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Rolex Datejust Lapis Lazuli White Gold 1601/9

Used () | Year of production 1978 | No original box | No original papers
RM868,174
+ RM126 insured shipping within:
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  • Return policy determined by the dealer

Shipping and Seller Information

Item is in stock
Anticipated delivery: 10/07 - 16/07
Professional dealer
4.9 ( )

More About This Listing

Basic Info
Listing code O92526
Brand Rolex
Model Datejust
Movement Automatic
Case material White gold
Bracelet material White gold
Year of production 1978
Condition

The item shows visible and tangible signs of wear like scratches, scuffs, or small dents.

Scope of delivery
No original box, no original papers
Gender Men's watch/Unisex
Location Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur
Price $200,000 (= RM868,174)
Availability Item is in stock

Caliber
Movement Automatic

Case
Case material White gold
Dial Blue

Bracelet/strap
Bracelet material White gold

Description
Over the years, Rolex has introduced a vast array of dial and case variations for the Datejust. While many of these are relatively accessible, some versions feature rare dials and case configurations, and even fewer qualify as the highly coveted "holy grails" among collectors. The Datejust 1601/9 in 18-carat white gold presented here firmly belongs to that category, distinguished not only by one of the most sought-after stone dials in the Rolex catalogue—lapis lazuli—but also by its elusive white gold case, which is hardly seen in the wild. Without further ado, let’s dive into what makes this Datejust truly unique.

For those who may not be familiar with this material, lapis lazuli is a striking natural stone that has been cherished for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. Renowned for its deep, celestial blue colour and speckled with shimmering golden pyrite inclusions, lapis lazuli is a special stone that offers a unique and luxurious aesthetic that cannot be replicated by synthetic materials. When used as a watch dial—particularly in a timepiece as iconic as the Rolex Datejust—it transforms the watch into something far more than a functional accessory; it becomes a wearable piece of art. Each dial is inherently one-of-a-kind due to the natural variation in the stone, making every example subtly different. Today, it is a perennial favourite amongst watch collectors, and it is not hard to see why.

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 deep blue lapis lazuli dial to take centre stage. To complete the set, the stone dial on this example here finds harmony with an 18-carat white gold case, fitted with a fluted bezel and a Presidential bracelet, a truly classy and impeccable combination, if I may say so myself.

I believe it’s also important for us to emphasise just how rare it is to find a lapis dial Datejust 1601/9 in white gold. For those unfamiliar, the “9” at the end of its reference number indicates this metal. While we have offered several similar examples in yellow gold over the years, this is the first time we’re presenting one in this metal, as variants like this are significantly more uncommon, with only a handful known to exist. Additional distinguishing details include a matching white date wheel, date window frame, as well as white text on the dial, all of which are subtle yet telling features found exclusively on lapis dials made to be encased in white gold cases like these.

As far as movement goes, housed within its conservative 36mm case is the famous self-winding, in-house Rolex Cal. 3035, which was also the first Datejust movement to feature a quick date change mechanism.

I think it goes without saying that a watch like this is nothing short of exceptional and would make a standout addition to any discerning collector’s watch box. Having handled many remarkable stone dial Rolex models over the years, I’d go so far as to say that lapis lazuli dials rank among the most coveted and visually striking variants the brand has ever produced. The fact that this example comes fitted in an extremely rare white gold case makes it all the more compelling in its own right.

That said, with a piece of this calibre, words often fall short in capturing the true depth and beauty of the dial, so instead, I am going to let the images speak for themselves.

CONDITION REPORT

This Rolex Datejust 1601/9 Lapis Lazuli is in good overall condition.

The 18-carat white gold case shows some signs of use throughout, consistent with its age, most notably on the outer sides of the bottom left and right lugs. Despite this, it remains thick with well-defined lugs. The serial numbers between the lugs are deep and legible, and the inside of the case back is also signed.

The lapis lazuli dial is in excellent condition with no visible cracks.

The Presidential ‘8385’ bracelet is also in relatively good shape for its age, showing only minimal stretch.

The watch is offered as a watch only and is in full working order.

SPECS

Brand: Rolex
Year: 1978
Model: Datejust
Reference Number: 1601/9
Serial Number: 549XXXX
Material: 18-carat White Gold Case, Lapis Lazuli Stone Dial
Movement: Rolex Cal. 3035, Self-Winding
Case Dimensions: 36mm x 11.7mm (Lug-to-Lug 44mm)
Lug Width: 20mm
Bracelet: Rolex Presidential ‘8385’ Bracelet in 18-carat White Gold with Signed Clasp

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Return policy determined by the dealer

Return policy determined by the dealer

Please note that this dealer has their own return policy.

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Seller

S.Song Ltd.
Professional dealer | On Chrono24 since 2017
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
72 watches sold
75 active listings
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

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3 items sold

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