Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref. 1501 with Engine-Turned Bezel
Dress/Tool Watch, Vintage Dress-Casual Subcategory · Rolex (Rolex SA), Luxury Tier, highly prestigious and globally recognized for durability and status
Period: Vintage (1970s) - Mid-Century Tool-Dress Cross-Over Era
Type
Dress/Tool Watch, Vintage Dress-Casual Subcategory
Brand
Rolex (Rolex SA), Luxury Tier, highly prestigious and globally recognized for durability and status
Movement
Automatic self-winding, Rolex Calibre 1570, 19,800 vph, 26 jewels, approximately 48-hour power reserve
Dimensions
Case diameter: 34mm, case thickness: 12mm, lug-to-lug distance: 41mm, lug width: 19mm
Description
An exceptionally charming vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref. 1501 from 1970. The 34mm stainless steel Oyster case wears with classic vintage proportions, complemented by the distinctive engine-turned bezel which bridges the gap between formal dress and rugged tool watch. The silver sunburst dial radiates elegance, featuring applied hour markers and the iconic Cyclops-magnified date at 3 o'clock. Paired with a supple Jubilee bracelet, this timepiece embodies the timeless, versatile design philosophy of mid-century Rolex.
Key Features
Engine-turned bezel, 34mm classic Oyster case, legendary Calibre 1570 automatic movement, silver sunburst dial, and vintage Jubilee bracelet
Dial Description
Silver sunburst dial with applied stick hour markers, black minute track, baton hands, and a date window at 3 o'clock magnified by the classic Cyclops lens
Case Material
Stainless steel (316L), with polished case flanks and brushed top lugs
Crystal Type
Acrylic/Plexiglass crystal with a Cyclops magnifying lens over the date window
Bezel Details
Engine-turned stainless steel bezel with distinctive radial markings and graduated minute hash marks
Crown & Pushers
Screw-down Twinlock crown in stainless steel with the signature Rolex coronet logo
Bracelet or Strap
Stainless steel Jubilee bracelet with folded links and a signed folding clasp
Caseback Details
Solid stainless steel screw-down caseback, typical of vintage Rolex architecture with unadorned center surface
Movement Type
Automatic self-winding, Rolex Calibre 1570, 19,800 vph, 26 jewels, approximately 48-hour power reserve
Water Resistance
Originally rated to 50 meters (5 ATM), but due to the vintage nature of the watch and aged gaskets, modern water resistance should be considered minimal to none until pressure tested
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made, manufactured in Geneva, Switzerland, featuring an in-house automatic mechanical movement
Age Estimate
Circa 1970 production year based on reference, dial typography, and period-correct bracelet style
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war era when Rolex successfully transitioned wristwatches from fragile luxury items to robust everyday companions suitable for any occasion
Condition Notes
Very Good vintage condition. Case shows minor signs of light wear consistent with age, dial is clean with intact tritium pips, bezel remains sharp, and bracelet exhibits typical vintage stretch
Value Estimate
£3,000 to £3,800 depending heavily on the inclusion of original box, papers, service history, and overall condition of the case and bracelet stretch
Care & Maintenance
Recommend professional servicing every 5 to 7 years. Avoid magnetic fields and moisture until water resistance is verified by a watchmaker due to vintage gasket age
Similar Watches
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 1002 (smooth bezel), Rolex Datejust Ref. 1601 (fluted bezel and jubilee), Tudor Oyster Prince Date
Interesting Facts
The Calibre 1570 powering this watch is frequently referred to by horologists as the workhorse 'bulletproof' movement, renowned for its incredible robustness and long-term reliability