Free insured overnight shipping on orders $1,000+|2-year warranty · 7-day returns|MyLuxApp-certified appraisal with every watch
My Watch DealerWholesale trade desk
HomeJournal › Rolex Datejust 1601: Two-Tone That Wears Small

From the desk · August 11, 2026

Rolex Datejust 1601: Two-Tone That Wears Small

A 36mm steel-and-gold Datejust with a fluted bezel and champagne dial that sits flat and quiet on a smaller wrist.

Rolex Datejust 1601: Two-Tone That Wears Small

The 1601 is a 36mm case, but it doesn't wear like a big watch. The fluted yellow gold bezel pulls the eye inward toward the champagne dial, so the footprint reads smaller than the number suggests. On a 6.5-inch wrist it sits flat, lugs tucked in, no overhang.

This one comes as a head only, which works in your favor if you have a slimmer wrist. You choose the strap. A tapered brown or black leather keeps the profile low and dresses it up under a jacket. A fitted bracelet adds heft if you want more presence. Either way, the steel and yellow gold does the work — gold warmth up top, steel keeping it grounded.

Champagne under a cuff is understated. It catches the light at dinner and slips back under a sleeve at the desk. This is a 1972 piece, non-quickset, so setting the date means running the hands around midnight — a small ritual, not a chore.

Authenticated and serviced in-house, backed by our store warranty.

The piece in this story

Rolex Datejust 1601

View this piece →

On the desk now

Rolex Datejust on the desk now

Live inventory for this model — updated continuously as pieces arrive and sell.

All Rolex Datejust →

Sell or trade your watch

A firm, dealer-direct wholesale number within one business day — paid out, or credited against your next piece.

Every purchase includes a MyLuxApp-certified appraisal and a free MyLuxApp vault account.

Get an offer