1966 Rolex Datejust 1601 36mm Black Dial Two-Tone Case and Bracelet

Watch Overview

Presenting the Rolex Datejust, reference 1601, dated from 1966 — an iconic men’s wristwatch that embodies the perfect balance of timeless design and technical mastery. Powered by the revered automatic Rolex caliber 1570 with 26 jewels, this certified chronometer offers exceptional accuracy, adjusted to five positions and temperature. The standout matte black pie-pan dial, features applied baton markers, luminous accents and hands, a clean white minute track, complemented by a matching handset and the classic Rolex crown at 12 o’clock. The signature date window at 3 o’clock is magnified by the Cyclops lens atop the crystal. Housed in a robust 36mm two-tone stainless steel and 18K yellow gold case, it is paired with a fixed fluted gold bezel, screw-down crown, and Rolex’s Oyster case architecture. Completing the look is the original Jubilee bracelet (ref. 6251H) with gold center links, fitting wrists up to 6 1/2" (16.5 cm). With a frequency of 19,800 vph and a 48-hour power reserve, this Datejust is a refined everyday companion. Presented in double box and in a good overall condition with a strong case, crisp bezel, and well-preserved bracelet, it has been fully inspected and authenticated by our watchmaker, ensuring it is running accurately and ready to wear. A piece of Rolex history, this early Datejust captures everything collectors admire—classic proportions, vintage charm, and enduring quality.

Product Details

General Specifications

• Brand: Rolex
• Type: Wristwatch
• Model: Datejust
• Reference: 1601
• Year / Era: 1966 - Vintage
• Gender: Men's
• Country of Manufacture: Switzerland - Swiss Made

Dial & Display

• Display: Analog
• Color: Black matte pie-pan dial
• Features: Applied hour markers, white minute track, luminous dots and matching hands. The classic Rolex crown is at 12 o’clock. The date window at 3 o’clock.

Movement

• Type: Automatic
• Caliber: 1570
• Jewels: 26
• Movement Functions:
  • Self-winding
  • Central hour and minutes
  • Sweep-seconds
  • Certified Swiss chronometer (COSC)
  • Adjusted for accuracy in five positions and temperature
  • Date
  • Hacking seconds
• Power Reserve: 48-hours
• Frequency: 19,800vph

Case & Band

• Material: Two-tone stainless steel and 18K yellow gold
• Case Size: 36mm
• Case Shape: Round with polished finish
• Bezel: Fixed fluted 18K yellow gold
• Crystal: Crystal with the magnifying effect of the Cyclops lens
• Back: Screwback
• Crown: Rolex signature waterproof screw-down
• Water Resistance: -
• Band Type: Original Jubilee stainless steel bracelet with gold center links - Ref. 6251H, fitting wrists up to 6 1/2" (16.5 cm)

Additional Info

• Box & Papers: YES - Original inner and outer box
• Condition: Good overall condition – strong case, a crisp bezel, and strong Jubilee bracelet
• Extras: This timepiece has been fully inspected and authenticated against our records by our watchmaker, ensuring it is running accurately and ready to wear.

Extended Details

Movement Markings:	Case Back Markings:	Measurements (mm):
Montres Rolex S.A. Geneva Swiss Twenty-Six 26 Jewels Adjusted 5 Positions and Temperature Cal. 1570 D526149	Montres Rolex S.A. Geneva Switzerland Patented Stainless Steel 1601	Case Diameter 36 Case Diameter w/Crown 38.5 Case Lug to Lug 43 Case Thickness 12 Lug Width 20 Band Width 18

History & Legacy of Rolex

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date is a classic timepiece that blends the iconic elements of Rolex innovation—precision, durability, and timeless design. Introduced in the mid-1950s, the model evolved alongside Rolex’s major advancements, including the introduction of the waterproof Oyster case in 1926 and the self-winding “Perpetual” rotor movement patented in 1931. The Date series shares DNA with the famed Datejust, offering the signature date window at 3 o’clock with the Cyclops magnifying lens, first introduced in 1953. Over the decades, Rolex continually improved the collection with upgraded calibers, quickset functionality, sapphire crystals, and evolving luminous materials—from tritium to Luminova, Super-Luminova, and ultimately Chromalight. Robust yet refined, the Oyster Perpetual Date remains a versatile choice for those seeking understated elegance with everyday functionality, embodying Rolex’s heritage of mechanical excellence and design innovation.

About Second Hand Horology

At SECOND HAND HOROLOGY, we offer a curated selection of watches ranging from vintage to modern, including both brand-new and pre-owned timepieces. We’re committed to quality, accuracy, and integrity. Our listings feature:

Professional, unedited photography and clear, transparent descriptions. Every watch is thoroughly inspected and securely packaged to ensure a confident, seamless buying experience.

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