One blue-dial Rolex Datejust 1600 made Fratello contributor Michael Stockton reconsider what makes a vintage Rolex beautiful. Its smooth bezel leaves a vivid blue dial to do the talking. “Prettiest” is his personal verdict, not a claim that every 1600 looks like this—or that every collector will agree.
Why this particular Datejust 1600 stood out
Stockton encountered the watch from the United States in dirty condition, its scratched crystal obscuring a blue dial he had been told was pristine. After cleaning and a checkup, he reported that the dial looked flawless to him, the case retained sharp lug holes, and its folded 6251 Jubilee bracelet showed minimal stretch. Those are his observations of one example, not a condition guarantee for the reference.
The aesthetic argument is simple: Stockton likes dark dials and smooth bezels. The intense blue gives the watch color, while the plain bezel does not compete for attention. He also liked the acrylic crystal’s clarity and the watch’s lighter feel and slimmer proportions. His reaction was emphatic: “I made a bold claim that this Datejust 1600 just might be the prettiest watch I’ve ever seen or held.” Read Stockton’s account at Fratello.
What the Datejust 1600 is—and how it differs from a 1601 or 1603
The 1600 belongs to Rolex’s four-digit 16xx Datejust generation, which Fratello’s buying guide says debuted in 1959. The most visible distinction among its common versions is the bezel:
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#1 Best Overall
- Pre-Loved Condition: Very Good; Light tarnishing throughout hardware
- Length: , Height: , Depth:
- Made in Switzerland
- Oyster clasp closure
- Signature upon delivery required
| Reference | Bezel |
|---|---|
| 1600 | Smooth |
| 1601 | Fluted |
| 1603 | Engine-turned |
The generation is also characterized by a pie-pan dial—whose sloping outer edge gives the face depth—and a tall acrylic crystal. The 1600’s defining smooth bezel is therefore a design choice within a broader vintage Datejust look, not a different model family from the 1601 or 1603. Fratello’s vintage Datejust guide covers these reference distinctions.
What to expect from the movement and date setting
According to Fratello’s guide, four-digit 16xx Datejusts use caliber 1565 or 1575, neither of which has a quickset date. To advance the date, turn the hands through repeated 24-hour cycles. That makes correcting a date more laborious than on a later quickset model.
Rank #2
- The PD-1645 is a representative model of Pagani Design's men's watches. The minimalist style makes it unique and attractive, and the dial is clean but contains the necessary calendar function, which is simple and practical and is the standard for the elite
- This watch is a unique model with a special textured dial that makes the wearer more noticeable. The striped gold and gem-set models in the gold color collection are representative of luxury, and of course the silver case with the blue dial is also a very classic style for watch enthusiasts to have in their collection
- This men's watch is perfect as a gift for your boyfriend or father, good performance and inexpensive, bearing the TMI NH35 movement of the watch is often not bad and the watch is also deeply waterproof. The case is made of 316L stainless steel and has a synthetic sapphire crystal, which makes it even more durable
- Each watch is individually inspected by us manually, quality can be guaranteed. It should be noted that automatic watches tend to run for a period of time, the time will be more accurate, should be smoother articulation between the gears
- Pagani is a watch brand with rigorous design. Our after-sales service is guaranteed. Our customer service is at your service 24/7
The guide reports that the 1565 beats at 18,000 vibrations per hour and the 1575 at 19,800. Stockton’s 2022 feature says the 1600 used the 1565 until 1965, when it changed to the 1575, and reports hacking seconds arriving in 1972. Those dates are secondary-source reporting, rather than independently verified Rolex specifications. If convenient date setting matters more than the older dial profile, the guide identifies the next generation, arriving in 1977, as the point where the smooth-bezel successor—the 16000—brought a flat dial and caliber 3035 with quickset date.
What to inspect before buying a vintage example
A reference number does not guarantee that a watch is original, well-preserved, or configured like Stockton’s. His buying checklist highlights details worth examining closely, ideally with a qualified vintage-watch specialist:
Rank #3
- Mens Wrist Watch: Features a classic big dial and quartz movement with stable quality. High hardness coated glass mirror is wear-resistant, scratch-proof, Butterfly double buckle ensures comfortable wear
- OLEVS Mens Watches: Unique Classic Design Analog Date Calendar Display Watch Window. Easy to Read, Classic Business Style, Stylish Casual Dress Watch, Stylish Gold Indexes and Round Case, finely designed, stand the test of time, handsome and outstanding
- Business Pointer Quartz Watch: Dial diameter is 1.6 inches (41 mm). Case thickness is 0.43 inches (11 mm), steel band width is 0.79 inches (20 mm), length is 8.66 inches (22 cm). The weight of the men's watch is 4.16 ounces (118 g)
- Fashion Gold Green Man Watch: Luminous Hands/Markers and Enlarged Date Window at Three o'clock, Stylish Watch with Roman Scale Bezel, Water Resistance Up to 30M. Usually, Suitable for Swimming, But not Suitable for Deep Diving
- Night-light Function：When Using the Luminous Pointer Function for the First Time, Please illuminate The Watch Under The Light for 30 Seconds to Activate the Luminous Function. Watch Chain Can Be Adjusted in Size
- Dial and era: Check whether the dial appears appropriate to the watch’s era. Look for deterioration at the edge, along the stepped perimeter, around lume plots, and near the date window; confirm whether expected lume dots are present.
- Bezel: Verify that the bezel matches the reference. A 1600 should have a smooth bezel; the 1601 and 1603 have different styles.
- Case: Look for signs of heavy polishing, which can soften the case’s original lines. Sharp lug holes on Stockton’s example were a reported observation, not proof that another case is untouched.
- Bracelet: Examine the bracelet for stretch and wear. The folded 6251 Jubilee on Stockton’s watch reportedly had minimal stretch, but bracelet condition varies from example to example.
- Crystal and visible condition: Dirt and scratches can hide the dial. A clean-looking watch is not, by itself, evidence of originality or authenticity.
Rolex says that only official Rolex jewelers are permitted to sell and maintain its watches, and that these jewelers have the expertise and equipment to guarantee the authenticity of parts in the watches they handle. That statement describes Rolex’s official channel; it does not authenticate a particular third-party vintage listing. See Rolex’s Datejust information.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is this the prettiest Rolex—and what is it worth?
For Stockton, this 1600’s combination of a vivid blue dial, smooth bezel, acrylic crystal, and wearable proportions made it a standout. Collectors who prefer a fluted bezel, a different dial, or modern date-setting convenience may reach a different conclusion. The appeal is specific to the watch and to the person looking at it.
Rank #4
- Precision Timekeeping: Equipped with a high-quality Japanese automatic movement, ensuring accurate timekeeping. Automatic watches require at least 8 hours of wear daily to maintain power reserve. If natural arm movement is insufficient to sustain continuous operation, manual winding is recommended (approximately 20–25 turns).
- Classic Design: Featuring a sapphire crystal dial, stainless steel case, and bracelet, this watch is scratch-resistant. The 6 o'clock position and case back feature openwork designs, complemented by elegant hands and diamond accents, giving the watch a stylish and sophisticated appearance suitable for any occasion, while also holding collectible value.
- Dimensions: Case diameter 38mm, strap length 185mm, strap width 16mm, weight 4.4ounces; BUREI offers additional color and style options; includes a strap tool, adjustable strap for a comfortable wearing experience.
- 3ATM Water Resistance: Suitable for daily use, resistant to splashes and light rain; do not wear while showering, and not suitable for diving, swimming, snorkeling, or other underwater activities.
- Customer Service: BUREI offers a 30-day return policy (original packaging and unused watch must be retained) and a 2-year warranty. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our after-sales service team; we are happy to assist you.
There is no current valuation established here. Stockton wrote in January 2022 that a nice example with a lovely dial might cost “somewhere in the €6,000 (or more) range.” That was his estimate of the market at that time, not a 2026 price guide. Any present-day valuation needs comparable sales matched for geography, condition, originality, and configuration.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Compatible With: Rolex Datejust 1601, 1603, 16233, 16234 replacement stainless steel Jubilee watch band forRolex 20mm models.
- Length: 6.75 Inches With Clasp Closed Lug & Buckle Widths: 20mm / 17mm (20/17mm Strap)
- Material: This heavy-duty band is made of solid 316L stainless steel with "D" style links for durability and long-lasting performance.
- Product Features:Solid Link Construction For Long-Lasting Durability; Gold Center Links; Stainless Steel Outer Links 3 4 Removable Links With Pins
- Package Includes:1 Stainless Steel Jubilee Watch Band; 2 Spring Bars
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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