We make luxury accessible for all. We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence.
We make luxury accessible for all. We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence.We make luxury accessible for all. We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence.
A Retro Tale offers 14 days return policy upon receipt of your order.
In order to request a return, please email [email protected] with your order number and state ”return request” in your email. From there, our Customer Support will confirm that your return request has been approved and further instructions will be provided by email.
Please note that the return shipping fee is covered by the returnee and all return shippings to A Retro Tale must be traceable. Thus, please retain your receipt of shipping and tracking number until your return has been completed and you have received your refund.
Please allow up to 10 business days for your return to be completed from the return shipping date as shipping time might vary depending on shipping country and shipping provider.
Home
Good Condition
This vintage Rolex Datejust Ref. 1601 from 1969 in stainless steel features a silver dial, fluted bezel and Jubilee bracelet in a timeless 36 mm profile. In very good external condition, with light scratches on the case and bracelet, it is an elegant choice for daily wear, business meetings or more formal occasions.
Please note that the majority of our items are vintage and therefore have tales to tell unless stated otherwise. Therefore, please look at pictures, descriptions and measurements provided as they give you the best idea of the story this item has to tell.
* Please note that when you buy a vintage product, the dimensions may vary slightly from a new one depending on previous care and storage.
Q: What are the key details of this specific Rolex Datejust? A: This 1969 Rolex Datejust Ref. 1601 features a 36 mm stainless-steel case, a silver dial with baton hour markers, a date window with Cyclops magnifier, a fluted bezel, and a Jubilee bracelet with folding clasp. These are the design cues that make the vintage Datejust so enduringly recognisable.
Q: Is 36 mm too small by modern standards? A: No. A 36 mm Datejust is still considered a timeless, versatile size and wears well on many wrists. It offers a more refined vintage profile than larger modern watches and is widely appreciated today as a classic unisex size.
Q: Does this 1969 Datejust have a quickset date? A: No. A 1969 Ref. 1601 is typically a non-quickset model, so the date is normally changed by advancing the hands through 24-hour cycles rather than by a separate quickset function.
Q: Does this model use acrylic or sapphire crystal? A: Vintage Ref. 1601 watches from this era are generally associated with acrylic crystals rather than sapphire. That softer, warmer look is part of the charm of a vintage Datejust, while the Cyclops magnifier helps keep the date easy to read.
Q: Can I wear a vintage Datejust every day? A: Yes, many collectors do. It is a practical everyday watch, but it is best treated with a little more care than a modern sports model and kept away from hard knocks, chemicals, and unnecessary moisture.
Q: Is it safe to swim or shower with this watch? A: It is safest to avoid water exposure unless the watch has been recently pressure-tested by a qualified watch specialist. Vintage Oyster cases should not be treated like modern water-sports watches without current testing.
Q: What should I expect from the Jubilee bracelet? A: The Jubilee bracelet is prized for comfort and classic Datejust style. On vintage examples, some softness or stretch can be normal with age, so buyers often consider bracelet condition as part of the watch’s overall character.
Q: Will this watch fit my wrist? A: The bracelet perimeter is listed at approximately 16.5 cm. If your wrist is larger, you may need additional links or another sizing solution for the best fit.
Q: What product information is included with this watch? A: No additional product information is included with this watch. Please use the listing details and photographs to understand what is part of the sale.
Q: What condition notes should I know about this piece? A: The watch is described as being in very good external condition, with light scratches on the case and bracelet. These signs of wear are consistent with a vintage watch that has been used and enjoyed.
SHIPPING
All orders are insured and trackable. Once your shipment has been issued, a link to our Track & Trace service will be provided where you can track your shipment and check delivery status online.
A Retro Tale offers free shipping to most EU countries. Click here to see the full list of eligible countries.
The shipping fee will be clearly shown during the checkout process. In some cases—such as during promotions or depending on your delivery location—shipping costs may vary. If no special rates apply, the standard international shipping fee of $49 will be charged.
We ship all orders from Sweden. Depending on your country’s import regulations, your order may be subject to customs duties, VAT, GST, or other local taxes upon arrival.
These charges are typically collected by the shipping carrier at the time of delivery and are not included in the product price.
We offer secure shipping via DHL and UPS with the following delivery time:
Outside Europe: 3-6 business days.
AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEED
A Retro Tale specialises in vintage and pre-owned goods from the world's most loved fashion houses. We guarantee that all of our products are 100 percent authentic. Every item sold on our site undergoes a rigorous authentication process, in which our experts delve deep into the heritage of a brand via its craftsmanship techniques. This requires a rigorous and methodical process.
For us, authentication is about more than expertise; it offers a fascinating insight into the history of fashion and the craftsmanship involved in production.
If you have any questions about customs, duties, or taxes, feel free to contact our customer service team — we’re happy to help!
/ Rolex
/ Watches
/ Mens watches
/ Datejust
$5,982
• Stainless steel
• Silver dial with baton hour markers
• Date window with cyclops magnifier
• Fluted bezel
• Jubilee bracelet with folding clasp closure
• Vintage
Condition
Dimensions
Product Information
PRODUCT FAQ
Delivery & Returns
Authentication
Contact an expert
Verified authenticity by our experts
read more
All watches comes with a 12-month mechanical guarantee
Customs fee and local taxes may apply upon delivery
Fast delivery, fully insured and traced
Export deal 15% off sitewide
Delivered with
no accessories
Made in
Switzerland
Serial number:
2036151
Year of Manufacture:
1969
Reference Number:
1601
Product number:
WZ699384
The authenticity of the watch has been checked and certified by Sebastian, who is one of Sweden's leading watch experts.
