Curious observation about serial numbers on Gold Rolex 1601/8

[bradleyt09]

I recently purchased a beautiful 18k Gold Datejust, 1601/8. The serial number is 3.9M corresponding to a production date of approximately 1975. The watch has a lovely sigma pie-pan dial, which is correct for this manufacture date. I have been extensively researching the 1601/8 on the internet to learn as much as I can about this watch. It appears that there are many gold 1601’s from the ‘60’s and early ‘70’s, and many from the late ‘70’s (5M) serial number. I have not found a single reference that was manufactured in the mid-70’s, or with a 3.9M serial number.

Does anyone have a 1601/8 from 1975?
I’d appreciate any information about the apparent cluster of gold 1601’s from the early and late ‘70’s. Also, any information about this model, in general, would be appreciated. I’m assuming production numbers were far less for this model than the stainless and two-tone versions, and believe there were also many more 1803’s produced.
When this watch was sold new, was there a significant price difference compared to the 1803? If not, why would one buy a gold DJ instead of a DD?
Thanks for any feedback.

[carwashchris]

Great question's I'm interested as well.
Chris

[miamiclay]

Originally Posted by bradleyt09

When this watch [YG 1601/8 was sold new, was there a significant price difference compared to the 1803?

According to the 1974-75 price list HERE, and converting from Swiss francs (at 2.5CHF to $1US), in 1975 a YG 1601 with YG Jubilee bracelet was $2390.

A YG 1803 with the President bracelet and older clasp was $2620, with the hidden clasp it was $2800.

(Minimum wage in 1975 was $2.10/hr.)

[vintagewatch]

From a 1977 Rolex USA Catalog. FYI the 1803 in 18K YG is $3500 with President bracelet with hidden clasp. The 1601 in 18K YG is $3300 equipped with a Jubilee bracelet with hidden clasp.

[bl00dm00n1]

So i´m researching on my golden DJ aswell, mine is in the ~3,5 mio so a bit earlier then yours.

havent found something near 72/73 yet...

[JasonBetts]

Originally Posted by miamiclay

According to the 1974-75 price list HERE, and converting from Swiss francs (at 2.5CHF to $1US), in 1975 a YG 1601 with YG Jubilee bracelet was $2390.

A YG 1803 with the President bracelet and older clasp was $2620, with the hidden clasp it was $2800.

(Minimum wage in 1975 was $2.10/hr.)

Great info. Amazing to think people chose gold DJ over DD for only 10% saving.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[1976]

3,87 mio serial, sold in 1976:

[bradleyt09]

Originally Posted by 1976

3,87 mio serial, sold in 1976:

Hi Maurice, thanks for sharing that. I am still wondering why the majority of gold 1601’s seem to be from the ‘60’s and early or late ‘70’s, with far less from the mid-‘70’s. I can only guess that perhaps fewer were produced in the mid-70’s due to a lack of demand as the price difference between the gold 1601 and 1803 was not significant. Any thoughts or knowledge of production numbers of the gold 1601 would be appreciated. Also, can anyone confirm that there were fewer gold 1601’s produced than 1803’s?

[bradleyt09]

Clay and David, thank you both for providing the pricing and catalog information from the mid 70s, that is an impressive archive.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by JasonBetts

Great info. Amazing to think people chose gold DJ over DD for only 10% saving.

The DD dial isn't for everyone.

[bradleyt09]

Is it reasonable to surmise that there were far less gold 1601’s produced than there were 1803’s? Also, were gold 1601’s sold new on a strap as well as a bracelet, or were they all sold on a bracelet?

[miamiclay]

Originally Posted by bradleyt09

Also, were gold 1601’s sold new on a strap as well as a bracelet, or were they all sold on a bracelet?

Yes, strap or bracelet, see items 5&6
.

[bradleyt09]

Hi Clay, you are always a wealth of information. Much appreciated, as always!