Rolex Datejust 1601 - Alpha

The Rolex Datejust was born in 1945 and touts as being the first chronometer certified automatic wrist watch to include a date window on the dial. The 4 digit16xx references that came a little after were introduced in the late 1950's. Early 16xx, such as the example we have here, still carried over the alpha hands from their predecessors and used radium for the lume before being phased out for tritium a couple of years later. 

ABOUT THIS WATCH: 

Rolex Datejust 

REFERENCE: 1601

YEAR: 1962

SERIAL:  77XXXX

CASE: The previously polished 36mm steel case is in good condition for its age. The case shows light wear throughout. The yellow gold fluted bezel has developed a charming rosy patina in certain areas. 

DIAL:  The champagne pie-pan dial sports an even specking patina throughout that is more noticeable at angles in direct sunlight and almost disappears when observing the dial head on. The dial is completed by baton hour indices and the far more uncommon alpha hands - a nice break from the more commonly observed baton hands. 

MOVEMENT: Rolex automatic caliber 1565. Winds, sets and runs. Service history is unknown. When compared to ATOMIC EST the watch gained ~32 seconds over 24hours. 

BRACELET:  Comes on a brand new Rios1931 strap. 

ACCESSORIES: Comes with an authentic Rolex service pouch

BANK WIRE PRICE: $2,800 shipped.