This Watch

We have here a stunning Rolex Oyster Perpetual, model 1500 from 1967. 

The Rolex Date ref. 1500 is one of those watches that quietly reminds you why Rolex became Rolex. It’s a proper, no-nonsense 34.5mm Oyster in stainless steel, with that perfectly balanced case shape and a clean smooth bezel that keeps everything feeling sharp and timeless rather than flashy.

The real star here is the dial. It’s beautifully original, with a crisp, calm layout that’s been elevated by time in all the best ways: the luminous dots and the lume in the hands have aged to a warm, almost vanilla tone that gives the watch real character without ever looking tired. Pair that with the onyx-style baton markers (that inky black detail against the lighter dial) and you get a look that’s both dressy and slightly graphic—think “understated mid-century cool” rather than loud luxury.

On the wrist, this is the kind of Rolex that works everywhere. It’s ideal with a knit polo and chinos, but it’s equally at home under a cuff at a wedding, in the office, or with a simple tee and denim on a weekend. The size is a big part of the charm too—34.5mm wears sleek, comfortable, and effortlessly vintage, and right now it feels more stylish than ever after years of oversized watches dominating the scene.

We’ve paired it with a smart leather strap, keeping the focus firmly on that dial and the vintage character. The result is classic, clean, and very wearable.

 The stainless steel, 3 piece Oyster case has a polished bezel and satin lug edges. We have performed light polish to the case. Inside is the Rolex caliber 1570 chronometer rated ,  Fully serviced by us and running strongly.  The watch also has the Rolex staple, signed, screw-down Oyster crown and comes with our 24 Month service cover. 

Extra Points

Hans Wilsdorf founded Rolex in 1905 at the age of 24, along with Alfred Davis in London. In 1919 they moved their operation to Geneva, Switzerland. This move was brought about by high wartime taxes on Gold and Silver in the UK after the Great war 1914-1918. They were now closer to their suppliers in Bienne. The Rolex Oyster case was released in 1926. Marketed as the world's first “waterproof” watch. The notches on the bezel and case back meant they could be screwed down to the middle case with a special tool invented and manufactured by Rolex to hermetically seal the case. In 1927 a young swimmer Miss Mercedes Gleitz swam the English channel wearing the “Oyster”. Later in 1933 the team of the first expedition to fly over Everest wore them. It was also famously worn by Sir Malcolm Campbell, “King Of Speed”, on the 4th September 1935. An advert of the time made a big splash with him saying “The Rolex watch is still keeping perfect time- I was wearing it yesterday when Bluebird exceeded 300 mph.” He broke the world land speed record 9 times between 1924 and 1936. 1931 saw the debut of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, their first self-winding watch that was also water-resistant and dustproof.

This watch has been fully serviced with our on-site workshop and comes with our 24 month, non-waterproof service cover

What we think

If you like your vintage Rolex to feel real—not over-restored, not shouty, just correct—this ref. 1500 absolutely nails it. The dial is the kind you can stare at for ages: clean, balanced, and made special by that warm lume that only comes from decades of honest life.

This is also the sort of watch that makes sense as a “one good watch” in a collection: it’s formal enough for occasions, casual enough for every day, and sized in a way that feels effortlessly stylish rather than trend-driven. A proper keeper.

It perfectly embodies the vintage Rolex spirit: an understated aesthetic combined with the robust reliability of an Oyster case and a Superlative Chronometer movement. The warm, aged patina on the tritium lume adds to its charm, telling the story of its more than five decades of life. This is a watch for the discerning enthusiast who appreciates originality and wants a piece that stands out from the crowd without shouting for attention.

Here at AWC, we are delighted to present such a fine and unique timepiece. To give you complete peace of mind with this vintage investment, we are now offering an extended 24-month service cover on this and similar select vintage items. This ensures that its enduring legacy continues on your wrist, backed by our commitment to its long-term performance and your total satisfaction.

 Spec Stuff