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Rolex. A fine and rare 18K white gold automatic calendar bracelet watch with onyx dial Datejust, Ref: 1601, Circa 1974 image 1
Rolex. A fine and rare 18K white gold automatic calendar bracelet watch with onyx dial Datejust, Ref: 1601, Circa 1974 image 2
Rolex. A fine and rare 18K white gold automatic calendar bracelet watch with onyx dial Datejust, Ref: 1601, Circa 1974 image 3
Lot 15

Rolex. A fine and rare 18K white gold automatic calendar bracelet watch with onyx dial
Datejust, Ref: 1601, Circa 1974

19 June 2025, 14:00 BST
London, New Bond Street

£30,000 - £40,000

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Rolex. A fine and rare 18K white gold automatic calendar bracelet watch with onyx dial

Model: Datejust
Reference: 1601
Date: Circa 1974
Movement: 26-jewel Cal.1570 automatic, adjusted to 5 positions & temperature, No.D650037
Dial: Naturally blemished onyx, magnified date aperture at 3, polished baton hands, centre seconds
Case: Brushed and polished tonneau form, screw down back, fluted bezel, No.3822705
Strap/Bracelet: Fitted President link
Buckle/Clasp: Signed 18K white gold folding clasp
Signed: Case, dial & movement
Size: 36mm

Footnotes

Rolex has produced an interesting range of hard stone dials throughout the decades - malachite, tiger's eye, lapis lazuli and onyx, such as the present lot.

Carved from a large stone which needs to be of excellent quality, the slice needs to be cut exceedingly thin in order to fit into the case. Especially with types of stone that are on the more porous side in structure, this can be a challenge and many are rejected.

The complicated production process is clearly rewarded by the result. By nature onyx is never completely jet black and is often dyed when used in watches or jewellery to make it more even. The nature of the material means each dial is truly unique and characterful and can give a completely different feel to the design of a watch.

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