What is a ghost dial? The term typically refers to a dial that has aged in such a way that the original finish has faded or changed color over time, usually into a color that closely matches the white text of the dial. In the case of this particular Rolex, the dial seems to have aged to a pale silver, almost off-white color which makes this watch so coveted by collectors for it's individuality and representation of the watch's journey through time. 

Did I mention gorgeous? Because it's that too.

Now on to the watch itself. What can be said about the Rolex Datejust that hasn't been said 1000 times? First introduced by Rolex in 1945 to commemorate the company's 40th anniversary, it pioneered a new space for Rolex as the first automatic, waterproof wristwatch with a date function displayed in a window on the dial.

The watch houses a reliable and serviceable caliber 1570 movement, which is chronometer-certified, ensuring accuracy that stands the test of time. The acrylic crystal, with its iconic cyclops lens over the date, magnifies the date display for legibility.

This particular Datejust 1601 retains the classic traits that have made the model so popular among all kinds of watch enthusiasts, from casual wearers to serious collectors. It represents the continuity of Rolex's commitment to quality and the historical significance of the Datejust line as a cornerstone in the evolution of modern wristwatches. The Rolex Datejust is more than a timepiece; it's a piece of history, a testament to the enduring legacy of one of the world's most recognized and celebrated watchmakers.

We all know the name Rolex, a name synonymous with luxury and precision in timekeeping. It was founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf, a German entrepreneur, in London. Wilsdorf's dream was to create reliable wristwatches at a time when pocket watches were the norm. His focus on precision quickly paid off when a Rolex watch received a Class A precision certificate from the Kew Observatory in 1914, a distinction normally reserved for marine chronometers.

In 1919, the economic aftermath of World War I led Rolex to relocate its headquarters to Geneva, Switzerland, a city renowned for watchmaking. This move marked the beginning of the brand's ascension to a symbol of excellence in the watchmaking industry. The innovation that Rolex would bring to the market over the next several decades cemented its status as a leader in the field.

In 1926, Rolex introduced the "Oyster," the world's first waterproof and dustproof wristwatch, marked by its hermetically sealed case. The Oyster's fame soared in 1927 when a young swimmer, Mercedes Gleitze, swam across the English Channel wearing it. The watch remained in perfect working order after more than ten hours in the water, which was a testament to its robustness and a pivotal moment in Rolex's history, heralding the Oyster's aquatic legacy.

The 1930s saw the advent of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, which incorporated a self-winding movement using a Perpetual rotor. This technology was a pioneering development in wristwatches and remains at the core of every modern automatic watch.

Rolex's dedication to precision and durability led to the creation of professional watches in the 1950s, designed for specific activities. The Submariner, introduced in 1953, was one of the world's first diving watches, waterproof to a depth of 100 meters initially and then improved to 300 meters. Similarly, the Rolex Explorer was created to withstand extreme conditions and was famously linked to Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay's historic ascent of Mount Everest in 1953.

The brand's commitment to excellence was further exemplified by the development of the GMT-Master in 1955, designed to meet the needs of international pilots, and the Day-Date in 1956, the first watch to spell out the day of the week.

Throughout the 20th century, Rolex continued to innovate, launching the Sea-Dweller in 1967, capable of reaching depths of 610 meters, and later, 3,900 meters with the Deepsea model. Rolex has also had a longstanding relationship with motorsport, exemplified by the introduction of the Rolex Daytona in 1963, a watch that became iconic among racing enthusiasts.

Rolex’s quest for excellence has transcended technological achievements. The brand has engaged in numerous philanthropic activities, established prestigious sponsorships in yachting, golf, tennis, and equestrianism, and supports the arts and exploration through its various awards and initiatives.

Today, Rolex watches are symbols of elegance, achievement, and reliability. The brand maintains its commitment to quality and precision under the vision of the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation, which was established after Wilsdorf's death in 1960 to ensure the company remained independent and dedicated to its founder's principles.

The history of Rolex is a blend of visionary entrepreneurship, technical innovation, and a relentless pursuit of precision and excellence. The brand has grown to be synonymous with timeless luxury and has firmly established itself as a status symbol and a benchmark of quality in the watchmaking world.

• Model: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust

• Reference: 1601

• Year: 1971

• Dial Color: Light Gray

• Style: Sports/ Casual

• Bracelet: Original Signed Jubilee Bracelet

• Sizing: Fits up to 6.5" Wrist

• Box: No

• Papers: No

• Other Accessories: None

This watch was purchased directly from a private auction. History of a previous owner is unknown.

The watch case, dial, movement, and hands all match and are original. The bracelet is a match for the watch and is dated at 1971. For this reason, we believe its safe to assume this bracelet was the watch's original bracelet.

The bracelet and watch case was showing signs of polish and we decided to refinish the entire watch to fit factory standards.

The Dial does have some imperfections.

Between the 5 and 6 o'clock hour markers, there appears to be some staining, most likely done by moisture exposure. This can be seen in pictures.

Between 12 and 1 0'clock, there is a piece of the dial that appears to have rusted off and thus exposing a tiny piece of the movement. This does not affect the accuracy of the watch. This can be seen in pictures.

Due to oxidation on the caseback of the watch, this watch only passed 1 ATM pressure tests and did not pass 3 ATM pressure tests. for this reason, we kindly ask you, DO NOT GET THIS WATCH IN WATER. It can result in moisture exposure and cause damage to the movement.

The movement has been fully serviced by our professional watch maker and of course includes our 2 year warranty. The watch is currently running at -3 seconds per day which is within COSC.

• Case Size: 36.0mm

• Lug Width: 20.0mm

• Lug to Lug: 43.0mm

• Thickness: 12.1mm

• Case Material: Stainless Steel

• Bezel Material: 18K White Gold

• Case Back Material: Stainless Steel

• Bracelet Material: Stainless Steel

• Crystal: Rolex Acrylic w/ Cyclops

• Luminescence: Tritium (Original & Non-Functioning)

• Manufacturer: Rolex

• Caliber: Rolex Caliber 1570

• Country: Switzerland

• Movement Type: Automatic with Date Indicator

• Jewels: 26

• Power Reserve: ~48 Hours