There’s something timelessly stylish about this gorgeous 1972 Rolex Datejust 1601 Linen Dial. Especially when it boasts the added collectability of Sigma marking, a subtle 1970s feature signalling the use of gold parts in some Swiss mechanical watches to enhance their perceived intrinsic value. And then, of course, there are the hallowed words ‘Rolex’ and ‘superlative chronometer officially certified. They alone speak volumes about this classic watch design.
A Datejust 1601 Linen Dial makes the perfect statement
Are you young enough not to recall Madonna’s Number 1 with ‘Papa Don’t Preach’, or Alain Prost’s first two F1 1980s world championships? You’re after your first vintage watch, right? And it’s got to be from a top brand so it makes the perfect statement whether you’re dressed up or down. This Rolex Datejust Reference 1601, with its unmistakable fluted 18k white-gold bezel, obelisk hands and Cyclops magnifier, hits the spot perfectly – as it could for established Rolex collectors too. Either way, we’re sure you’ll love this example of a genuine icon…
Affordable and collectable
The vintage Datejust fits in anywhere, any time. It’s also an increasingly collectable timepiece too – and prices are rising. That’s another good reason why it makes sense to buy now and bag yourself one of the few remaining affordable vintage Rolexes. And, of course, this particular reference brings that rare, collectable ‘linen’ dial with its unmistakable, organic, cross-hatched surface – plus those conversation-starting Sigma marks below the six o’clock index.
Technical & Condition
Condition: The original linen dial is in excellent condition; the case and crystal have both been assessed as good.
Year: 1972
Case size (exc. crown): 36 mm
Case material: Stainless steel; Rolex-signed crown
Movement calibre: Automatic; Rolex Calibre 1570; just serviced
Strap/bracelet: Genuine Rolex Jubilee (good condition with slight stretching consistent with its age).
Box and papers: Our own plus a genuine Gold-on-green Rolex service pouch.
Make this your Rolex Datejust 1601 Linen Dial
For decades, the Rolex Datejust has been a genuine icon in a world where the word is used far too readily. Surely, as one of the last affordable vintage Rolexes, this Datejust 1601 with its linen dial and historically significant Sigma dial symbols, was made for your wrist? In a few days, you could be rocking this Swiss beauty in the office or at the nineteenth hole. Contact us today to make it yours.
the basics
Brand
Rolex
Model:
Datejust
Reference:
1601
Year:
1972
SKU:
1634
THE CASE
Case Size (excluding crown):
36mm
Case Material:
Stainless Steel
MOVEMENT
Movement Type:
Automatic
Movement Calibre:
1570
CONDITION
Case Condition:
Good
Dial Condition:
Excellent
Glass Condition:
Good
Strap Condition:
Good
THE STRAP
Material:
Stainless steel
Additional Information
Box & Papers:
Our Own
Brand
Rolex
Model:
Datejust
Reference:
1601
Year:
1972
SKU:
1634
Case Size (excluding crown):
36mm
Case Material:
Stainless Steel
Movement Type:
Automatic
Movement Calibre:
1570
Case Condition:
Good
Dial Condition:
Excellent
Glass Condition:
Good
Strap Condition:
New
Material:
Stainless steel
Box & Papers:
Our Own
Shipping:
For orders placed before 2pm orders will be shipped the same day.
Your watch will be carefully packaged and shipped fully insured with leading global courier companies.
Delivery Prices:
Delivery within the UK is Free. Delivery within Europe is £30. Delivery for the Rest of the World is £50.
Returns:
Don't like it or change your mind? Return it for a full refund with our 14 day, no hassle returns on all sales. See the full conditions here.
The Watches
Are all watches authenticated?
All our watches pass through a double authentication process to insure their authenticity. We also provide detailed photos of the watch from all angles to allow you to undertake your own anlysis. Finally as with everything, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to our friendly team
What if something goes wrong with the watch
Whilst all our watches are fully serviced before sale, if something does go wrong, we'll repair it for free as part of our 1 year warranty
Do watches come with original box and papers?
It depends on the individual watch. You can see details under "The Basics" heading on this page. For the majority of vintage watches their original box and papers have been lost to time. Whilst they are nice to have, it’s important to note that “box and papers” DO NOT authenticate a watch despite what many in our trade say. It’s also important to realise alot of sellers (including some of the most well known in the UK) put together full sets of box, papers, hang tags etc by buying blank paperwork and boxes in the secondary market. This is a very regrettable, but unfortunately common occurrence in the trade but something we will never do!
How do I know it will fit?
For metal bracelets we provide the size it will currently fit in the description section of this page. If this measurement is too large or too small we are able to assist in either adding or removing links. We also offer this service, post service on a at-cost basis (i.e. we don't add a margin).
Can you change the strap?
Absolutely! If you don't like the current strap, let us know and we'll change it for free! We maintain a broad selection of styles and can also source straps to your specification free of charge.
Can you source something similar?
Absolutely! If its not quite what you’re looking for just get in touch and we can source one with our Free, No Obligation sourcing service. You can contact us on phone, live chat or simply submit the details of what you’re looking for on our “Find a Watch” page.
Payment
What payment options do you offer?
We accept payment by all leading credit and debit cards, ApplePay as well as bank transfer.
Do you offer financing?
Currently we don't offer financing but it’s something we're exploring.
Shipping & Returns
Can you ship an order to arrive on a certain day?
We can certainly try! We can request with our shipment partners for delivery on a certain day but ultimately the exact delivery date is subject to a number of factors outside our control.
How do I return a watch?
Simply let us know you want to send the watch back within the 14 return period and return it to us via Royal Mail Special Delivery. We’ll process your refund the same day we receive the watch back.
Terms & Conditions
Terms & Conditions
You can find our full terms and conditions here.
5 great reasons to buy from us

Prices upto 30% cheaper, see how we do it.

Friendly & never pushy. Phone, Live Chat, Whatsapp.

All watches are guaranteed authentic.

All our watches are serviced, not just 'inspected'.

Not 100% sure? Don't worry, you have 14 days to return your purchase.
Rolex Datejust 1601 Linen Sigma Dial, 1972
An attractive Rolex Datejust 1601 with a rare linen sigma dial from circa 1972. You can't get more timeless than this!



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