Rolex Datejust 1601

A rare and catching, Datejust automatic wristwatch in steel,with Abu Dhabi military crest dial, reference 1601.

model : Datejust year : 1977 reference : 1601 case material : 18K yellow gold case number : 5'290'427 bracelet material : Leather strap movement type : Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels dimension : 36mm Diameter signed : Case, dial and movement Few names in horology command the reverence and universal recognition of Rolex. Founded on the principles of precision, reliability, and timeless design, the brand has become synonymous with both functional innovation and aspirational luxury. Within its storied catalog, the Datejust stands as a cornerstone—first introduced in 1945 as the world’s first self-winding wristwatch with an automatically changing date display. The reference 1601, launched in the late 1950s and produced through the 1970s, epitomizes mid-century elegance. With its fluted bezel, cyclops lens, and robust automatic caliber 1570, the 1601 remains one of the most iconic and enduring expressions of the Datejust lineage. The example pictured here elevates that legacy to a realm of geopolitical and historical significance. Encased in yellow gold with a warm champagne dial, this particular Rolex Datejust 1601 features the striking emblem of the Abu Dhabi Defense Force printed above 6 o’clock—a rare and evocative logo depicting a golden falcon clutching crossed swords over a UAE flag motif. Commissioned during the 1970s, these watches were often gifted to military officers and dignitaries, representing both honor and exclusivity. The combination of Rolex’s timeless design and this Middle Eastern crest transforms the watch into a cultural artifact—one that speaks to Rolex’s legacy not just as a watchmaker, but as a silent partner in global diplomacy and prestige.