Making its debut in the 1960s with production surging in the 1970s, the 1601 model is paired with a fluted bezel in white gold. Usually, Datejust cases are constructed from stainless steel while precious metals are reserved for the elevated collections, such as the Day-Date. During this time, Rolex defaulted to using 14k as their precious metal of choice to comply with import restrictions into the United States.
The 1601 has a non-quickset movement. Therefore, to set the date, the crown must be wound continuously as the center hands of the dial go around till the time passes midnight and the correct date appears in the window. Complemented by a silver linen pie-pan dial, a rare dial that gained popularity in the ’60s and ’70s. The beveled outer ring resembles an inverted cake pan.
*The pie-pan dial can also be seen on the Rolex Day-Date, as well as debuting on fellow competitors.
