Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref. 1500 - Blue 'Mosaic' Dial If you boil Rolex down to its purest form, what do you get?
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual. This is truly the genesis for the entire Rolex brand. The very first Rolex models were called ‘Oysters’ which was owed to their innovative three part case that all screwed into each-other. That is where the fluted bezel actually derives from, being screwed down into the top of the case to secure the crystal with a gasket - as well as the grooves on the oyster case back. All makes sense now - right?
The piece that we have here, simply known as an Oyster Perpetual Date , is a descendant of those early watches, utilizing a water-resistant Oyster case, an automatic-winding movement, and a date complication. A functional, sturdy, and dependable timekeeping device.
Dating to circa 1971, this Reference 1500 features a 34mm Oyster case with a smooth steel bezel and its correct folded-link Oyster bracelet and signed blade clasp. The case, bezel and bracelet are all in seemingly-unpolished condition and shows normal, honest signs of wear throughout with only a few small blemishes on the right and left profiles of the case. Inside, the captivating blue 'mosaic' dial is about as nice as they come. It is in virtually-flawless condition with the usual areas around the date aperture and applied indices showing no flaking or degradation. The Tritium plots are fully-intact and show attractive, even patina throughout. The
handset has nicely matching Tritium and shows light oxidation from age.
This piece presents great value next to its slightly larger Datejust siblings, while simultaneously representing the essence of Rolex.
