Exclusive Timepieces 7 –⁠ 8 December 2019 | Monaco

Auction Details

A wide selection of very fine vintage timepieces, property of various prominent collectors will be presented in this sale. Including a fine selection of Longines Chronograph coming from one of the most important collections worldwide.

104 Rolex Very Fascinating and Esteemed Datejust Automatic Wristwatch in Yellow Gold, Reference 1601, With Tiger-Eye Dial

Estimate: € 8,000 –⁠ 15,000

Sold € 14,300

Model: Date Just
Material: Yellow Gold
Reference N°: 1601
Year: 1976
Case N°: 4201048
Caliber: 1570
Movement type: Automatic
Bracelet: Leather Strap
Dimensions: 36 mm
Signed: Dial, case and movement

Rolex has always loved experimenting and daring in its productions using the most particular materials to make absolutely unique dials. These creations are now at the center of a whirling interest from collectors and anyone looking for something rare and unusual. In some cases it is not necessary to be an expert to be able to appreciate certain details on a dial, and this is even easier when the whole quadrant is special: Rolex has therefore produced models of Datejust and Day-Date with some hard stones, such as onyx, malachite, lapis lazuli, meteorite or coral, all very appreciated and sought after. But if someone has to try and choose one of the most appreciated materials, it would probably stand out the Tiger Eye dial like the one mounted on this watch. The present watch is a rare example of a Datejust reference 1601 fully produced in 18k yellow gold. The whole case is preserved in absolutely nice conditions with very deep and crisp hallmarks under the lugs. On this specimen has been mounted a catching Tiger-Eye stone: one important thing to underline is that due to their fragile nature many of these dials used to break during their production and only a real expect could work on this type of materials. Moreover, was very problematic also its application on the watch which needed all the attention and experience of a watchmaker, it follows that even the production costs were quite high, bringing these specimens to be highly sought after by collectors. The delicate stone dial features an aperture for the date at 3 o’clock, and gorgeous yellow-gold hour and minute hands with sweep centre seconds. The whole watch is in totally attractive conditions and striking at every single glance.