Rolex Datejust 1601 Owner's Guide
Congratulations on your Rolex Datejust 1601.
Whether you purchased your watch from WJD Exclusives or elsewhere, this guide is designed to help you confidently own, operate and care for one of Rolex's most iconic vintage timepieces. The Datejust 1601 is admired for its timeless design, reliable automatic movement and enduring craftsmanship, making it a favorite among collectors and first-time Rolex owners alike.
If this is your first vintage Rolex, you'll quickly notice that it operates differently from many modern watches. The Datejust 1601 features a non-quickset movement, meaning the date is adjusted by advancing the hands rather than independently through the crown. This is completely normal and part of the charm of owning a classic Rolex.
In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know—from winding your watch for the first time and setting the time and date to understanding the crown positions, proper daily wear, water resistance, maintenance recommendations, common troubleshooting tips and frequently asked questions.
Our goal is to help you enjoy your Rolex with confidence while avoiding common mistakes that can lead to unnecessary wear or expensive repairs. Whether you're wearing your Datejust every day or preserving it as part of a growing collection, following these best practices will help keep your watch performing at its best for years to come.
What You'll Learn
- How to identify the Rolex Datejust 1601
- Understanding the crown positions
- How to manually wind the watch
- How to set the time correctly
- How to set the date on a non-quickset movement
- Daily wearing recommendations
- Water resistance and care tips
- Routine maintenance and servicing
- Frequently asked questions
- Common troubleshooting solutions
Looking for Another Rolex Guide?
Our library of luxury watch owner's guides continues to grow. Visit our Luxury Watch & Fine Jewelry Guides to explore additional Rolex references and educational resources as they're published.
You can also browse our collection of Rolex watches to discover other classic Datejust, Day-Date, Submariner, GMT-Master, Explorer and more.