Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Datejust wristwatch

Rolex Datejust Ref. 1601/8

Partially verified

This Rolex Datejust reference 1601/8 is a solid yellow gold automatic wristwatch dating to circa 1973. Featuring the characteristic 4-digit 'pie-pan' dial geometry, the watch is finished with a satin blue dial and applied baton indices. The dial is marked as a 'Sigma' variant, indicated by the 'T SWISS T' signature at the 6 o'clock position. It is equipped with a fluted yellow gold bezel and an Oyster-style case. The watch is paired with a specific South American market Jubilee bracelet featuring a blade-style clasp. The auction description notes the presence of degradation along the edge of the pie-pan dial and confirms the presence of original, patinated Tritium luminous plots on the dial and handset. The piece represents a production variation of the 1601 series, documented as being manufactured in fewer quantities than the steel-cased alternatives of the era.

Rolex Datejust Ref. 1601/8 showing the satin blue pie-pan dial with Tritium plots and the fluted yellow gold bezel.
Rolex Datejust Ref. 1601/8 showing the satin blue pie-pan dial with Tritium plots and the fluted yellow gold bezel. — Oliver & Clarke. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
oliverandclarke.com
Category
Wristwatch · Datejust wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
1601/8
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1973
Source-reported place
Not established

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial

The watch is housed in a solid gold Oyster case, paired with a fluted yellow gold bezel. This architecture provides a stepped edge to the dial, which is noted to exhibit some degradation.

The dial is further characterized by applied baton indices and a matching handset. Tritium plots remain visible on the dial, which the source describes as evenly patinated. The presence of 'T SWISS T' at the base of the dial identifies this as a 'Sigma' dial variant.

Evidence for this section
  • “solid-gold Datejust”
  • “fluted' yellow gold bezel”
  • “pie-pan dials”

Bracelet and Appointments

The watch is mounted on a Jubilee-style bracelet, which the source identifies as a South American market version. Unlike standard iterations, this specific bracelet is fitted with a blade-style clasp.

This configuration is identified by the source as a distinct variation within the 4-digit reference range, intended to provide a contrast to the commonly encountered steel or gold/steel combinations of the same era.

Evidence for this section
  • “South American market Jubilee bracelet with a blade clasp”

Condition and Attribution

The auction description reports that the watch is in excellent overall condition, emphasizing that the case retains a thick and symmetrical profile. The movement and specific production history are not detailed beyond the general manufacturing context of the 1601 series.

The piece is dated by the source to approximately 1973. It is noted that solid gold variants of the 1601 were produced in lower quantities compared to the contemporary Day-Date models.

Evidence for this section
  • “excellent overall condition”
  • “thick and symmetrical case”
  • “Rolex did not make a lot of these”

Open research questions

  • What is the definitive documentation for the 'South American market' variant of the Jubilee bracelet?
  • How does the 'Sigma' designation specifically relate to the production years of the 1601/8 reference?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex Datejust Ref. 1601/8
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Reference1601/8“Ref. 1601/8”
Datecirca 1973“Dating to circa 1973”
Case MaterialSolid yellow gold“solid-gold Datejust”
Dial TypePie-pan dial“pie-pan dials”
Bracelet StyleJubilee bracelet“Jubilee bracelet”
Clasp TypeBlade clasp“blade clasp”

Visible details

  • Satin blue finish on the dial
  • Fluted yellow gold bezel
  • Pie-pan dial profile with degradation at the edge
  • Jubilee-style bracelet with a blade clasp

Research qualifications

  • The exact origin of the 'South American market' attribution for the bracelet is not verified.
  • The extent of internal movement condition is not specified in the source.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت رولکس Rolex Datejust Ref. 1601/8 با صفحه آبی ساتین سیگما

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 211feaa23e

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

Other datejust wristwatch records