Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref. 1501 with Engine-Turned Bezel
Daily Wear / Dress-Sport Hybrid · Rolex (Rolex SA). Top-tier luxury manufacturer known for durability and precision.
Period: Tool-Watch Era / Mid-Century Classic (1960s-1970s). The engine-turned bezel and 34mm proportions are definitive indicators of this vintage period.
Type
Daily Wear / Dress-Sport Hybrid
Brand
Rolex (Rolex SA). Top-tier luxury manufacturer known for durability and precision.
Movement
Automatic, Self-Winding, Caliber 1570. Features 26 jewels, 19,800 bph, approximately 48-hour power reserve. Non-quickset date function.
Dimensions
34mm Diameter, 12mm Thickness, 42.5mm Lug-to-Lug, 19mm Lug Width. Wears slightly larger due to the Oyster case design.
Description
The Ref. 1501 is a masterpiece of mid-century industrial design, occupying the niche between the formal Datejust and the minimalist Oyster Perpetual. Its engine-turned bezel provides a rugged, technical aesthetic compared to the dressier fluted gold alternative. At 34mm, it offers a discreet but authoritative presence, characterized by the 'Sigma' silver dial that captures light brilliantly.
Key Features
Engine-turned steel bezel, 34mm 'Oyster' case size, 19mm lug width, and the inclusion of the 'Date' branding (distinct from the 36mm Datejust).
Dial Description
Silver Sunburst dial with applied baton hour markers, tritium lume plots, baton hands, and a date window at 3 o'clock. Features the 'Sigma' markings or 'T SWISS T' at 6 o'clock.
Case Material
316L Stainless Steel with a combination of brushed lug tops and polished case flanks.
Crystal Type
Acrylic (Plexiglass) with a raised profile and integrated Cyclops lens for date magnification.
Bezel Details
Fixed Stainless Steel Engine-Turned Bezel. Features distinctive milled tabs at the hour markers and a fine-lined texture between them.
Crown & Pushers
Screw-down Twinlock crown in stainless steel with the Rolex coronet logo. No crown guards.
Bracelet or Strap
Stainless Steel Jubilee bracelet (likely Ref. 6251H or 62510H) with a folding Oysterclasp.
Caseback Details
Solid, screw-down stainless steel caseback with typical Rolex fluting for the opening tool. Generally devoid of external engravings.
Movement Type
Automatic, Self-Winding, Caliber 1570. Features 26 jewels, 19,800 bph, approximately 48-hour power reserve. Non-quickset date function.
Water Resistance
Originally 100m (330ft) when new; however, it should currently be considered splash-resistant only unless professional seals and pressure testing have been performed recently.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made. Manufactured in Geneva and Bienne, Switzerland. In-house movement.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970–1975 based on the 'T SWISS T' dial marking and the implementation of the Cal. 1570 movement.
Cultural Significance
Represents the height of Rolex's expansion as the gold standard for reliable, everyday luxury chronometers. It is a favorite among 'purist' collectors who prefer the smaller proportions of vintage pieces.
Condition Notes
Good condition. The bezel remains sharp with visible milling; dial shows light aging of lume plots; Jubilee bracelet shows moderate stretch; crystal has light surface swirls typical of acrylic.
Value Estimate
$3,500 – $5,000 USD depending on bracelet tightness and service history. Values for all-steel vintage Rolex have remained stable.
Care & Maintenance
Service every 5-7 years to maintain the Cal. 1570. Avoid water exposure unless pressure tested, as vintage gaskets often fail. Polywatch can be used to buff the acrylic crystal.
Similar Watches
Rolex Datejust 1601 (36mm, fluted bezel), Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1002 (no date), Tudor Prince Oysterdate (ETA-based alternative).
Interesting Facts
The 34mm size was once the standard 'men's' size but is now widely considered a perfect unisex size. The engine-turned bezel is a discontinued style no longer found in modern Rolex catalogs.