This Blue Datejust 1600 Would possibly Be The Prettiest Rolex I’ve Ever Seen

At present, we’re again with a have a look at yet one more Rolex and this time it’s the Datejust 1600. So quickly, you say? In some methods, consider this text as a prequel to my latest ode to an extremely easy Datejust 16200. The 2 watches are related for sure, however they’re additionally very totally different. Sit again as a result of it’s time for an additional love letter to an exquisite watch.

Oh, Datejust, you wily little every day driver along with your numerous variants. You’re a nonstop journey that ranges from the elegant to the subdued. As a person watch, you supply so few clues as to the way you began life. What dial shipped with you a long time in the past once you have been first bought? Have you ever been polished or have years of shirtsleeves given you a brand new shine? Is that bracelet value saving or did your prior proprietor abuse you previous the purpose of no return with only a bit an excessive amount of dangle?

Discovering a standout Datejust 1600

Questions like these enter the thoughts whereas perusing scores of those watches on-line with the majority of them wanting like little else however an “previous watch.” Used, forgotten, soiled, and stained are typical observances with this extremely widespread Rolex. However on occasion, amongst all of the roughage, a figurative diamond emerges. That is Rolex par excellence at this time, people, and it simply could be probably the most lovely watch I’ve ever laid eyes on from the model. Welcome to the Rolex Datejust 1600.

That’s proper, I’ve been casually classic Datejust fashions for the higher a part of two years now. I’ve been studying, asking questions, and enjoying the quiz sport in my head. You realize the sport… It’s the one the place you ask, “What’s mistaken with this watch?” and also you get to a degree the place you’ll be able to pinpoint the issues. A wrong-era dial, lacking lume dots, a bezel that doesn’t belong, or a case that boasts lug holes so broad {that a} mole has made them its residence. All of the whereas, I’ve found out what I like and what I don’t want. Darkish dials are my factor whereas diamonds can exit stage proper. That dial rot that some euphemistically coin as “tropical”? Negatory. One factor I do most actually love, although, is a {smooth} bezel. That attribute boils it down to at least one key mannequin — the Datejust 1600.

The 160x collection is extremely recognizable

The Datejust 1600 and its 160x brethren make up what is probably probably the most recognizable collection of the mannequin. The watch debuted within the late ’50s and was made for roughly 20 years. These 36mm fashions have been made in all kinds of types and that features the dials, bezels, and case supplies. The watches used the 1565 computerized till 1965 after which switched to the higher-frequency 1575 in 1965. The yr 1972 introduced hacking, however a quick-set date operate by no means discovered its method into this collection. Irrespective of the yr or the type, one factor was widespread, and that was a “pie-pan” dial.

Some followers of the Datejust love the stepped pie-pan dial whereas others don’t. Possibly the truth that this dial signifies an older type motion with out quick-set comfort does it. For me, I really like this element offered that the dial is in nice situation. On that entrance, issues could be a bit difficult. As talked about, the darker dials typically present excessive getting older or discoloration. The sting of the “step”, close to these lume pips, across the date window, or the dial edge itself are typical locations for deterioration. Some folks love this, whereas I typically equate it with injury.

A blue dial strikes once more…

Throughout my frequent perusals of for-sale advertisements for items just like the Datejust 1600, I believed I had come throughout nearly each variant. As all the time, although, that sort of considering results in a shock. It was throughout a random chat when my future quarry first got here to mild. I used to be jabbering with Sacha Davidoff and requested if he had something fascinating coming to the positioning. In truth, he did, and he was beneficiant sufficient to share some highlights from the day’s upcoming “drop.” I checked out a clumsy distorted screenshot of some items listed in Excel. Amongst all of the watches, I noticed “1600” and “blue.” Curiosity piqued and fancy tickled…

This Datejust 1600 final lived within the USA and was apparently caked in grime when Sacha first noticed it. He did point out, although, that beneath a scratched crystal (and extra gunk), a pristine blue dial was lurking. As an apart, it helps to purchase a watch from somebody choosy. Sacha defined that he should have checked out one thing like 100 classic Datejust fashions over a number of days whereas there and finally purchased (watch for it…) three. Sure, that is the kind of fallout that comes because of 40 or 50 years of use and abuse. The beautiful blue piece bought a shower, a checkup, and was prepared for sophistication photos.

…and it’s gorgeous, totally gorgeous

Sacha despatched some brightly lit telephone photos after which, a day or so later, offered site-ready photos. I used to be floored. This dial was and is flawless. I’ve achieved my finest to seek out one thing, something, mistaken with it, and I can’t. Moreover, the case is in nice situation (the lug holes are sharp) and the folded 6251 Jubilee reveals minimal stretch. However yeesh, that dial…

The graceful bezel makes for the right mixture

I made a daring declare that this Datejust 1600 simply could be the prettiest watch I’ve ever seen or held. That’s such a large assertion and it’s additionally extremely sudden as a result of this watch is a Rolex. Let’s face it, Rolex isn’t recognized for making lovely watches. They’re purposeful, even boring at instances. Nonetheless, this dial is one thing else! It’s so vivid and clear within the solar that it jogs my memory of sapphires or perhaps even mountain streams. Foolish stuff — I do know! I do produce other ideas. However there’s extra… A 1601 (fluted white gold) or 1603 (engine-turned metal) with this dial can be beautiful however would steal a part of its visible (blue) thunder. Lastly, the readability issued by an acrylic crystal additionally provides to the whole expertise. Sapphire wouldn’t minimize it.

Based mostly on my affection for the Explorer 14270 and the Datejust 16200, you recognize that I’ve an actual factor for smooth-bezel Rolex fashions. This Datejust 1600 follows in these footsteps, but it’s from a wholly totally different period. This watch is extra svelte on the wrist, feels lighter because of the hole bracelet hyperlinks, and has slimmer proportions. The nice factor, although, is that it’s nonetheless a Rolex, and that equates to a normal impression of substance. This looks like a watch that, even after 45 years, can nonetheless do every day battle with relative ease. In help of that, I also have a colleague who wears an heirloom 1601 as his on a regular basis watch.

Nonetheless an awesome watch 45 years later

You’ll be able to’t go mistaken with a watch just like the Datejust 1600 as a result of it really works with something. This daring blue dial bolsters that declare additional. Informal or formal, black or brown — all the pieces works with this. Would I prefer to see it on a interval folded Oyster bracelet? All the pieces in my head says sure as a result of it will make the watch much more informal, however I feel that the Jubilee supplies some steadiness. It provides the correct quantity of aptitude to what’s in any other case a really clear design. Plus, there’s no denying that the Jubilee is amongst probably the most snug bracelet designs in existence.

Be affected person and choosy

I’ve mentioned it earlier than that the Datejust is at present experiencing a minor growth. The watches are scorching, scorching, scorching proper now and good fashions promote with critical velocity. Maybe it is because they’re nonetheless on the decrease finish of the pricing scale for classic Rolex. Alternatively, perhaps the smaller watch development is placing them in focus. Who is aware of? However once I search for items like this Datejust 1600, good items disappear, and I see only a few dark-dialed variants. I haven’t seen a lot in the best way of worth differentiation at this level, although, because it pertains to dial hue. Determine on someplace within the €6,000 (or extra) vary for a pleasant instance with a stunning dial. That’s not low cost cash, however line it up in opposition to a recent four-digit sports activities mannequin and the distinction is stunning.

This Datejust 1600 has spent a whole lot of time on my wrist currently — it’s the one watch I introduced on a latest two-week journey. Do I prefer it greater than the 16200 I lately reviewed? I feel I do due to the lightness and the general classic vibe. Plus, as talked about, it’s nonetheless an awesome every day watch. Am I achieved with the Datejust style now? Effectively, I’m lacking a blue 16000, however these are actually troublesome to seek out. By some means, I feel I’ll be content material with this one.