Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref. 1500 - 'Brushed' Blue' 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 35mm Oyster case with a smooth steel bezel and it's correct folded-link Oyster bracelet and signed blade clasp. The case, bezel and bracelet are all in likely-unpolished condition and show normal signs of wear throughout with no significant blemishes or damage of note. Inside, the blue dial possesses a very attractive vertically 'brushed' finishing and is nicely preserved. There is very little of the usual degradation found around the applied indices and is about as nice as they come. The Tritium plots remain fully-intact and show light patina throughout, with the handset having aged slightly darker.
The Oyster Perpetual line presents great value next to its slightly larger Datejust siblings, while simultaneously representing the essence of Rolex. This example, with that wildly cool dial, is not just a great entry point to a vintage Rolex, but could easily be your one vintage watch.
Condition Report & Details
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Shipping, Returns, & Warranty
Every Oliver & Clarke timepiece comes with a one-year mechanical warranty starting from the date of delivery. We ensure all watches are in wonderful working condition and are ready for daily wear. Many have been fully serviced by our team of watchmakers.
Please note:
- Due to the vintage or antique nature of many of our watches, they may not keep time as accurately as when new, nor as precisely as quartz or electronic devices.
- We do not guarantee water resistance and do not warranty against moisture or water damage. Deliberate exposure to water or steam is not recommended.
Warranty Exclusions:
- Internal or external damage caused by accidents, mishandling, abuse, modifications, or services performed by anyone other than our authorized personnel.
- Our warranty is non-transferable.
The Oliver & Clarke Guarantee
At Oliver & Clarke, we meticulously vet each watch to ensure its authenticity and quality. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and our mission is to help you find the perfect timepiece. If you have any questions, we are here to assist you promptly.
Our Guarantee:
- Each timepiece is thoroughly evaluated, authenticated, and approved by our expert team before it is offered for sale.
- We guarantee the period-correctness of all components unless otherwise stated.
- The authenticity of each watch is guaranteed in perpetuity.
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From Rolex & Patek Philippe, to Cartier & Audemars Piguet. As collectors first, we love the small details that separate the Submariner from Daytona and Calatrava from Royal Oak. This is why you'll find our curated assortment spans decades of generations of models and brands. We believe that watches don't just tell time, they tell history - and life is too short to wear a boring watch.
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