125 Rolex A charming and rare, Datejust, automatic wristwatch in yellow gold, with tiger-eye dial and box, reference 1607.

Estimate: € 20.000 –⁠ 40.000

• Model Datejust
• Year Circa 1970
• Reference 1607
• Case Material 18K yellow gold
• Case Number 2'435'283
• Bracelet Material 18K yellow gold Rolex bracelet, approximate length 200mm
• Movement Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels
• Dimension 36mm Diameter
• Signed Case, dial and movement
• Accessories Accompanied by Rolex booklet, hang tag and fitted presentation box.

The 1607 belongs to the fascinating family of 1600-series Datejusts, fitted with an bark fishing bezel, a detail that already sets it apart from the more common fluted or smooth siblings. But what also elevates this watch into a different league is the dial. Each slice of the tiger’s eye stone reveals unique striations, shimmering between deep chocolate brown and golden honey tones as the light moves across the surface. No two are alike. Here, the horizontal chatoyance is beautifully defined, creating a warm, almost liquid effect beneath the applied gold baton indexes and matching hands.
The 36 mm Oyster case, in yellow gold, remains strong and well proportioned, preserving the sharp lines that collectors so carefully seek. Inside beats the automatic calibre 1570, one of Rolex’s most respected movements: robust, precise, and built for generations. Introduced in the mid-1960s and used well into the late 1970s, it is widely regarded as one of the brand’s golden-era calibres.
Far from standard, this example is fitted with a highly attractive yellow gold bracelet, whose woven, almost tessellated texture gives the watch a distinctly period character. It transforms the Datejust from a classic daily companion into a statement of 1970s sophistication.
Stone dials were produced in relatively small numbers and were often fragile, many having cracked or been replaced over the years. Finding a nice tiger’s eye dial, paired with such an appealing bracelet, is increasingly difficult. Collectors today appreciate these pieces not only for their rarity but for their bold departure from Rolex’s usual conservatism.