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Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date - Ref. 1501 'Long Index Dial'

SOLD

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 34mm 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.

Stainless Steel 1976 Automatic 34mm

"As collectors themselves, Oliver and Clarke are on a mission to make buying vintage watches as painless as possible."

"The company focuses on good prices for its pieces, elite customer service and full transparency."

"The appointment-only space is inviting, with comfortable seating areas and exposed brick walls."

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.

Oliver & Clarke