Take a look at our newest merchandise
This week’s High 5 checklist is a follow-up to final week’s checklist. You appeared to benefit from the article about a few of the gorgeous, unique dials that Rolex has used for its flagship mannequin, the Day-Date. This week, we are going to have a look at a few of the unique dials that the Genevan model has used for the Datejust. There’s an overlap, as a few of you understand, as a result of Rolex used some dials for each fashions. So you may take into account this an element two. Then once more, whereas the Day-Date has lengthy been Rolex’s flagship watch, the Datejust is the extra mundane, lower-level providing. Nonetheless, as you will notice, that didn’t preserve Rolex from utilizing a few of the most attention-grabbing dials for the Datejust.
Earlier than we get into the checklist, it’s good to level out that the totally different sorts of dials weren’t essentially out there for each mannequin. As you’ll discover out, the unique stone dials have been solely used for the gold Datejusts. However that doesn’t imply there aren’t many nice particular dial variations for the stainless-steel fashions. On prime of that, these metal variations are additionally way more attention-grabbing when you, like most of us, would not have limitless cash to spend on a Datejust. As at all times, we’ve restricted this checklist to 5 picks, which isn’t a big sufficient quantity to cowl all the nice choices. However let’s have a look at our 5 favourite Datejusts with unique dials that ought to provide you with a good suggestion of what’s on the market.
Picture: Bulang & Sons
Rolex Datejust ref. 1601/8 with a tiger eye dial
Let’s kick issues off with a dial that I solely briefly talked about in final week’s checklist as an excellent stone-dial possibility. The tiger eye dials are well-known amongst Rolex followers and have this distinct ’70s really feel that makes them stand out instantly. If you happen to don’t like that ’70s vibe, a brown, striped tiger eye dial might be not for you. A few of us right here at Fratello adore this look, together with Robert-Jan and yours really. For us, there’s one thing magical concerning the mixture of yellow gold and tiger eye.
Picture: Bulang & Sons
The instance we picked for this checklist is a Rolex Datejust ref. 1601/8. The 1601 was produced from 1959 till 1977, and the usual variations had a 36mm case mixed with a pie-pan dial. In fact, that wasn’t the case for the stone dials.
Picture: Bulang & Sons
As well as, the stone dials eschewed the hour and minute markers to create a brilliant clear look. The Datejust 1601 can also be the reference that got here with a fluted bezel in treasured metallic as customary. It included a white gold bezel for the stainless-steel variations, however for the yellow gold 1601/8, it modified to yellow gold to match the case and bracelet materials.
Picture: Bulang & Sons
A uncommon and costly Rolex Datejust
Rolex used two calibers for the ref. 1601 throughout its manufacturing run. The primary was the caliber 1565, which was changed by the 1575 motion in 1965. The latter elevated the operation frequency from 18,000vph to 19,800vph. That can also be the caliber that you’ll discover within the majority of the fashions with tiger eye dials. In the case of costs, as you’d anticipate, these watches aren’t low-cost. Usually, a Datejust with a tiger eye dial begins a little bit over €20K, and costs can simply transfer as much as €35K relying on the situation. However that can purchase you one of the vital spectacular Datejusts ever made.
Picture: Amsterdam Classic Watches
Rolex Datejust ref. 16019 with a burl wooden dial
My absolute favourite choose on this checklist is that this magnificent Datejust ref. 16019 with a burl wooden dial. The dial is without doubt one of the well-known Rolex wood dials with a singular look and presence. Final week, we featured a white gold Datejust with a birch wooden dial that appears nothing wanting gorgeous. The mix of white gold with that lighter wooden was additionally a favourite of most commenters who learn the article. For this week, we discovered a Datejust variation that additionally appears to be like spectacular, is extraordinarily uncommon, and was offered by Amsterdam Classic Watches.
Picture: Amsterdam Classic Watches
The ref. 16019 was a part of the up to date Rolex Datejust ref. 160xx collection that succeeded the four-digit 16xx collection in 1977 and stayed in manufacturing till 1988. The largest updates got here within the type of a sapphire crystal and the brand new quickset-date caliber 3035. The latter makes setting the watch a lot simpler, which is why this collection of Datejust fashions is nice in case you are searching for a beautiful classic Datejust with modern-day practicality. Having stated that, this collection additionally noticed the departure of pie-pan dials for the common fashions. Nevertheless, as you’ll perceive, that doesn’t have an effect on the wood dials.
Picture: Amsterdam Classic Watches
That is as uncommon as a Rolex Datejust will get
Earlier than we get into the gorgeous dial, the canvas isn’t just any Datejust however, particularly, a white gold one. If you’re a devoted Rolex fan, you understand that white gold Datejusts are very uncommon. Whereas rose gold and yellow gold Datejust fashions aren’t all that unusual, particularly in relation to early references, the white gold fashions have at all times been. What we get with this ref. 16019 is a white gold Datejust with an identical Oyster bracelet with polished middle hyperlinks. Many of the gold Datejusts got here with a Jubilee bracelet, so to see this already uncommon white gold model on an Oyster bracelet makes it much more particular.
Picture: Amsterdam Classic Watches
The white gold exterior is the right canvas for the burl wooden dial that steals the present. The mix of the darkish brown shade and the feel provides it a singular look. However that’s not the place it ends. I additionally adore the dial design as a result of the minute and hour markers are equally lengthy. This creates a very totally different really feel from the common Datejust, and I significantly want it. I may go on for a while and clarify why I really like this particular Datejust, however you most likely get the purpose. Discovering one among these Datejusts is sort of unimaginable, and you’ll anticipate to see a value round €90K–100K when you do.
Picture: Bulang & Sons
Rolex Datejust ref. 1601 with a linen dial
Subsequent up is the well-known Datejust with a linen dial. This dial model was used for a number of generations of Datejust fashions. We picked the ref. 1601 as a result of it matches the traditional look of the linen dials completely. If you’re a Rolex fan, you might be conversant in these particular dials.
Picture: Bulang & Sons
They’re referred to as “linen dials” because of the refined crosshatch sample that mimics nice textile weaving, creating a really traditional look. To be trustworthy, I’m not the largest fan, however lots of my Fratello colleagues love linen dial.
Picture: Bulang & Sons
Predominantly, you’ll discover linen dials within the Datejust ref. 16xx and follow-up ref. 160xx collection. However Rolex famously additionally used the linen dial for the Day-Date. In the case of colours, you’ll principally discover the silver model you see within the photos.
Picture: Bulang & Sons
However Rolex additionally used a darker grey linen dial for the Datejust that I want. For the Day-Date, the linen dial in gold is the commonest. Total, these linen dials are fairly straightforward to seek out and don’t price greater than common dials. Anticipate to see costs beginning at roughly €4K and shifting as much as €6K.
Picture: Bulang & Sons
Rolex Datejust ref. 1601/8 with a malachite dial
One other unique stone that Rolex used for dials in its gold Datejust fashions was malachite. These well-known inexperienced dials additionally match that ’70s vibe completely, just like the tiger eye dials. It comes as no shock that these dials are principally discovered within the yellow gold ref. 1601/8 Datejusts from the Nineteen Seventies.
Picture: Bulang & Sons
In all honesty, I feel they match these inexperienced malachite dials the very best. Not like the white gold Datejust that we mentioned earlier, the ref. 1601/8 within the photos got here with a 36mm yellow gold case and a yellow gold Jubilee bracelet. Whereas I just like the look of the Oyster bracelet on the white gold model, the Jubilee bracelet fits the yellow gold Datejust higher.
Picture: Bulang & Sons
As with all the traditional stone dials, the inexperienced malachite variations function no hour markers or minute monitor, making the stone the focus. The malachite is barely contrasted by the gold printing, the date window with its Cyclops magnifier, the utilized Rolex emblem, and the arms hovering over the dial.
Picture: Bulang & Sons
It creates a superb traditional Datejust with an unique stone dial that’s not onerous to seek out however will price you vital money. Anticipate to see costs between €40K and €80K, which is a ridiculous vary. Regardless, you want deep pockets for this traditional ref. 1601/8.
Picture: Bulang & Sons
Rolex Datejust ref. 16014 with a tapestry dial
We’ll shut this checklist out with one other textured dial in the identical vein because the linen dials we highlighted earlier. A Rolex Datejust with a tapestry dial is one other particular and great-looking possibility. The classic vibes are much less prevalent than on the linen dials, which is why I want the tapestry variations.
Picture: Bulang & Sons
We picked two Datejust ref. 16014 fashions with tapestry dials in several colours. The primary is a grey model that appears good and monochromatic. I’ve to say that it’s a nice and tempting provide that I might take into account when shopping for a Datejust.
Picture: Bulang & Sons
One other beautiful possibility is the extra apparent silver tapestry dial. It’s a little much less outspoken and, consequently, a bit extra refined. I want the darker shade because it matches the colour of the stainless-steel materials of the case and the Jubilee bracelet properly.
Picture: Bulang & Sons
Each are ref. 16014 fashions with fluted white gold bezels. To finish the look, the Jubilee bracelet is the one strategy to go in my guide. It makes this the right fifth and final entry for this checklist. You may often discover these tapestry-dial variations out there for €4.5K–6.5K.
Picture: Bulang & Sons
Remaining ideas on our prime 5 Rolex Datejust fashions with unique dials
There you may have it — our checklist of the highest 5 Rolex Datejust fashions with particular dials. In fact, like final week, we disregarded some nice choices, just like the Jubilee dials, the Buckley dials, the palm-leaf dials, and the meteorite dials. However there’s solely room for 5 watches, so we needed to make some onerous decisions. Let these 5 be the inspiration to share your favourite Datejust fashions with unique dials within the feedback part. We’ll see you subsequent week for an additional checklist!
Header picture: Amsterdam Classic Watches
