Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust - 1601

This is the icon that started it all: the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust. Launched in 1945 as the world's first self-winding, waterproof chronometer wristwatch to display the date in a window, the Datejust is a piece of living history. This particular model, likely a Reference 1601 or 1603 from the 1960s/70s, features the three indispensable elements of the classic Rolex aesthetic: the rugged Oyster case, the shimmering fluted bezel (originally functional to screw the bezel tight, now a signature aesthetic element), and the fluid, comfortable Jubilee bracelet (designed specifically for the Datejust's launch).

Your customer is buying into the precision behind the name. The dial proudly states "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified," meaning the Caliber 1570-series movement inside has been rigorously tested and certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) to achieve extreme accuracy—a commitment to technical excellence that few brands can match. The beautiful Grey Sunburst dial adds a vintage character and depth that shifts with the light, further enhanced by the signature Cyclops lens over the date—a brilliant innovation from 1953 that magnifies the date for effortless legibility.

This vintage 36mm Datejust is the perfect "GADA" (Go Anywhere, Do Anything) luxury watch. Unlike modern alternatives, its classic proportions sit perfectly under any cuff, and the stainless steel construction ensures durability. This reference is part of the final generation to feature the highly desirable "Pie-Pan" dial profile (the outer edge slopes down gently), a detail prized by vintage collectors that adds an unmistakable layer of three-dimensional depth and shadow play that you simply don't find on modern, flat dials. This watch is the perfect entry point into genuine luxury watch collecting.