1970 Rolex 1601 Yellow Gold Malachite Datejust – Papers

Description: Stone dials are notorious in the collector’s community for a few reasons, namely their rarity and fragility.

In the 70s, RRP of mineral iterations were significantly higher than traditional counterparts and, as a result, scant were bought or ordered. What small number produced contained dials made of porous rock, and, upon force, resulted in many a watch-face shattering, rendering the item essentially worthless. Those that survive today, along with Rolex manufacturing less Datejusts than Day-Dates, makes these elusive timepieces highly sought after and extremely valuable.

No dial of Malachite is the same. Patterns differ greatly, oscillating between a myriad and channels of jade, pistachio, and viridian, together cascading and intercoursing the watch’s face. Featuring a gold coronet at twelve, gilt lettering stamped into the stone, gold hands and date window, all encased within brassy 18k yellow gold, these watches are truly enviable objects sure to catch the sun of any eye.

It is speculated, the flowing nature of Malachite inspired the green waves adorning Rolex boutique walls today.

Our example up for offer today is a beautiful, textured mineral featuring alternating bands of rich and muted greens housed in an  18k brassy yellow gold case on a matching jubilee bracelet. Gilt stamped lettering and a gold coronet adorn the watch, imbuing an additional layer of opulence to an already stunning keystone in Rolex’s history.

Case: Excellent 18k yellow gold, fluted bezel

Dial: Malachite, stone dial

Bracelet: 18k yellow gold jubilee

Accessories: Rolex Certificate, booklet, and leather wallet