1972 Rolex Datejust Ref. 1601 in Steel – “Taupe/Satin Grey” Dial

Regular price 6 250 €
Free secure worldwide delivery
Our client's satisfaction is our No. 1 priority
100% Secure Payment by card or wire

This Rolex Datejust reference 1601 produced in 1972 (serial number 304xxxx) features one of the most sought-after dials of this period: the satin grey "pie-pan", sometimes also nicknamed the "taupe" dial. This configuration is particularly popular with collectors.
The 36 mm steel case, with its characteristic fluted white gold bezel, houses the Rolex automatic caliber 1575, a robust, reliable, and precise movement, chronometer-certified by the COSC.
The example we have the pleasure to offer is distinguished by the superb, pronounced and uniform yellow patina of the luminescent material (tritium base) of the indexes and hands – a sought-after natural evolution which gives the dial a unique depth and warmth, thanks to the contrast with the darker grey of the background.
The original Jubilee bracelet, reference 6251H with steel folded links and 55 attachments (buckle code 4.72 for production during the 4th quarter of 1972) harmoniously completes the watch.
This Datejust 1601 is preserved in superb overall condition and has undergone a complete overhaul by a watchmaker specializing in vintage calibers.

Condition

This Datejust reference 1601 is preserved in superb overall condition.
The demarcations between the matte satin/brushed and glossy/mirror-polished surfaces are sharp. The case retains very beautiful proportions. The winding crown is in very good condition. The case back, inscribed 1.72 (production during the first quarter of 1972), is in excellent condition. The fluted white gold bezel is well defined and sparkling.
The very attractive and rare dark grey/taupe dial with the so-called "Big Datejust" inscription is magnificent. The luminescent material on the indexes and hands has developed a superb, pronounced, homogeneous and warm yellow patina. The date disc is original and thus presents the open 6s and 9s.
The steel folded links Rolex Jubilee bracelet, reference 6251H, end links 55, clasp code 4.72 (produced during the 4th quarter of 1972) is very well preserved, with no particular stretch.
The movement that powers our Datejust, a self-winding mechanical Rolex caliber 1575, has recently undergone a complete overhaul by a watchmaker specializing in vintage models, and operates to the strictest tolerances.
A superb example!

The Amplitude Guarantee

All the watches available on our website have been meticulously inspected by our team of experts to guarantee their authenticity and originality.

All our watches are systematically checked for mechanical function and precision, and undergo a complete overhaul if necessary.

Every watch sold is covered by a two-year warranty.

Find out more about The Amplitude Guarantee.

Shipping & Deliveries

We ship all watches ordered on our website free of charge worldwide.

Any customs or import duties/taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.

Amplitude uses several specialized and secure carriers, depending on the destination of each parcel and its contents (Malca Amit, Ferrari, FedEx, etc.).

We are used to shipping watches all over the world, including to Europe, the United States and Asia. Find out more about Shipping & Deliveries at Amplitude.

Specifications

General characteristics

Object ID : JMCE
Brand: Rolex
Model: Datejust
Reference : 1601
Year: Produced in 1972
Gender: Men's watch / Unisex
Delivered with: Amplitude° Steel Warranty Card
Crystal type:
Plexiglass
Dial color:
Grey
Dial markers: No numerals

Case

Case material: Stainless Steel
Case shape:
Round
Case back: Full, screw-back
Bezel material: White Gold
Dimensions/Diameter: Stainless Steel

Movement

Type: Automatic
Caliber: Rolex 1575
Frequency: 19,800 vph (2.75 Hz)
Functions: Date

Bracelet/Strap

Bracelet/Strap: Stainless Steel Rolex Jubilee with folded links, reference 6251H, 55 end links, clasp code 4.72 (made during the 4th quarter of 1972)
Bracelet/Strap color: Stainless Steel
Bracelet/Strap material: Stainless Steel
Buckle/Clasp type: Fold clasp
Buckle/Clasp material: Stainless Steel
Lug width: 20mm

READ MORE ABOUT THE MODEL

The Rolex Datejust: A Heritage of Innovation and Elegance

Introduced in 1945 to mark Rolex's 40th anniversary, the Datejust was the first automatic watch to feature a date window that “jumped” instantly at midnight. This innovation, as so often in Rolex history, transformed the watch industry and set a new standard for convenience and functionality.

Over the decades, the Datejust has benefited from various improvements while retaining its characteristic appearance and pioneering spirit. With its instantly recognizable date window, enlarged by a Cyclops magnifier patented in the 1950s, the Datejust combines practicality and prestige, making it one of the most versatile and celebrated models in the Rolex family.

The universal appeal of the Datejust lies in the diversity of its executions and their timelessness – available in a multitude of sizes, materials and dial configurations, each piece offers something unique while respecting Rolex's stylistic canons and rigorous technical standards. Whether crafted in stainless steel or in precious metals, featuring simple markers or elaborate diamond settings, each Datejust is designed to stand the test of time, both in terms of style and of mechanical reliability.

Rolex has continually adapted the collection to meet the evolving tastes of its clientele, notably by introducing the Datejust II and Datejust 41 models, which are larger and heavier than the references produced to date.

The Datejust is not just a watch; it's a piece of heritage that has graced the wrists of the world's greatest leaders, visionaries, artists and celebrities, making it a symbol of success and achievement across generations. Let's only name a few of its wearers: Winston Churchill, Martin Luther King Jr, the Dalai Lama, Roger Federer, Jennifer Aniston, Paul Newman, Michael Jordan, Bill Clinton, Tom Cruise, Rihanna, Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, Jacques Chirac, Pope John Paul II, and even Mao Zedong!

Today, the Rolex Datejust, a true “blue chip watch” with timeless style, is the ideal entry point for anyone wishing to discover the world of vintage watch collecting, while still being wearable on a daily basis.