A cornerstone of the Rolex collection from its very origins, the Rolex Datejust is a name that speaks for itself. Introduced in 1945, it not only celebrated the brand's 40th anniversary but also introduced the revolutionary concept of an automatic date-change mechanism. Undoubtedly, the Datejust holds the distinction of being the most recognizable and favored timepiece around the world. This reputation is largely owed to its exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and reasonable price point, consistently affirming the Datejust as a prudent and compelling selection.
Over the years, Rolex has produced a multitude of dial and case variations for the Datejust. While many are readily available, there are also rare dial versions, and even more elusive are the highly sought-after editions often referred to as the "holy grails". The Datejust Ref. 1601 offered here today falls into the latter category primarily because it features one of the most exotic and sought-after stone dials ever to be included in Rolex's catalog – the green malachite.
To provide some context, malachite was initially mined primarily for the extraction of copper using a process called smelting, which involves applying heat and a chemical-reducing agent to the ore to extract the desired base metal product. However, its distinctive verdant green hue and captivating swirling band patterns soon made it a highly sought-after ornamental stone in the realms of jewelry-making and art. Interestingly, during the Italian Renaissance period, artist Pietro Perugino utilized finely ground malachite pigment to add vibrant green tones to the garments of worshippers in his renowned Natività painting, which is currently housed in the Church of Saint Francis in Montefalco, Peruggia. The malachite featured on the dial of our example showcases stunning and visually consistent swirling bands, achieved through the meticulous process of slicing and polishing a piece of malachite.
Historically, the Day-Date serves as Rolex's creative canvas for exploring and experimenting with the use of precious stone dials. Encasing such dials in a precious metal Datejust, as seen in this example, is relatively uncommon. The design approach taken here is gracefully straightforward: customary hour markers typically found on a Datejust have been deliberately omitted, creating ample negative space that allows the brilliance of the green malachite stone dial to take centre stage. To complete the set, the verdant green malachite stone dial on this example here finds harmony with a resplendent 18-carat yellow gold case, fitted with a fluted bezel and a Presidential bracelet – a truly classy and impeccable combination, if I may say so myself.
This watch is truly remarkable and would make an exceptional addition to any discerning collector's collection. When it comes to a piece of this caliber, words often fall short of describing the depth and beauty of the dial. Instead, I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.
