Vintage ref 1601 DAtejust questions

[WatchCollector33]

I have a ref 1601 datejust, production date of 1960. Does anyone know if rolex ever produced a datejust without a cyclops? Or is my crystal an aftermarket replacement? Just trying to figure out what is original hardware before service or replacement. Crystal is scratched up. What is the best path forward?

[TuRo]

All 1601 and 1603 had acrylic/plexi with a Cyclops. You just need to get an independent watchmaker to fit a Rolex Service item be £100 or so fitted - Rolex Service Centre will only do it as part of service as caseback will need to come off, which will cost £600-800 minimum. I'd recommend a independent jewellers it's an easy job for them. Rgds Paul

[WatchCollector33]

Very helpful! Thanks!

[Tools]

Originally Posted by WatchCollector33

I have a ref 1601 datejust, production date of 1960. Does anyone know if rolex ever produced a datejust without a cyclops? Or is my crystal an aftermarket replacement? Just trying to figure out what is original hardware before service or replacement. Crystal is scratched up. What is the best path forward?

Yes, Rolex did produce Datejusts without a cyclops in their initial years. You could also use a non-cyclops crystal from the non-date dial models.

However, by 1960 a non-cyclops Datejust would have been a very unusual thing to find. It would also be unusual today, to find a 50+ year old DJ that has not had the crystal changed at some point in time.