1974 ROLEX Datejust 36 Watch Ref. 1601 Oyster Perpetual Two-Tone Case & Jubilee Bracelet - IN BOX!

THIS LIMITED WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS, WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.
IF THE MERCHANDISE YOU PURCHASE FROM Secondhand Horology, LLC (“Secondhand Horology”, “WE”, OR “US”) IS SUBJECT TO A THIRD PARTY WARRANTY, THEN THE MERCHANDISE WILL BE GOVERNED BY SUCH THIRD PARTY WARRANTY (TO THE EXTENT SUCH THIRD PARTY WARRANTY IS ASSIGNABLE BY US TO YOU) AND WILL NOT BE GOVERNED BY THIS LIMITED WARRANTY. IF THE MERCHANDISE YOU PURCHASE FROM US IS NOT SUBJECT TO A THIRD PARTY WARRANTY, Secondhand Horology WARRANTS THAT DURING THE WARRANTY PERIOD (DEFINED BELOW), THE MERCHANDISE THAT YOU PURCHASED FROM US WILL BE FREE FROM DEFECTS IN MATERIALS AND WORKMANSHIP.
WE LIMIT THE DURATION AND REMEDIES OF ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE TO THE WARRANTY PERIOD.
SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
OUR RESPONSIBILITY FOR DEFECTIVE MERCHANDISE IS LIMITED TO REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF THE MERCHANDISE (INCLUDING THE PARTS THEREIN) AS DESCRIBED BELOW IN THIS WARRANTY STATEMENT.
WHO MAY USE THIS WARRANTY?
Secondhand Horology extends this limited warranty only to the consumer who originally purchased the merchandise (“you”) from Secondhand Horology. It does not extend to any subsequent owner or other transferee of the merchandise.
WHAT DOES THIS WARRANTY COVER?
This limited warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship of the merchandise for the Warranty Period as defined below.
WHAT DOES THIS WARRANTY NOT COVER?
This limited warranty does not cover any damage due to: (a) transportation; (b) storage; (c) improper use; (d) failure to follow the merchandise instructions or to perform any preventive maintenance; (e) modifications; (f) unauthorized repair; (g) normal wear and tear; or (h) external causes such as accidents, abuse, or other actions or events beyond our reasonable control.
WHAT IS THE PERIOD OF COVERAGE?
If the merchandise or any portion of the merchandise that you purchase is subject to a third party warranty, Secondhand Horology hereby assigns to you all of its rights and remedies under such warranty to the extent that such rights and remedies are assignable. If the merchandise or any portion of the merchandise is not subject to any other warranty as of the date of purchase by you, and subject to the terms of this Limited Warranty, Secondhand Horology
warrants that the merchandise shall be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase by you (the “Warranty Period”). The Warranty Period is not extended if we repair or replace the merchandise. We may change the availability of this limited warranty at our discretion, but any changes will not be retroactive.
WHAT ARE YOUR REMEDIES UNDER THIS WARRANTY?
With respect to any defective merchandise during the Warranty Period, we will, in our sole discretion repair or replace such merchandise (or the defective part) free of charge. We will also pay for shipping and handling fees to return the repaired or replacement merchandise to you if we elect to repair or replace the defective merchandise.
HOW DO YOU OBTAIN WARRANTY SERVICE?
To obtain warranty service, you must call +1(217)-802-6098 or email our Customer Service Department at info@secondhandhorology.com during the Warranty Period to obtain a Defective Merchandise Authorization (“DMA”) number. Read more about our return and warranty service policies.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
THE REMEDIES DESCRIBED ABOVE ARE YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES AND OUR ENTIRE LIABILITY FOR ANY BREACH OF THIS LIMITED WARRANTY. OUR LIABILITY SHALL UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES EXCEED THE ACTUAL AMOUNT PAID BY YOU FOR THE DEFECTIVE MERCHANDISE, NOR SHALL WE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES BE LIABLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES OR LOSSES, WHETHER DIRECT OR INDIRECT.
SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
Secondhand Horology is honored to have the opportunity to serve you. That is why we stand by all of our products with a full 12-month limited warranty. If an item we sell you should fail as a result of a manufacturer's defect at any time during the first 12 months, we will repair or replace the item at absolutely no cost to you.
If your watch has any symptoms of abnormally gaining time, losing time, or not keeping proper time please do not hesitate to contact us by phone or email. If it is determined by Secondhand Horology that a repair under warranty is required one of our trained watch professionals will direct you on how to safely and efficiently ship the watch to us.
Not covered by warranty:
- Regular wear-and-tear from normal use.
- External damage to the product. Any damages resulting from wear to the watch case, crystal/glass, watch bracelet, watch bezel, straps, screws, crown/stem, finishes, clasps/buckles, or any other physical damage to the watch.
- Defects caused by outside force or improper use. Consequential and incidental damages.
- The loss of precious, semi-precious stones from settings.
- Outside modifications and third party repair attempts of any kind will void the warranty.
- Any damage if used under conditions which exceed the watch manufacturer’s water resistance guidelines.
- Watches that are labeled as water resistant feature a screw down crown. The crown must be screwed down properly at all times to keep the watch casing watertight. Water damage is not covered under the warranty unless it is proven defective by the Secondhand Horology.
- Shipping cost to Secondhand Horology.
Secondhand Horology is determined to stand behind every part of your shopping experience. The Secondhand Horology warranty allows you to make a completely risk-free purchase. This has been our policy and our promise since we began nearly three decades ago serving customers on a local level. Now, we are standing by this policy as we serve online customers from around the world. We look forward to serving you and giving you the incredible value and experience you deserve.
ROLEX Oyster Perpetual
The Oyster was Rolex’s first waterproof watch case, revolutionizing watchmaking with its durability and sealed construction. "Perpetual" refers to the self-winding rotor, which powers the movement continuously with the wearer's motion, eliminating the need for manual winding.
In 1926, Rolex introduced the original Oyster watch, the world’s first waterproof wristwatch. The name "Oyster" was inspired by the way an oyster shell remains tightly sealed to protect its interior—just as Rolex designed the Oyster case to keep water and dust out.
In 1931, Rolex patented a self-winding movement that used a rotor to wind the watch as it was worn. This innovation led to the addition of the word "Perpetual", signifying the movement’s ability to wind itself continuously.
By 1945, the name Oyster Perpetual emerged, marking the combination of Rolex’s robust waterproof case with its revolutionary self-winding movement—a foundation that continues to define Rolex watches today.
ROLEX Datejust – A Milestone in Watchmaking History
Introduced in 1945, the Rolex Datejust remains a timeless symbol of classic elegance. It was the first self-winding, waterproof, chronometer wristwatch to feature a date display at the 3 o’clock position. This innovation was further enhanced in 1953 with the introduction of the Cyclops lens, which magnifies the date for improved legibility.
As Rolex describes it, “The Datejust offers comfort as well as legibility and daily time management. Useful and practical, it was soon established as a precious instrument for the modern, independent, active wearer.”
ROLEX Datejust
Oyster Perpetual
Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified
Ref. 1601 Two-Tone
Jubilee Bracelet
The Rolex Datejust was long considered the flagship model of the Rolex collection, representing the brand’s commitment to innovation, precision, and timeless elegance. As the first self-winding, waterproof chronometer wristwatch to feature an automatically changing date window (introduced in 1945), the Datejust set a new standard for everyday luxury and practicality.
From the Rolex Datejust collection, always a wearable model, blending the lines between a sports watch and a dress watch, today we are excited to present one of Rolex’s most iconic and enduring models: the Rolex Datejust.
Introduced in 1959, this is a vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust wristwatch, reference 1601, with serial number 3604693, dating this timepiece to 1974. A true classic, this 1601 embodies Rolex’s signature design elements, including the Cyclops lens, the fluted bezel, and the Jubilee bracelet—all of which have become enduring archetypes in watchmaking.
This automatic Rolex Datejust watch is powered by the Rolex movement caliber 1575 (signed 1570), featuring 26 jewels, a sweep second hand, date complication, and is adjusted in 5 positions + temperature for superior accuracy. This Swiss-made movement ensures reliability and precision. The movement is also identified by its serial number D485908.
Rolex Datejust reference 1601 debuted with a then-brand-new movement caliber 1565, produced by Aegler, and featured a 42-hour power reserve running at a frequency of 18,000vph. Characteristically, there was no quickset mechanism for the date just yet. The new caliber did feature KIF shock absorption.
Caliber 1575 would follow in 1965. The new version had a higher 19,800vph beat rate. In 1972, a hacking function (allowing the seconds hand to stop when setting the time) was added without changing the caliber’s name. Still, there was no quickset date. This would come in 1977, with the introduction of the 16xxx references, the first so-called five-digit Datejust.
Interestingly, it is quite common for Datejust calibers to be marked “1560” or “1570.” Technically, these numbers refer to non-date versions of the calibers. Rolex, However, often used the same number-engraved plates across the entire movement family.
The white dial of this Rolex Datejust reference 1601 is adorned with gold baton hour markers, paired with gold-luminous matching hands. The dial also features an outer minute/second track. At the 3 o’clock position, you'll find the date window, magnified by the signature Cyclops lens. The dial is signed with Rolex branding, including the iconic logo, “Oyster Perpetual Datejust”, and “Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified”, further emphasizing the watch's precision and craftsmanship.
Cased in a 36mm two-tone stainless-steel case, featuring the unique and perfect combination of the yellow gold fluted bezel and the Rolex signature waterproof screw-down gold crown. Also, this watch is mounted on the classic Jubilee bracelet and comes with its original Rolex display box.
The special Jubilee bracelet was designed to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Rolex. Featuring rows of five metal links, it is known for its fluid contours and elegant clasp, which bring further distinction to the model.
This Rolex Datejust reference 1601 is in good condition, showing light wear consistent with its age. It runs smoothly and keeps excellent time, making it not only a collector's piece but also a reliable companion for daily wear.
Thank you for viewing! Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or reasonable offers.
Movement: |
Case Back Markings: |
Measurements (mm): |
Montres Rolex S.A. Geneva Swiss Twenty Six 26 Jewels Adjusted 5 Positions and Temperature 1570 D485908 |
Montres Rolex S.A. Geneva Switzerland Patented Stainless Steel 1601 3604693
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Case Diameter 36 Case Diameter w/Crown 39 Case Lug to Lug 44.3 Case Thickness 12 Lug Width 20 Band Width 20 |
We prefer to take photographs outdoors when the weather allows. However, when shooting indoors, please note that we use lightboxes equipped with 360 LED bulbs, which can magnify any flaws that may be less noticeable to the naked eye. That said, we never use Photoshop to alter our images or remove blemishes. While we may adjust the lighting as needed, what you see is what you get, and we take pride in that.
The condition is pre-owned.
The item may show some signs of cosmetic wear, but it is fully operational, and functions as intended.
Please take a moment to review the photos, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have.
The item will be carefully packed for shipment.
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