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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Datejust wristwatch

Rolex Datejust reference 1601 with Singer Block Markers dial

Partially verified

This Rolex Datejust, reference 1601, features a dial with block-shaped markers, identified by the vendor as a design originating from the dial maker Singer. The watch dates to 1968 based on its serial number and is characterized by the absence of luminescent material on both the dial and hands. The silver soleil dial is housed in a 36mm stainless steel Oyster case equipped with a fluted white gold bezel. It is fitted with a folded Jubilee bracelet, reference 6251H, featuring end links stamped 55 and a clasp date-coded 4 68. The movement is a slow-setting self-winding caliber. The object is presented as an example of a Singer design study that reached limited production. The watch has been serviced by the vendor's watchmaker and is documented with its specific aesthetic features related to the dial configuration.

Rolex Datejust 1601 with Singer block markers, as worn.
Rolex Datejust 1601 with Singer block markers, as worn. — Bulang & Sons. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bulangandsons.com
Category
Wristwatch · Datejust wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
1601
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1968
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
180xxxx

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

Dial Design and Origins

The watch features a silver soleil dial distinguished by the presence of block-shaped hour markers. According to the vendor, this dial configuration reflects design studies developed by the dial maker Singer in the late 1960s. These markers are noted for a mirror-like filling that alters its appearance depending on the angle of light, transitioning between white and dark tones.

The design lacks any luminescent material on the indices or the handset. The dial remains free of standard luminescent points, contributing to its distinct visual profile.

Evidence for this section
  • “This particular Datejust features what is known among collectors as a “Singer Block Markers” dial”
  • “Many of these proposals remained just that — design studies — and were never put into regular production. Others, however, appear to have made the jump from the drawing board to the wrist.”
  • “There is no applied lume on the dial or hands”

Case and Bracelet Specifications

The watch is housed in a 36mm stainless steel Oyster case. It is completed by a fluted bezel, which the source identifies as white gold. The exterior condition is described as sharp, retaining the factory-intended case proportions and crispness of the bezel edges.

The timepiece is mounted on a folded Jubilee bracelet, referenced as 6251H. The bracelet assembly includes end links stamped with the number 55. The clasp features a date stamp of 4 68, providing a chronological link to the production era of the watch.

Evidence for this section
  • “36mm steel case with white gold Fluted bezel”
  • “The watch itself is in amazing sharp condition, with a super-fat case, crisp fluted bezel”
  • “strong folded Jubilee bracelet, Ref. 6251H, with end links stamped 55 and a clasp marked 4 68”

Mechanical Details and Maintenance

The movement is identified as a slow-setting self-winding caliber. The vendor reports that this mechanism has been fully serviced by their watchmaker to ensure operational readiness.

The service history is confirmed by the vendor, and the movement is currently functioning as intended for the Oyster Perpetual system.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch and its slow-setting movement have been fully serviced by our watchmaker”
  • “Slow setting movement”
  • “One-year mechanical warranty”

Open research questions

  • Are there documented examples of this dial variant in official Rolex archives?
  • What are the precise historical differences between this production dial and the original Singer design sketches?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex Datejust reference 1601 with Singer Block Markers dial
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerRolex“Vendor: Rolex”
ModelDatejust“Rolex Datejust Reference 1601”
Reference1601“Rolex Datejust Reference 1601”
Serial180xxxx“Serial 180xxxx”
Manufacturing Year1968“Serial 180xxxx dates to 1968”
Case MaterialSteel with white gold bezel“36mm steel case with white gold Fluted bezel”
Dial FeatureNo lume block markers“Rare Block Markers dials (after singer prototype), no lume”
Bracelet Reference6251H“Jubilee bracelet 6251h”

Visible details

  • Silver soleil dial with applied block-shaped hour markers
  • Folded Jubilee bracelet with reference 6251H
  • Cyclops lens over the date aperture

Research qualifications

  • The exact production numbers for this dial variation are not verified
  • The connection to specific 1967/68 Singer catalogue designs is based on visual similarity

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

Consulted source

Rolex Datejust 1601 rare No Lume Singer Block Markers dial

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 25a77c3d56

Terms in this record

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

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