Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date - Ref. 1501 'Long Index 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 know 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, dependable timekeeping device.
Dating to circa 1976, this Reference 1501 features a 35mm case, remaining in very nice, likely-unpolished condition. It shows normal signs of wear form age and use and some 'sleeve polish' with a few very small impressions on the left case profile and one on the bottom edge of the lower right lug. The sunburst blue dial remains in excellent, vibrant condition and features printed 'long' indices and well as applied stylized indices. The Tritium plots on the outside of the indices are evenly patinated and fully-intact, with some faint wear surrounding each. The handset shows mild oxidation and the Tritium matching the dial nicely.
Fitted to a correct folded-link Oyster bracelet, this very 1970s piece offers a funky, slightly out of the ordinary vibe next to its more restrained siblings.
It presents great value next to its more well-known siblings, and truly represents the essence of Rolex.
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Shipping & Returns
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If you happen to trade a watch with us, which we welcome, trades are final, except of course if the watch is grossly misdescribed or misrepresented.
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