Rolex
1964 Rolex Two-Tone Datejust (Ref. 1601) "Serpico Y Laino"
The Rolex Datejust is one of the most iconic and most beloved Rolex watches ever made, even though the Datejust was launched in 1945 it has remained a timeless classic and is instantly recognizable as an item of refined quality and functional design. The Datejust can be worn just as easily with a suit as it can be with jeans and a tee-shirt. The Datejust would make a great start for a new vintage collector, or be a great addition to an expanding collection.
Serpico Y Laino was a famous Jewelry store in Caracas, Venezuela. Created by Vicente Laino and Leopoldo Serpico, both Italian jewelry makers. Serpico Y Laino was known for their fine European jewelry and for being the sole distributor for Rolex in Venezuela for many years. Like "Tiffany & Co." the Rolexes sold by Serpico Y Laino featured cobranded dials. These dials are some of the rarest and sought after of the cobranded Rolex dials created and remain highly collectible today.
SPECS
| Stock # | RLXTTDJ1601SYL | |
| Brand | Rolex | |
| Style | Datejust | |
| Model | 1601 | |
| Serial | 10XXXXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | SS/14K YG | |
| Dial | Silver "Serpico Y Laino" | |
| Millimeters | 36 | |
| Bracelet | Rolex 62523H 14 Two-Tone Jubilee Bracelet W/ 455 End Pieces |
CASE & BRACELET
The previously polished case shows little wear from use. The 14k yellow gold fluted bezel has been previously lightly polished. The later Rolex 62523H 14 two-tone Jubilee bracelet with 455 end pieces matches the watch nicely, exhibiting normal stretch for this type of bracelets age. The outside of the case back features the SYL engraving and the inside is stamped I.64.
DIAL & HANDS
The "SWISS Only" silver dial is clean and has a wonderful warm patina. The "Serpico Y Laino" text is correct and original to this watch. The very transitional tritium lume remains intact, with the 9 o'clock lume plot slightly degraded and is still slightly reactive on a Geiger counter which is correct for this era. The original alpha hands are in excellent condition and have been professionally restored with luminova.
ACCESSORIES
Watch is running flawlessly, previous service history is unknown.