Rolex Datejust 36MM 1601 Champagne Dial 1971

The Rolex Datejust 1601 from 1971 in two-tone brings together stainless steel and yellow gold in a way that still turns heads, even if it’s been around half a century. First introduced in 1945, the Datejust model was one of the earliest self-winding chronometer watches to feature a date window that changed automatically at midnight. By the early 1960s, Rolex refined this concept further with the 1601 reference, which combined the practicality of the Oyster case with a touch of luxury. The 1971 two-tone version underscores Rolex’s fascination with mixing metals, offering a dose of flash that can be spotted across a room.

Beneath its dial sits the self-winding calibre 1570, a movement collectors often associate with the reliable performance found in many vintage Rolex models of the era. The gold fluted bezel is a key characteristic that not only frames the dial but also provides a subtle textural contrast. Even the acrylic crystal, common at the time, adds a certain charm often referred to as “vintage warmth.” The “pie-pan” style dial—named for its gently sloping edges—lends a hint of dimensionality that later generations sometimes miss, and the trademark Cyclops lens over the date has saved countless wearers from squinting in the mornings. Measuring 36 mm, the watch is sized to fit comfortably on most wrists without being too overpowering.

The Jubilee bracelet, alternating steel and gold links, puts the finishing touch on a watch that was meant to stand out . Yet, this piece manages to retain its elegance in a timeless way. The two-tone aesthetic was something Rolex mastered over decades, and enthusiasts will often argue that the brand did some of its best work in this era. Sure, it’s been around so long it’s seen everything from polyester suits to the rise of digital wearables, but the 1971 Datejust 1601 has held on to a sense of style that’s more than a passing fad.

A bit of history adds to its allure: the original Datejust was released to mark Rolex’s 40th anniversary, shortly after the conclusion of World War II. The idea was to introduce a watch that kept time and showed the date in a window that automatically switched over—something so common now that it’s easy to forget it was a genuine innovation. The reference 1601 took that formula and dressed it up a bit, with enhancements to the finishing, dial layouts, and overall refinement. All these years later, people still appreciate the tactile feel of winding a vintage Rolex, complete with those purposeful clicks that remind you you’re dealing with a piece of engineering from a different era.

For watch lovers who enjoy a bit of flair on the wrist, the 1971 Rolex Datejust 1601 in two-tone is a solid choice. While Rolex has continued to refine the Datejust over the decades, the classic appeal of the 1601 remains undeniable. Even the slight patina that can develop on the dial and markers is more often considered a badge of honour than a flaw, proving that, while fads may fade, a well-made watch can outlast them all—no disco outfit required.

Case AND bracelet in good vintage condition, light hairlines visible on both case and bracelet.

• Dial has little to no flaws, all lume plots intact. 
• Hands have light oxidisation but not visible by the eye