There are few watches that capture the idea of an everyday classic quite like the Rolex Datejust. Introduced in 1945, it combined Rolex’s Oyster case and self-winding Perpetual movement with a date display — a formula that would become one of the most recognisable designs in watchmaking.

This particular example is a wonderfully classic 36 mm Datejust in Rolesor, Rolex’s combination of stainless steel and 18k yellow gold.

The watch is fitted with a folded-link Jubilee bracelet, ref. 6252H, with 455 end links. It has exactly the kind of vintage feel we love — beautifully proportioned, comfortable on the wrist and full of period character.

The real star of the show, however, is the beautiful champagne-coloured linen dial. Its textured surface catches the light in a wonderfully subtle way, while the black-topped hour markers, crisp black printing and beautifully aged cream-coloured lume add just the right amount of contrast.

The classic pie-pan dial gives the whole watch that unmistakable vintage Datejust look, with its distinctive sloping outer edge creating a lovely play of light across the dial.

It is one of those Datejusts that doesn’t need to shout. The combination of Rolesor, the champagne linen dial and the old Jubilee bracelet simply works — timeless, elegant and unmistakably Rolex.

The watch has been fully serviced by our watchmaker and is ready for many more years of wrist time.

Champagne linen, black-topped markers, cream lume and an old Jubilee — a proper vintage Datejust with all the right ingredients. Simple, elegant and very hard not to love.

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Specifications:

Rolex Reference 1601 Steel and gold Datejust
Rare Champagne coloured Linnen dial, black text
36mm steel case with gold Fluted bezel
Serial 347xxxx dates to 1974
Steel and gold Jubilee bracelet 6252H with 554 end links
Slow setting movement
Fully serviced by our watchmaker
One-year mechanical warranty
Free worldwide shipping

Rolex Datejust 1601/3 Linen Champagne Dial

Rolex Datejust 1601/3 Linen Champagne Dial

Before/after