Here is a very handsome vintage Rolex Datejust model 1601 in stainless steel with the white gold bezel. Fitted with the 26 jewelled Rolex automatic calibre 1560, this Rolex is in superb condition.
When comparing vintage watches, you really must compare like for like, and as there are quite a few vintage Rolex 1601's around, it really does come down to the dial, and this one has the rare Sigma dial. A Sigma dial is one that was produced for a relatively short time in the 1970's by a few Swiss companies and is one where both the hands and index markers are made in solid gold. This can be seen at the bottom of the dial, where on each side of the word "T Swiss T", is the Greek letter sigma (Ã).
Not only does this Rolex have the sigma dial, but it is also a pie pan dial which is where the end of the dial angles down rather than being completely flat. While traditionally the term "pie-pan" has been used for Omega dials, in recent years it has come to mean any dial with an angled down edge.
With the stainless steel case measuring the iconic 36mm across plus the Rolex screw down crown, it is also fitted with the 18 carat white gold bezel and not only do the serial numbers date this watch to 1964, but the case back is also stamped on the inside 111/64 meaning that it was made in the third quarter of 1964.
Inside is the 26 jewelled automatic Rolex calibre 1560 which has been completely serviced, runs beautifully and comes with our twelve month warranty.
Perfect for anyone after a desirable and unique vintage Rolex 1601, this one is perfect in all respects.
Stock# W1686
Maker: Rolex
Model: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust reference 1601
Circa: 1964
$Sold.
Out of stock
The Rolex 1601 has become such an iconic collectors Rolex watch. Fitted with the esteemed Rolex automatic calibre 1560, the calibre 1560 was the second generation of the 1500 series. This movement was launched in 1959 and remained until 1965. Fitted with a 26 jewel automatic movement, it had a Rolex 7980 balance assembly with and a Bregeut free sprung hairspring and has a power reserve of 42 hours.
A brief history on the sigma dials:
The history behind sigma dials is a very interesting one which has now made watches with these dials highly sought after. The sigma dial is discreetly marked with the Greek letter sigma (Ã) on each end of the T SWISS T or SWISS at the bottom of the dial. From 1970, watch companies who were members of the Association pour la Promotion Industrielle de lâ Or (APRIOR), such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, IWC, Omega and Vacheron & Constantin to name a few, produced dials with the sigma letter to notify that the hands and index markers are made in gold. This was used at a time when the Japanese "quartz revolution" started coming in, and sigma dials were produced for one main reason, to notify when gold parts were used on a watch, including the dial to subsequently add to both the financial and intrinsic value of a watch. An important and quite interesting point to note, is that the sigma dials can be found on watches that are made all in stainless steel ie case, band and bezel, but with a sigma dial, not the index markers and hands.
Click here to see a small selection of more Rolex watches that are currently in store:
https://www.kalmarantiques.com.au/product-category/watches/rolex-watches-watches/
Click here to go to the Rolex website:
