Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 9ct 1964

Rolex

Founded in 1905 in England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, the partnership became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving to its new Geneva headquarters in 1919. The success of the wristwatch can be largely attributed to many of Rolex’s innovations which made the company one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These have included its famous “Oyster” case — the world’s first water-resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and its “Perpetual” — the world’s first reliable, self-winding movement for the wristwatch, launched in 1933. These would form the foundation for Rolex’s Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956. Also and equally importantly, Rolex is known for its sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.

During the 1930s and ’40s, Rolex also became quite masterful at courting tremendous publicity and excitement through literally being ‘on hand’ during numerous record-breaking events. These were, for example, swimming the English Channel (1927), breaking the world automobile speed record (300mph, 1935), breaking the sound barrier (1947) and climbing Everest for the first time in 1953. No matter how well orchestrated these events came to be, we have to admire Rolex for becoming masters of self-promotion and capitalising on every opportunity with simultaneous worldwide marketing campaigns.

Of course, Rolex is now so ubiquitous it is almost its own kind of its currency. A Rolex is the watch you want on your wrist when you’re in a Third World country when revolution breaks out and there’s only one seat on the plane. – There’s a guy standing there with a machine gun! You give him a Rolex and he’ll give you the seat!

Description

Here we have a truly first-class example of a gentleman’s 9ct vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date dress watch from 1964. This watch has seen very little use and has therefore required very little work to bring it back to its current, immaculate condition.  This is Rolex model reference 1500, with the Rolex Cal.1560, 26 Jewel, Certified Superlative Chronometer Grade (highly accurate and highly reliable) automatic movement, which has just received a full overhaul and service. The case measures 36mm in diameter, excluding the Rolex screw-down Oyster crown.

The Dial

The wonderful light gold dial is in the classic Rolex Oyster Perpetual style and simply exudes quality. It is furnished with the original ‘stick’ hands which sweep wonderful gold ‘baton’ hour indices that have a bold look with the black line down either side of  each one. We think the wonderful colour of the dial contrasts absolutely beautifully with the 9ct yellow gold case.

The dial carries the perennial Rolex Coronet at 12 and a date function with the ‘Cyclops’ bubble. It is simply signed ‘Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date’ and ‘Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified’.

This dial has been previously restored to a very high standard and as can be seen, is in tip-top condition.

The Movement

The watch carries its original very high grade ‘Superlative Chronometer’ Calibre 1560, 26 Jewel automatic movement which is in sparklingly clean condition and has been fully overhauled and serviced by our watchmaker. This means it has been fully dismantled to all its component parts before ultrasonic cleaning, microscope inspection and replacement of parts with new originals where required. Then careful reassembly and oiling ready for final testing and calibration. The watch is now running perfectly having been calibrated and timed at +9 seconds per day, which is truly outstanding for any watch of this age. It is therefore ready for many more years of reliable service. This movement has a 44 hour power reserve when fully wound.

The movement is all correctly signed ‘Montres Rolex SA Geneva Swiss’ and ‘Twenty Six Jewels’ with the Calibre number 1560 and the reference number 13752.

These Chronometer grade movements are very strong, accurate and reliable making this watch perfectly suitable for evening wear and everyday use. This particular movement is in superb A1 condition and with regular servicing, every 3 – 4 years, we would fully expect this watch to run happily for many more years to come! We are pleased to offer a 12 month warranty on this watch movement*.

*Please note – our 12 month warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.

The Watch Case

The 9ct yellow gold case is in tip-top condition and measures a large 36mm, excluding the original Rolex signed Oyster screw-down crown.  This would have been considered a large-sized gentlemans wristwatch by the standards of the day. The case also carries a wonderful plain bezel.

The case has been professionally cleaned and carefully inspected, and required only light polishing. It is in superb condition with no scratches, dings or other damage, visible to the naked eye.

Inside the case-back, all the markings are as expected and correctly signed ‘Montres Rolex SA Geneva Switzerland’, along with Geneva Swiss 9ct hallmarks and the model reference number 1500. The watch also carries a very clear case serial number 1009301 between the lugs at 6 o’clock which confirms the date of manufacture of this watch as 1964. Between the lugs at 12 reads ‘Registered Design’ and ‘Registered 1500’.

Please note – even though this watch was specified as waterproof when new and the rubber seals have been replaced on the case-back and crown, the water-resistance of this watch has not been tested and is not guaranteed. As ever, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Strap & Buckle

This watch is fitted with a new black leather strap and gold-plated Rolex buckle. However, if a different colour or style of strap is preferred, please let us know and we will do our best to oblige free of charge. We carry tan, conker, dark brown and black in stock in plain padded leather, crocodile skin or lizard skin. We can also obtain most types and colours from our partners at ‘Watch Obsession’ within 48hrs. Please take a look at their huge range of straps if you wish here.

The Box and Papers

This watch is complete with the original chronometer certificate which show the correct serial numbers, confirming the date of this watch as 1964.

A detailed written receipt with 12 months’ warranty* and a separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of the watch, will be provided at the time of sale, along with our unique ‘Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee’ which states: “If this watch proves to be anything less than totally authentic, or not as described, Vintage Gold Watches of London will offer you a full refund, at any time”.

The matching Rolex Oyster inner and outer presentation boxes shown in the photographs are included in the sale.

Conclusion

This is a truly first class example of a wonderful 1964 9ct gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date which is ready to wear and completely practical for everyday use. If treated with care, it will make an excellent investment and heirloom piece. Even though vintage Rolex prices have risen markedly of late, we still feel first class examples such as this remain undervalued. And as each year goes by and the world market for vintage Rolex watches continues to expand, prices will inevitably climb ever higher.

To summarise, this is a highly collectable vintage watch from horology’s most famous name, which is ready to wear, use, treasure and enjoy. It will provide excellent reliability and a sound financial investment as long lasting as the watch itself.

A word on our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before restoring them to the highest possible standards. We then offer these at the fairest prices we can, taking into account our pre and post-sales care and service. This approach means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are some well-known stores in West London which are highly successful charging between two to three times the price you see here. We, therefore, consider our prices to be fair, given the quality of watches we have to offer.

We are happy to accept PayPal as this is the quickest method of payment. However, if you would like to pay by UK cheque or by UK bank transfer we will be pleased to assist you with this. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or Bank Wire Transfer we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.

If you have any questions please call 0207 727 7095. If calling from overseas: +44 207 727 7095.

Please note, we welcome part exchanges. If you have a watch or small collection to sell, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss this.

We will also be pleased to service, repair or restore your vintage watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.

Please take a look at our wide range of fine vintage gold watches.

Thank you.