Rolex Datejust Ref. 1601 - Sunburst Grey White 'Vanishing' Text Unpolished W/ Service Papers

Hard to believe - but the Datejust has been around since 1945. It is far older than its bigger and attention-hogging Submariner brethren. The Datejust was Rolex’s idea of the perfect everyday watch. The robustness of the Oyster case, combined with the elegance of an Oyster Perpetual. The ‘4 digit’ series of Datejust are particularly attractive for their pie-pan dials which offer a layer of three-dimensionality to the dials that went away with the advent of quickset date and 5-digit Datejusts. These early Datejusts were available as the 1601, with a fluted white gold bezel, or the 1603, with an engine-turned steel bezel. The 4-Digit Datejusts were also the first series to become available with a myriad of dial colors and case and bracelet materials. This particular piece is a Reference 1601 from circa 1971 and it comes to us in exceptional overall condition. The case remains unpolished, with strong factory finishing and proportions present throughout. The matching Jubilee bracelet with blade clasp also remains unpolished and shows matching wear. The characteristic white gold 'fluted' bezel has developed a unique oxidation, usually found when a watch has sat for years. Inside, the grey dial with rare white text is known to collectors as a 'ghost dial' for its tendency for the white printing to seemingly vanish in certain lighting. It too remains in simply outstanding, seemingly flawless condition, with a vibrant surface, fully-intact Tritium plots, and a matching handset. All in all, this is a watch with a few touches of if you know, you know. Pretty neat!