Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1500

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1500 Black Gilt Dial

Launched in 1962, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date was Rolex's entry-level watch at the time and was designed for daily use. Most often cased in stainless steel, these watches were true workhorses with their flat steel bezel and rugged design providing protection from daily wear and tear. Similarly specced to the Datejust models of its time, the ref. 1500 featured the same automatic movement, and so boasted a date function and cyclops lens like its more expensive sibling. However, the main point of distinction was that the OP was housed within a slightly smaller 34mm case, as opposed to the Datejust’s 36mm case. Offered with a multitude of dial variants until its discontinuation in the late 1970s, there is certainly a version that would appeal to every taste. A smaller watch by today’s standards but filled with a unique charm, the ref. 1500 was undeterred by its svelte proportions and instead buoyed by the robustness of its design and functionality of its movement, with both elements combining to create a timepiece that will still fit the bill as a daily wearer even for a modern collector to this day. Brand: Rolex Dimensions: 34mm Model: Oyster Perpetual Date Movement: Automatic cal. 1570 Reference: 1500 Bracelet: Stainless steel Oyster bracelet Year: 1963 Condition: Excellent Material: Stainless steel Dial Color: Black The deep black dial of this ref. 1500 is rich with subtle bursts of color thanks to its gilt inscriptions and warmly aged lume plots and hands. Svelte in its sizing, the 34mm Date married the Oyster Perpetual's construction with the Datejust's functionality to produce a watch that hit the perfect middle ground for a lot of collectors, something it still does to this day. This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information. Watch is in overall excellent condition. The steel case and bezel show light surface scratches and nicks as expected of a watch of this vintage, while the case back displays light surface scratches. The gilt dial is excellent with a couple of areas where the lacquer has bubbled. The vintage acrylic crystal shows scratches and crazing. It is fitted with a steel rivet bracelet showing surface scratches and light play between the links. The bracelet is fitted with 12 links and fits approximately a 7½” wrist. A great introductory piece for new collectors to set foot into the world of vintage watches, the Oyster Perpetual Date proves that interesting watches may be attained at any price point - including models from Rolex themselves.