Fratello: Super Collector Michael Stockton's Favorite Datejust!

Super collector and vintage connoisseur Michael Stockton recently wrote for Fratello ‘My Favorite Datejust Is A 1601 No-Lume Lavender Dial’. Within the article, Stockton highlights his Datejust from Wind Vintage.

“I’m a regular watcher of the Wind Vintage site. Eric and Charlie are constantly adding new pieces, and even if I cannot afford most of them, it’s fun to look at stunning examples of rare and/or desirable models. It was early 2023, and our family was looking forward to our annual Easter trip to South Florida. In the background, I had been following several watches in preparation for a side visit to see Eric. The 1601 no-lume lavender dial was a curious piece. I had heard of these dials, but I hadn’t done much research on them.

Nearly two years ago, I wrote a thorough accounting of the Rolex Datejust 1601 I purchased from Wind Vintage. The watch was almost a missed opportunity, but luck stepped in at the end. Still, I covered that portion along with the condition of the watch and the dial’s lovely hue. So, what can I write about today? Well, I’ve worn the watch relatively often since 2023, and I’ve come to appreciate its beauty even more. Oh, and Charlie Dunne from Wind Vintage sent a nice piece of evidence regarding these lavender dials that I’ll be happy to share.

Charlie Dunne, the tenacious researcher that he is, shared a screenshot of a 1972 Rolex Japan catalog. Here, we can see various dial colors, and lavender is a clear option. It’s interesting because in this catalog shot, the photo shows a luminous version. Mine is without, which was typical for the Japanese market due to import restrictions on radioactive material. Still, we now have proof of factory production of these uniquely colored dials.”

https://www.fratellowatches.com/my-favorite-datejust-is-a-1601-no-lume-lavender-dial/