Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref. 1501 with Engine-Turned Bezel
Luxury Everyday/Dress Watch with Date Complication · Rolex (independent Swiss luxury manufacture). This model represents their mid-tier classic catalog.
Period: Neo-Vintage / Late Tool Watch Era (late 1970s - early 1980s design cues)
Type
Luxury Everyday/Dress Watch with Date Complication
Brand
Rolex (independent Swiss luxury manufacture). This model represents their mid-tier classic catalog.
Movement
Automatic/Self-winding, Rolex Calibre 1570 or 3035 (depending on exact serial). The 3035 introduced high-beat 28,800 vph and quickset date.
Dimensions
Case diameter: 34mm, Thickness: 12mm, Lug-to-Lug: 42mm, Lug width: 19mm. Wears slightly larger due to the thick Oyster case.
Description
The Rolex Date 1501 is a smaller, often overlooked sibling to the Datejust. Measuring 34mm, it offers a more discreet profile while maintaining the legendary water resistance of the Oyster case. The engine-turned bezel provides a distinctive industrial texture that differentiates it from the common fluted or smooth bezels.
Key Features
Engined-turned bezel (Ref. 1501 specific), 34mm case size (larger than Air-King of the era but smaller than Datejust), and the cyclops date window.
Dial Description
Silver sunburst dial with applied baton hour markers, stick hands, and a date window at 3 o'clock. Features the 'T SWISS T' tritium signature at 6 o'clock.
Case Material
Stainless Steel (316L), featuring a combination of brushed lugs and polished case sides.
Crystal Type
Acrylic (Plexiglass) with raised profile and iconic Cyclops magnification lens over the date.
Bezel Details
Fixed Engine-Turned Bezel in stainless steel, characterized by decorative radial grooves and hour markers.
Crown & Pushers
Screw-down Twinlock crown with Rolex coronet logo; no crown guards.
Bracelet or Strap
Stainless steel Rolex Jubilee bracelet with folded or solid links and a stamped folding Oysterclasp.
Caseback Details
Solid, screw-down stainless steel caseback with a brushed finish and no external engravings (standard for Rolex).
Movement Type
Automatic/Self-winding, Rolex Calibre 1570 or 3035 (depending on exact serial). The 3035 introduced high-beat 28,800 vph and quickset date.
Water Resistance
Original rating of 100 meters (330 feet). For a vintage piece, it should be pressure tested before swimming; avoid high-pressure water.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made (Geneva). In-house manufactured movement and case.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970s to early 1980s based on the 'T SWISS T' dial and the specific bezel style.
Cultural Significance
Represents the era when Rolex transitioned from pure tool watches to dominant status symbols, blending durability with decorative bezel techniques.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. The bezel remains sharp, the dial shows no visible spotting, though the Jubilee bracelet shows characteristic 'stretch' or link play.
Value Estimate
$3,000 - $4,500 USD depending on bracelet tightness and service history. Value is currently stable for 34mm vintage Rolex models.
Care & Maintenance
Recommended service every 5-7 years. Ensure crown is fully screwed down before water exposure. Check acrylic crystal for scratches (removable with Polywatch).
Similar Watches
Rolex Datejust 1601 (36mm, fluted bezel), Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1002 (no date), Tudor Prince Oysterdate (ETA-based alternative).
Interesting Facts
The 1501 was often marketed as a 'unisex' chronometer in the late 20th century because of its versatile 34mm size which fits a wide variety of wrist shapes.