1973 Rolex Datejust 1601 “Japan No Lume”

This Rolex Datejust reference 1601, in steel and white gold bezel, was produced in 1973. It is equipped with a steel Jubilee bracelet. Its dial, without luminescent material and thus nicknamed “No Lume”, is rare and sought-after.
This watch is part of the Datejust 160x series, celebrated for their so-called “pie-pan” dials giving them an unmistakable vintage charm.
In excellent overall condition and recently serviced by a qualified watchmaker, this Datejust is an excellent introduction for anyone wishing to discover the world of vintage watch collecting, while being perfectly usable on a daily basis thanks to its manufacturing quality and the mechanical reliability of its automatic movement.

So-called “No Lume” watch dials are characterized by the absence of luminescent material on the indexes and hands. Such Rolex dials are particularly sought-after by collectors due to their rarity and their refined aesthetic.

In the 1960s and 1970s, several countries, and most notably Japan, had strict laws on the importation of luminescent or potentially radioactive materials — such as tritium, widely used by watch manufacturers to be able to tell the time in the dark. Rolex thus manufactured certain models as “No Lume” variants, including the Datejust that we present today.

Rolex dials, even "No Lume" ones, were often marked "T SWISS T", but it is entirely correct that examples with non-luminous dials and hands still bear the mentions linked to the presence of tritium, since at the time, Rolex dial blanks were printed in series, not distinguishing those which were going to be luminescent from those intended for the Japanese market. The absence of any luminous material on the dial and hands gives a particularly sleek and elegant feel to this steel Datejust.

The case back is stamped 1601/IV.72, indicating production during the 4th quarter of 1972, which is consistent with the serial number.

The movement that powers this Datejust, mechanical with automatic winding, Rolex caliber 1570, has recently undergone a complete overhaul by a watchmaker specializing in vintage models, and operates wonderfully within the strictest tolerances.

This very beautiful Datejust is presented in excellent overall condition.
The well-preserved case features wide, satin-finished lugs as when this watch was born in 1973. The white gold fluted bezel is sharp and shiny.
The “Japan No Lume” silver dial is free from any defects. During a recent overhaul, the plexiglass crystal was replaced with a new one for perfect transparency.
The Jubilee bracelet is preserved in beautiful condition, with very limited stretch.
The automatic movement, serviced by one of our qualified watchmakers familiar with vintage Rolex calibers, runs wonderfully.
In short, a piece that's almost 50 years old and yet perfectly preserved both aesthetically and mechanically!

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