Rare and Fascinating 1970 Rolex Datejust Ref. 1601 with “Lavender” Dial

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This Rolex Datejust reference 1601, in steel with fluted white gold bezel, was produced in 1970 (serial number 247xxxx).
The case back is stamped II.70, indicating production during the 2nd quarter of 1970, which is perfectly consistent with the serial number.
It is equipped with a stainless steel Jubilee bracelet with folded links.
Its stunning grey-purple face, that collectors call the “Lavender Dial”, is extremely rare and sought-after, with only a handful of examples having appeared publicly in recent years.
It is part of the Datejust 160x series, famous and appreciated for their so-called “Pie-Pan” dials, giving them an unmistakable vintage charm.
In very good overall condition, recently overhauled by a qualified watchmaker and operating to the strictest tolerances, this Datejust reference 1601 is an excellent vintage collector’s watch, while being perfectly usable on a daily basis due to its build quality and the reliability of its automatic movement.

Condition

This extremely attractive Datejust is presented in excellent overall condition.
The well-preserved case features wide lugs, with sharp demarcations between the satin-finished and mirror-polished surfaces as when this watch was born in 1970. The fluted white gold bezel is well defined, with sharp striations and brilliant facets.
The purple “Lavender” dial is remarkable, and shows no stains, discoloration or significant scratches. The luminescent material of some points at the tips of the indexes and hands has been restored for greater homogeneity.
The Jubilee bracelet is preserved in beautiful condition, with extremely little stretch.
The self-winding mechanical movement, having undergone a complete overhaul by one of our qualified watchmakers accustomed to vintage Rolex calibers, operates to the strictest tolerances. During this maintenance, the plexiglass crystal, the barrel spring and all the seals were replaced with new ones.
In short, an extremely rare Datejust variant, over 50 years old and yet perfectly preserved both aesthetically and mechanically!

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Specifications

General characteristics

Object ID : PUSP
Brand: Rolex
Model: Datejust
Reference : 1601
Year: Produced in 1970
Gender: Men's watch/Unisex
Delivered with: Amplitude° Steel Warranty Card
Crystal type:
Plexiglass
Dial color:
Purple
Dial markers: No numerals
Year (C24):
1970
Scope of delivery:
Watch only

Case

Case material: Steel
Case shape:
Round
Case back: Solid, screwed
Bezel material: White Gold
Dimensions/Diameter: 36 mm

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, end links no. 55
Bracelet/Strap color: Steel
Bracelet/Strap material: Steel
Buckle/Clasp type: Fold clasp
Buckle/Clasp material: Steel
Lug width: 20 mm

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.