Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date - Ref. 1501 'Long Index Dial'
Straight Facts
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 Oyster Perpetual eventually became the introductory model for Rolex after the 36mm Datejust was introduced in 1945 - but it never went away and is still in the Rolex catalog. However, as it was the introductory model back in the mid 20th Century most were made in simple silver and standard dials - which is NOT what we have here! Featuring a stunning blue ‘Long Index’ or ‘Radial’ dial, this ‘OPD’ is as beautiful as it is attainable. Housed in the iconic Oyster case that we know and love, it’s steel bezel and blue dial with date make this appear incredibly modern and not at all like the 50 year old watch that it is.
Presented in outstanding overall condition, and married to a period Rolex Rivet bracelet, this might be the cleanest Rolex available in terms of condition, or style, one can get.
*Some marks or spots on the dial are reflections or dust on the crystal and are due to high intensity strobe lighting used while photographing. They are not actually on the watch or visible in natural lighting.
About the brand
Case
Condition
Movement
Bracelet
Shipping & Returns
At Oliver & Clarke, domestic shipping is on us. If you are international and require a quote – please feel free to reach out to us at info@oliverandclarke.com so we can get you squared away!
Returns (accepted within 3 days of initial delivery of your purchase) must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. For payments via Credit Card, a 5% restocking fee will be in place for any returns or cancellations in order to cover our processing fee. Of course, watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.
If you happen to trade a watch with us, which we always love, trades are final, except of course if the watch is grossly misdescribed or misrepresented.
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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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