Rolex Datejust 1601/9 'Lapis Lazuli'

Treasurable Datejust -executed in white gold- from the 70’s, with a splendid stonedial. The slab of Lapis Lazuli used in this 1601 is particularly vibrant.

Lapis lazuli has been one the most coveted gemstones in human history due to its vibrant blue color and its rarity. In fact, for centuries the most reliable way to produce blue paint was to ground down lapis lazuli mined in Afghanistan to create a pigment called ultramarine. Due to its beautiful color and, and exorbitant price, Renaissance and Baroque painters used it almost exclusively to depict the robes of the Virgin Mary.

Nowadays, lapis is used primarily in jewelry and our favorites are lapis lazuli dial watches. Over the years, we’ve had a fair share of lapis lazuli Rolexes in yellow gold, but a white gold one is outright rare, even more so when executed as a Datejust rather than the more obvious Day-Date. In fact, this beauty from 1974 is only the third white gold Datejust with Lapis dial we’ve ever acquired. After extensive research we can conclude, our portfolio makes up for half the examples that ever hit the secondary market.

The condition of a stone dial is central to its desirability, as such dials are quite fragile and many of them have developed cracks or rips over the years. Therefore, a flawless dial will increase the value greatly. We are very excited to share the pristine surface of this gem. In nature, lapis often occurs together with deposits of calcite (white) and pyrite (gold). Together with these minerals it creates a unique canvas. We absolutely adore this vibrant and dynamic composition, with bright blue as the main colour.

Hours can be spend enjoying the dial. But let's also quickly discuss the packaging of it. The strong case deserves some attention too, as it is kept so neatly over the past half a century. The hallmarks are crisp and the serial is clearly readable. The rare, matching 18k white gold Jubilee bracelet further adds to the watch’s coolness factor. There is absolutely no reason not to fall in love here. That is if you like collectible, naturally unique and colourful vintage watches with grandeur.