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Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref. 1503/8 - Gloss Black Dial
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref. 1503/8 - Gloss Black Dial
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref. 1503/8 - Gloss Black Dial
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref. 1503/8 - Gloss Black Dial
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref. 1503/8 - Gloss Black Dial
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref. 1503/8 - Gloss Black Dial
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref. 1503/8 - Gloss Black Dial
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref. 1503/8 - Gloss Black Dial
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref. 1503/8 - Gloss Black Dial
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref. 1503/8 - Gloss Black Dial
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref. 1503/8 - Gloss Black Dial

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref. 1503/8 - Gloss Black 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. This watch represents an evolution of that, when these were still semi-bubble back watches.

The piece that we have here, simply know as an Oyster Perpetual, is a descendant of those early watches, utilizing a water-resistant Oyster case, an automatic-winding movement, and nothing else. No frills — purely a functional timekeeping device.

Dating to circa 1978, this Reference 1503/8 is actually a fairly uncommon configuration, and a stunning one at that. It features a 34mm Oyster case finished in solid 18k yellow gold, rather than the much more common 14k, as well as a glossy black dial, rather than a much more common silver or champagne dial. It comes to us in absolutely superb overall condition, showing signs of having been very lightly previously polished on what appears to be only the profiles and top of the lugs, while respecting factory proportions. It shows only light signs of wear from age and use throughout with a matching 'fluted' yellow gold bezel, which is seemingly unpolished. Inside, the gloss black dial is immaculate — seemingly flawless — with a deep 'inky' black surface and fully-intact Tritium plots. They are evenly patinated and match the handset perfectly.

Despite being ‘entry-level’ these offer a ton of character and remain an overlooked part of the important history of Rolex on their journey to the powerhouse brand that they are today. This is nothing short of a delightful vintage piece that can be worn every single day, on any occasion, and on virtually any wrist.

This one, with is 18k construction, uncommon black dial, and its overall condition is truly something special and remains a bargain when compared to its slightly larger Datejust and Day-Date siblings.

Yellow Gold 1978 Automatic Dress
Condition Report & Details

Condition:

Case: Very lightly previously polished on the case profiles and topside of lugs, retaining a correct symmetrical lug profile and some factory finishing on the lug undersides. Shows light signs of wear throughout with no significant blemishes or damage.

Bezel: Likely-unpolished, with defined finishing and shows matching light wear to that of the case.

Dial: The gloss black surface is seemingly flawless, with virtually no sigs of wear or degradation and crisp gold printing throughout. The Tritium plots are fully-intact and exhibit a deep, uniform patination. The handset matches perfectly to the naked eye and under UV inspection.

Movement:

Automatic-winding chronometer certified calibre by Rolex.

Bracelet/Strap:

Pictured grained black leather strap with white contrast stitching and gold-tone buckle.

"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