Description

An outstanding example of a gentleman’s 18ct vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual ‘Date’ dress watch from 1966. The watch is fully restored with a rare white roman numeral dial. The case measures 35mm in diameter, excluding the Rolex screw-down Oyster crown. This is Rolex model reference 1500, with the Rolex Cal.1570, 26 Jewel, Certified Superlative Chronometer Grade (highly accurate and highly reliable) automatic movement, which has just received a full overhaul and service.

The Dial

The white roman numeral Rolex Oyster Perpetual dial is quite rare and sought after. This retains the classic Oyster Perpetual overall design and yet sufficiently differentiates itself to lend an extra touch of exclusivity to the watch. Furnished with applied faceted rectangular block/baton hour indices matched by the original ‘stick’ hands, the dial carries the perennial Rolex Coronet at 12 and date function with the ‘Cyclops’ bubble. It is signed ‘Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date’ and ‘Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified’, with Swiss at the very bottom.

The lens is a new original Rolex part, having been replaced as part of the restoration of the watch.

The dial has been subject to an earlier restoration which was completed to a very high standard. Only if one looks very carefully under high magnification can one see some very slight signs of ageing which we feel only adds to the charm of this watch.

The Movement

The watch carries its original, very high grade ‘Superlative Chronometer’ Calibre 1570, 26 jewel automatic movement which is in sparkling clean condition. The movement has been completely overhauled and serviced which involves fully dismantling, ultrasonic cleaning, inspection under high magnification and replacement of parts, only with new original Rolex parts where required, then careful reassembly and oiling ready for testing and calibration. The watch is now running perfectly, having been calibrated and timed within +8 seconds per day. This is truly outstanding for any watch of this age and has been confirmed by our electronic timegrapher. It is now ready for many more years of faithful service.

The movement is all correctly signed ‘MONTRES ROLEX SA GENEVA’, ‘SWISS’, and ‘TWENTY SIX JEWELS’ with the Calibre number 1570 and the reference number D945286. These movements are very strong, very accurate and very reliable making this watch particularly suited to everyday use should you so wish. As can be seen from the image, this particular movement is in super condition and with regular servicing, say every 4 years, we would fully expect this watch to run happily for many years to come. We are therefore pleased to offer 12 months warranty on this watch movement*.

*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.

The Case

The 18ct yellow gold case measures 35mm in diameter, excluding the original Rolex Oyster screw-down crown. The case carries the fluted bezel which along with the case and case-back, is in immaculate condition with no marks or scratches visible to the naked eye. The watch has obviously only seen very light use and has been very well cared for. Following a close inspection, it has simply required some gentle hand-polishing to bring the watch to almost new condition once more. The case-back has never been engraved and equally importantly, it is of its original thickness.

Inside the case-back, the markings are all correct for a Rolex, Geneva, Swiss-made case and it is signed ‘MONTRES ROLEX S.A, GENEVA SWITZERLAND, R.W.C. LTD’ with the correct Swiss hallmarks for 18ct gold and the model number 1500. The model number can also be clearly found on the outside of the case between the lugs at 12 o’clock and the case serial number 1954565 is found on the outside of the case between the lugs at 6 o’clock. This dates the watch to 1966.

The case has the screw-down Rolex Oyster crown and screw-down case-back, each complete with new rubber seals, however, although the watch was specified as waterproof when new, this has not been tested and it is not guaranteed.

Please note – our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Strap & Buckle

A very high quality, brown Crocodile strap has been fitted, along with matching gold plated Rolex buckle.

The Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with the watch, the numbers and markings are all correct, dating this watch to 1966.

The matching Rolex Oyster presentation box shown in the photographs is included in the sale.

In Conclusion

This is a truly first class example of a classic 1960s vintage 18ct Rolex Oyster Perpetual ‘Date’ which is ready to wear and completely practical for everyday use. If treated with care, it will make an excellent investment or heirloom piece and even though vintage gold Rolex prices have risen markedly recently, we still feel good examples such as this are still undervalued. As each year goes by and the world market for vintage gold Rolex watches continues to expand, prices will continue to climb ever higher. It is a highly collectable vintage watch from horology’s most famous name, which is ready to wear, use, treasure and enjoy and one which will provide excellent reliability and a sound financial investment, as long-lasting as the watch itself!