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1973 Rolex Datejust 1601 - Two-Tone Silver Sunburst Dial

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Details
Two-Tone On Leather
The two-tone Datejust was Rolex's answer to buyers who wanted the presence of gold without committing to a solid precious metal case. This 1601 from 1973 pairs a stainless steel case with an 18K yellow gold fluted bezel and crown, creating the visual weight of a gold watch at a fraction of the cost. The silver sunburst dial with gold applied markers completes the aesthetic, matching the warm tone of the bezel. In the 1970s, this configuration was the core of Rolex's catalog, the watch that defined the brand for a generation of buyers who needed one versatile piece.
Dressed Down By The Strap
The 1601 is most commonly seen on a Jubilee bracelet. This example is presented on a gray leather strap, a choice that shifts its character towards less formal wear. The pairing highlights the 36mm case and the fluted bezel, putting the focus on the watch head itself rather than the integrated metal bracelet that typically defines a Datejust. The tritium dial features gold applied markers that match the bezel and crown, maintaining the two-tone aesthetic across every visible component.
Aftermarket Strap, Original Tritium
This watch presents in very good vintage condition, with a sharp 18K gold fluted bezel that retains its crisp definition. The silver sunburst dial is clean, and the original tritium lume plots are all present and have aged consistently. The steel case shows light wear consistent with age. As with every watch we offer, this piece has been verified as mechanically sound and is ready to wear.
The Standard Datejust
The 1601 is the reference that established what a Datejust should be. For a new collector, it's a defensible starting point, the watch that defined Rolex's approach to a versatile luxury timepiece for decades. For an established collection, it adds the dimension that sport models and complicated dress watches can't: a daily-wear piece that works in any context. The caliber 1570 movement is reliable, the 36mm case is wearable, and the two-tone configuration offers the visual interest of gold without the weight or cost of a solid precious metal watch.
Key Specs
Reference: 1601
Model: Datejust
Year: 1973
Movement: Automatic
Case Size: 36mm (Excluding Crown)
Bezel: 18K Yellow Gold Fluted
Strap: Gray Leather
Dial: Silver Sunburst with Gold Markers
Metal: Stainless Steel & 18K Yellow Gold
Weight: 51.3g
SKU: 1835
Fit & Customization
We want your watch to fit the day it arrives, so its next chapter starts the moment you put it on, and that's why we offer:
  • Any two-piece strap swapped out and customized in the material, color, and length you want
  • Links added or removed on a metal bracelet
  • Integrated bracelets resized, which few dealers will take on
Contact us about the listing or your order and we'll take it from there.