Lot 24
Rolex. A stunning and rare 18k gold automatic wristwatch with black onyx dial
Oyster Perpetual Date, Ref.1601, Case No.5069157, made circa 1977
Auction: 20 November 2025 from 14:00 GMT
Description
Cal.1570 self-winding 26 jewel movement, black onyx dial with applied coronet, applied gold surround to date aperture visible under magnifying lens, 18k yellow gold Oyster case with screw-down reverse and Oyster crown, on fitted Rolex Jubilee bracelet with 53 endlinks and folding clasp. Case, dial and movement signed.
Dimensions
Diameter 36mm, approx. bracelet size 195mm.
Footnote
Offered in overall excellent condition with very little sign of wear, apparently the watch was a gift from a Saudi Arabian importer to a Scottish farmer, who had very little use for a gold Rolex with onyx dial on a regular basis.
Stone dial, first used by Rolex in the 1970's, remain in use today and are some of the most striking and popular variations available. With a lack of applied indexes, the black onyx on the version offered portrays a minimalist and visually captivating aesthetic. This example, with only one service mark to the inner case, retains strong hallmarks to the reverse and clear engraving between the lugs.