1979 Rolex Datejust Ref. 1601 'Blue Buckley’ dial

First released in 1945, it marked forty years of Rolex timepieces. Today, it holds a spot in even the most exclusive collections and remains one of the most popular timepieces among both men and women.

 

Loved for its sporty yet elegant design, the present-day Datejust is available in varied sizes, many case and bezel metals, and with seemingly unlimited dials.

 

The Rolex Datejust Ref. 1601 was released in 1959 and it has been on the market until 1981.

 

Amongst all Datejusts, there is one that stands out from the rest. The 'Buckley' Datejust is named after famous NYC watch dealer John Buckley started collecting these rare variants. They are distinguished by the big, painted Roman numerals on the dial rather than the more commonly seen small, applied ones.

Offered here today is a Rolex Datejust Ref. 1601 that dates to 1979 in one of the rarest, loveliest and most sough-after variants; the blue ‘Buckley’.

 

The rare blue ‘Buckley’ dial is preserved in extraordinary condition. If you have been looking for one of these lately, you know that these dials tend to chip easily, especially around the lume plots, and finding one in this condition is almost impossible. In this case, the lacquer of the dial is perfectly preserved. The big white painted roman numerals, along with the rest of the printings on the dial, contrast in such a harmonized way with the blue background that under certain light conditions the white printings appear to have partially faded away turning it into a ‘ghost’ dial. The fat, clean lume plots are also very well preserved, with no chipping around them and featuring a lovely yellow patina that match with that on the original steel hands.

 

The stainless steel case remains in strong condition, showing sharp bevels and some normal signs of wear. The case back remains in the same condition. The white gold bezel remains in good condition too, also letting visible some signs of use.

 

It is suited on a Rolex Jubilee 6251H stainless steel folded-links bracelet with 55 end links and clasp code 2/70 that shows normal stretch and wear.

 

The original acrylic crystal has some minor scratches.

 

The Rolex automatic cal. 1575 (the date version of the 1570) is running great and keeping time, as it has been fully serviced by our watchmaker.

 

This is indeed a very good opportunity to own a classic Rolex timepiece in a rare and beautiful configuration, ready to become your daily beater.

 

Macros of dial and case are available under request, as well as pictures of the movement and inner case back.