This Watch

We have here a magnificent Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date from 1960 on the dot! actually the 3rd quarter of 1960 for all the birthyear / months people .  The 1500 model is one of our favourites and is a timeless classic.  The original Matte black dial sits under the cyclops plexiglass, with Rolex's famous crown logo at 12 o'clock.  The fantastically aged dial has applied gilt fabulous arrow head markers, Matching sword  hour, minute hands with sweeping central seconds hands lollipop tail.  At 3 o'clock is the date function.  The dial is signed 'Rolex, Oyster Perpetual, Date' at 12 and 'Superlative Chronometer, Officially Certified' at 6 o'clock.  Original Black dialled vintage Rolex watches are rare! they were produced in lower numbers and the painting process / colour mix often faded! Black paint seemingly is not as stable as the standard silvered or off-white. Black and some blue dials reacted differently to the sun,heat and daily elements causing an individual ageing patina to each watch. 

This Particular 64 year old Rolex 1500 with gilt text has an even almost browning effect, The gilding and lume at the baton markers has caused a chemical reaction over time resulting in what could be called a "Holly leaf" effect around the batons. so universal its like it was designed to be this way. However this is no doubt the effects of the above mentioned factors and makes the watch in our opinion quite special.

The polished bezel draws the eye into that classic dial and is a lovely, subtle contrast to the 35mm, brushed, stainless steel, screw-back case.  Complete with the Rolex-signed, screw-down crown, this watch also comes on an original riveted Oyster bracelet, but can be switched to leather as you wish. The original Rolex box, Inside is the Rolex caliber 1560, fully serviced by us and running strongly.

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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 12 month, non-waterproof service cover.

What we think

Well! Likely on of the first 1500 Rolex modelks with the 1560 caliber and probably on of the last with these fantastic arrow head marker. Rolex then started to replace the desigh with thinner baton markers and slender straight hands . Sitting elegantly on its Oyster bracelet, this watch pushes into the sporty category while maintaining all the classic style of a Rolex.  It's a comfortable wear on both male and female wrists.  We are firm believers that every collection should have a Rolex 1500! If you prefer your vintage watch looking like it did in 1960 Then this is the perfect option. 

Spec Stuff