Rolex Datejust 36 | Silver “Wide Boy” Sigma Dial | Ref. 1601 | 3.99M Serial

The Rolex Datejust Ref. 1601 is one of the defining vintage Datejust references, featuring the traditional 36mm Oyster case, fluted gold bezel, acrylic crystal with Cyclops magnifier, and automatic date movement. With serial 3,998,408, this example dates most closely to circa 1974; Phillips has documented a Rolex with the extremely close serial 3,999,763 as circa 1974.

The standout feature is its silver “Wide Boy” Sigma dial. Wide Boy dials use noticeably broader applied hour markers than standard Datejust dials, giving the watch a stronger and slightly sportier appearance while retaining the classic vintage pie-pan profile. These dial variants are associated primarily with the early-to-mid 1970s, and most documented Wide Boy examples feature Sigma markings.

Powered by the Rolex automatic date movement from this generation, the watch offers hours, minutes, center seconds, and a date display at 3 o’clock. The combination of the unusual Wide Boy dial, Sigma markings, vintage 36mm proportions, and circa-1974 production makes this a more distinctive variation of the otherwise classic Ref. 1601.

Condition

Please review the photographs carefully for an accurate representation. Scratches, bracelet or strap wear, bezel wear, acrylic crystal wear, dial aging, hand discoloration, or other signs of use consistent with age may be present.

Technical Data

• Reference: 1601

• Model: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust

• Serial: 3.99 Million

• Approximate Year: Circa 1974

• Case Diameter: Approximately 36mm

• Case Material: Stainless Steel

• Bezel: Fluted White-Gold Bezel

• Dial: Silver “Wide Boy” Sigma Pie-Pan Dial

• Dial Details: Oversized Applied Baton Hour Markers

• Crystal: Acrylic / Plexiglas with Cyclops Magnifier

• Date: Date Window at 3 O’Clock

• Crown: Screw-Down Rolex Crown

• Movement: Rolex Automatic Date Movement, Calibre 1575 generation

• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Center Seconds and Date

• Water Resistance: Not guaranteed due to age