1965 Rolex, 36mm Rare Oyster Perpetual “Datejust” Chronometer Ref.1601 Black lacquered gilt dial in 14K Pink Gold and Steel. B&P

Description

Pre-owned. Comes with orig. period boxes and dated paper.

This is a very rare Rolex Datejust Chronometer 1601 in pink gold and steel dating to 1965 while the inner back cover has a manufacture date stamp of III.64 meaning the 3rd quarter of 1964 which is a matching period case.

Kuwait was one of the largest oil exporter in the middle east and enjoyed considerable growth from 1946-80 and in June 1961, Kuwait gained independence from the British. This watch was sold new by Zaid Alsahan & Sons in Kuwait and dated 28 May 1965 on the paper. This watch is delivered with a vintage Rolex box with outer box but missing the inner green velvet lined platform.

The Pink gold and steel combination is the most desirable combination amongst half-gold Rolex watches and highly prized by collectors for it’s rose coloured gold that’s flattering on our skin and a black dial is the most desirable. This was discontinued by the late 1970s and disappeared from the catalogues for more than two decades until Rolex re-introduced pink gold again in the 2000 millennium.

The bracelet is an original and coded 225 R (rose) on the end-links with 6252H-14 (14ct gold). The year stamping mark is missing as this is a service buckle and has likely been replaced in the late 70s-80s as Rolex service centers would to maintain usable integrity for the owner. The links are loose and worn as they are due to design and age.

The watch is certainly polished over the decades but profile and bezel remains in very good condition. The steel oyster case shows no rust and movement shines. The pie-pan dial in black lacquer with pink gold gilt is likely a restored piece in the highest quality and priced accordingly as vintage black dials are the most desirable and commands top prices. This watch would sell for above S$20K if the original dial shows patina. It is very handsome as it is now and a new acrylic crystal and gasket have been replaced,

A collector’s piece not to be missed especially with the certificate and a watch that doesn’t cost you an organ.