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Rolex Datejust rare Singer "block markers silver dial " with box and double punched papers ref 1601, 1968 — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Rolex Datejust rare Singer "block markers silver dial " with box and double punched papers ref 1601, 1968

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Rolex (maker)
Date
1968
Country of origin
Switzerland
Object type
Wristwatch
Materials / technique
silver
Dimensions
Case 36 mm
Stock no.
W-2796
Credit line
Dealer listing, Bulang & Sons (W-2796)
Catalogue title (original)
Rolex Datejust rare Singer "block markers silver dial " with box and double punched papers ref 1601 (English)

View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction

Record summary

Catalogued by Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen (stock number W-2796), this is a wristwatch by Rolex, made in Switzerland, dated 1968. The Atlas places it in the Modern Mechanical Horology period (1945 – 1969) of its Wristwatches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: silver. Recorded dimensions: Case 36 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — Bulang & Sons

In the end of the 1960s the famous Dial maker company “Singer” was asked by multiple swiss manufactures to design new dial proposals for their model lines. In their famous 1967/1968 catalogue they presented new design studies, print techniques, markers and finishes to multiple brands. In this catalogue some of the most famous Rolex dials started to see their light like the Yach-master Daytona and early versions of the exotic dials. But another interesting section was designed for the legendary Rolex Datejust. Many of these designs never saw production and were archived, but some found their way into production. Like this rather interesting and funky “Singer Block Markers” dial showcasing all the resemblance to one of the dial variations seen on the Datejust section in the Singer catalogue. We believe this is one of the design study dials which made the cut and was produced in small numbers. The marker shape clearly add a rather unusual but very interesting dynamic to the soleil silver dial. It definitely has a prototype feel and the vibe of the famous prototypes seen in the catalogue. The mirror filling in the markers gives so much detailing to the watch. In every angle the color changes from white to black, very funky. The combination of all these factors makes the watch stand-out. An out of the ordinary Datejust that steels the show ! The watch itself is in amazing sharp condition featuring a fat case, sharp fluted bezel and strong 6251h folded jubilee bracelet , with a clasp stamped 4 69. Furthermore this watch comes with an original Rolex watchbox , punched guarantee paper , the big chronometer certificate and a 2019 Rolex service paper and booklet , what could we more wish for ?! If you are a Datejust lover, rare watch hunter or aged Rolex collector this is definitely a piece which you need to have in your collection! A watch with a very interesting story and heritage which put Rolex back on the map. Contact us and let's talk about this beauty. Please do also check about the article we wrote about these rare beauties here & Berend has even recorded a watch talk about these ! Specifications: - Reference 1601 - Rare Block Markers dials (after singer prototype) - Original Rolex box - punched guarantee and chronometer paper + Rolex service booklet - 36mm steel case with white gold Fluted bezel - Serial 179xxxx dates to 1968 - Jubilee bracelet 6251h with 55 end links - Fully checked and regulated by our watchmaker

Historical context

Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)

Tool watches for divers, pilots and astronauts; electric watches anticipate the electronic age.

The classic era of the mechanical wristwatch: dive watches, chronographs for motor racing and space flight, GMT watches for jet travel, slim dress watches, automatic calendars, and the rise of Japanese manufacturers alongside Swiss, American, German and Soviet industries.

Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking

Atlas type guide

Calendar, moon-phase and perpetual calendar watches

Calendar complications range from a simple date to the perpetual calendar, which automatically allows for months of different lengths and leap years until 2100. Pocket watches with perpetual calendars were made in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries; Patek Philippe made the first perpetual calendar wristwatch in 1925, and series production followed in 1941. The annual calendar (Patek Philippe, 1996) needs correction only once a year.

Moon-phase displays use a disc with two moons and 59 teeth advanced daily, approximating the 29.5-day lunation; more precise trains reduce the error to one day in over a century.

What to look for

  • Apertures or subsidiary dials for day, date, month and leap year.
  • Moon disc under a 'bosom' shaped aperture.
  • Recessed correctors on the case band for setting the calendar.

Dating clues

  • Triple-date wristwatches: popular c. 1940–1955.
  • Perpetual calendar wristwatches: from 1925 (unique) and 1941 (series).

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

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