Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref. 1500 - Satin Grey 'Sigma' 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-resistent Oyster case, an automatic-winding movement, and a date complication. A functional, sturdy, and dependable timekeeping device.
Dating to circa 1974, 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 satin grey dial features a small detail only found for a short time in Rolex's in the mid 1970s: two small 'Sigmas' flanking the "T Swiss T" signature at the very bottom of the 6 o'clock position. The purpose of the Sigmas are to denote the presence of gold on the dial — typically in the form of the applied indices, handset, and a logo at the 12 o'clock position. The Tritium plots are fully-intact and show an attractive, deep patina throughout. The handset matches nicely and exhibits minor degradation.
This piece presents great value next to its slightly larger Datejust siblings, while simultaneously representing the essence of Rolex.
Condition:
Case: Likely-unpolished, showing normal honest signs of wear from age and use throughout with a few small impressions on the right and left case profiles.
Bezel: Seemingly unpolished, showing matching normal wear throughout with sharp edges.
Dial: Satin grey finishing is nice and consistent throughout and shows light degradation in the usual areas around the applied indices (not around the date aperture). The Tritium plots are fully-intact and show deep, attractive patina throughout. The handset has nicely matching Tritium and shows light very light degradation.
Shipping:
All watches will be shipped via FedEx Insured Priority Overnight shipping. International shipping will be shipped via FedEx International Priority Express, always fully insured. This service is included in the listed price and will not incur any additional fees. All watches are shipped 1-2 business days after receiving payment confirmation by Chrono24. We are unable to ship watches on Saturday or Sunday.
Our Policy:
We service or perform necessary maintenance to the extent necessary to all of our watches, unless otherwise noted. All watches are listed and sold running and functioning as intended.
Our Guarantee:
Through rigorous vetting of each watch offered, we’re able to guarantee authenticity of our pieces. Ultimately, your satisfaction is our mission, as is helping you get YOUR perfect watch. If you have any questions at all, we will get back to you ASAP.
Each of our timepieces are vetted, evaluated, authenticated, and approved by our experienced team of experts and watchmakers prior to sale. We guarantee the period-correctness of all components unless otherwise disclosed. We guarantee the authenticity of each watch in perpetuity.
