Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref. 1530 - Unpolished
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 is a descendant of those early watches, though probably not what you first think of when you hear Oyster Perpetual — or even Rolex for that matter...
What at first glance looks like a distant cousin of the Oyster line, an Oysterquartz model is actually something equally special as it is rare.
This is an Oyster Perpetual Date Ref. 1530. As its looks may suggest, it hails from the 1970s when the Oysterquartz line was unveiled, but inside that case with its matching integrated bracelet is not a quartz movement, but an automatic-winding calibre. Whats more is that this piece comes in with a 36mm diameter — oversized by OP standards and more in line with a Datejust, which is excellent!
This particular example from circa 1976 comes to us with an unpolished case and bracelet, exhibiting honest wear from age and use with a smooth polished steel bezel showing matching wear. Inside, the silver sunburst dial and matching rehaut exhibit a gentle and even patina throughout, with fully-intact Tritium plots and a handset to match.
These cult-classics don't surface on the open market as often as you may think, particularly in untouched condition, making this a great opportunity to pick up a lesser-known Reference that's likely to garner a nod from those that know.
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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