# Rolex Datejust 1601 Review by A.I. WatchMetrics

## Watch Summary
The Rolex Datejust 1601 is a timeless vintage luxury sports-dress watch from the 1960s-1980s, featuring a 36mm stainless steel Oyster case, iconic fluted bezel, pie-pan dial with applied markers and tritium lume, and the Cyclops date magnifier at 3 o'clock, powered by the reliable in-house automatic Caliber 1575 with approximately 48 hours of power reserve—ideal for the discerning collector or professional seeking understated elegance and daily versatility.

## Overall Watch Rating: 8.2/10.0

**Dials & Design Metric (9.6/10.0)** - The pie-pan dial, fluted bezel, and balanced proportions deliver iconic, enduring style that outshines most modern entry-luxury competitors like the Omega Seamaster.

**Movement Metric (9.6/10.0)** - Rolex's Caliber 1575 offers chronometer-grade reliability, high finishing, and robust performance comparable to contemporary luxury automatics from Grand Seiko.

**History & Innovation Metric (9.5/10.0)** - As one of the earliest mass-produced self-winding date watches since 1945, it embodies Rolex's pioneering legacy akin to the Submariner's dive heritage.

**Versatility Metric (9.2/10.0)** - Seamlessly transitions from boardroom to weekend adventures with its robust build and classic aesthetics, rivaling the adaptability of a Cartier Tank.

**Brand Metric (8.9/10.0)** - Rolex commands elite luxury prestige with unmatched global recognition and build quality, on par with Omega but elevated by its Oyster heritage.

**Material Metric (8.3/10.0)** - Stainless steel Oyster case with polished finishing provides premium durability, though the acrylic crystal slightly trails sapphire-equipped peers like modern Tudors.

**Rarity Metric (7.5/10.0)** - Vintage configurations command premium secondary prices around $8,500, offering scarcity similar to well-preserved 1970s Seiko divers but with greater collector appeal.

**Complications Metric (6.0/10.0)** - The magnified date window adds practical utility but lacks the complexity of higher-end models like Patek Philippe's annual calendar pieces.

**Functions Metric (5.0/10.0)** - Core timekeeping with date suffices for daily use, matching basic quartz alternatives but without extras like GMT found in Nomos Club Campus.

## Total Performance Score (TPS): 9.2

## WM Collector Grade: A+

## Performance Insights: Excels in design, movement, and history with timeless appeal, while simpler functions offer strong value well above its implied price of $5,800.

## TPS Interpretation: Superior Value: The watch delivers elite craftsmanship and heritage far exceeding price-based expectations, making it a collector standout.

## Watch Data
[https://www.chrono24.com/magazine/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/03/Rolex-Datejust-1601-Pie-Pan-Dial.jpg] - [front]; [https://www.hodinkee.com/uploads/new_gallery_items Rolex-Datejust-1601-back.jpg] - [back]; [N/A] - [lumePicture]; [Pie Pan Datejust] - [Nickname]; [Rolex] - [Brand]; [Datejust 1601] - [Model]; [Switzerland] - [Country]; [https://www.rolex.com/en-us/watches/datejust/the-datejust] - [Product Link]; [https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/a-week-on-the-wrist-the-vintage-rolex-datejust-reference-1601] - [reviewLink]; [Automatic] - [Movement Type]; [Caliber 1575] - [Movement Name]; [1] - [# Secondary]; [Vintage 36mm Rolex Datejust ref. 1601 with pie-pan dial, fluted bezel, tritium lume, and magnified date window on Oyster bracelet.] - [watchDescription]; [36] - [caseWidth]; [44] - [lugToLugLength]; [12] - [thickness]; [20] - [lug]; [100] - [waterResist]; [48] - [powerReserve]; [19800] - [beatFrequency]; [Tritium] - [lume]; [26] - [jewels]; [Stainless Steel] - [caseMaterial]; [Acrylic] - [watchGlass]; [Fluted] - [Bezel]; [Solid] - [caseback]; [Screw-down] - [Crown]; [Stainless Steel Oyster] - [Strap]; [Round] - [Shape]; [Pie Pan] - [Dial]; [Yes] - [Seconds]; [Yes] - [Date]; [No] - [Calendar]; [No] - [Chiming]; [No] - [Chronograph]; [No] - [Compass]; [Yes] - [dateCompilation]; [No] - [DigitalDisplay]; [Yes] - [Dress]; [No] - [Field]; [No] - [GMT]; [No] - [Mechanical Alarm]; [No] - [Moonphase]; [No] - [Tourbillon]; [No] - [worldTimer]; [No] - [powerReserveIndicator]; [No] - [Diver]; [No] - [Pilot]; [No] - [racing]; [No] - [Skeleton]; [Yes] - [Vintage]; [Yes] - [StyleFormal]; [Yes] - [StyleCasual]; [Yes] - [StyleSports]; [No] - [StyleTravel]; [No] - [StyleAdventure]; [Yes] - [StyleCollector]; [No] - [StyleTool]; [No] - [StyleStatement]; [Yes] - [StyleVintage]; [No] - [StyleSmart]; [No] - [StyleCustom]; [9.2] - [TPS_new]; [A+] - [TPSgrade]; [5800] - [TPSimpliedPrice];

**A.I. WatchMetrics Review v37.4 Grok 4 Fast. December 19, 2025.**