In recent years, the popularity and desire for vintage Rolex watches has skyrocketed and this is no longer just for the sports models such as the Submariner and GMT, but also the true classic Rolex watches, such as this stylish vintage Rolex 1601.
This iconic model was made in 1977 and is the traditional 36mm case made in stainless steel and is fitted with the white gold bezel as well as the Sigma dial.
First a bit about the sigma dial. Looking at the bottom of this dial, you will note that on each side of the T Swiss T, there is the Greek letter, sigma which can be seen here – Ó. What this subtle yet important mark designates, is that the hands and index markers are in solid gold. Used by approximately seven watch companies in Switzerland from 1970, it was among its main reason to signify when gold parts were on the dial to subsequently add to both the financial and intrinsic value of a watch.
It is this small but important feature that separates this vintage Rolex from many others and will always be a fantastic conversation starter.
Inside is the 26 jewelled automatic Rolex calibre 1570 that has been serviced, runs great and comes with our twelve month warranty and is fitted on a replacement Rolex Jubilee band that dates from 2003.
In wonderful condition with a look and style that has never gone out of fashion, this is a brilliant vintage Rolex with history and style.
Stock# W1796cc
Maker: Rolex
Model: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust reference 1601
Circa: 1977
$Sold.
Out of stock
Vintage 1977 Rolex 1601 fitted with the Sigma dial
This gents vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1601 was made in stainless steel and is fitted with the 18 carat white gold bezel.
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 (Ó) 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 l’Association pour la Promotion Industrielle de l’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.
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