. Happy hunting

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by swish77

Is that dial redone? Maybe it's just the lighting, but there's something about the font, and some inconsistencies, that don't look quite right.

This was my first thought as soon as I saw it. There are many better examples available for the right price.

[Yachtbuoy]

Also, I know that the pie-pan 160x models are starting to be a bit more in-demand, but don't settle for a less than good example unless the price is right. Also the earlier models are lower-beat and don't have hacking seconds, so consider that. The later 160x models still aren't scarce yet.

[lhendrickson]

Originally Posted by mbec

Thanks all - I didn't buy, as it happens! Still on the market for a 1601 now...

Good call! As an aside, the bracelet looks correct. The folded bracelet ended around the mid- to late-1970s. Up until then, bracelets like the one featured here were used.

Pie pan dials are the best btw! Spending a bit more will be well worth it to get something that hasn't been overpolished like this one and has a legit dial without any refinishing.