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 and moved 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 – and 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 14ct vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual ‘Date’ dress watch from 1978. This beautiful watch has seen very little use and so has required very little work to bring it back to its current immaculate condition. The case measures 36mm in diameter, excluding the Rolex screw-down Oyster crown. This is Rolex model reference 1500, with the Rolex Cal.1570, 26 Jewel, Certified Superlative Chronometer Grade (highly accurate and highly reliable) automatic movement, which has just received a full overhaul and service.
The Dial
The stunning ‘sunburst’ champagne dial is in the classic Rolex Oyster Perpetual style and simply exudes quality. Furnished with applied faceted ‘baton’ hour indices and the original stick hands, the watch sits beautifully on the wrist and the light catches the sunburst dial perfectly, as we have tried to demonstrate in the accompanying images.
The dial carries the perennial Rolex Coronet at 12 and a date function with the ‘Cyclops’ bubble. It is signed ‘Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date’ and ‘Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified’ with ‘Swiss Made’ at the bottom.
The lens is a new original part, having been replaced as part of the restoration.
This is the original dial which has been restored by our dial restorers who are considered to be the best in the UK.
The Movement
The watch carries its original, very high grade ‘Superlative Chronometer’ Calibre 1570, 26 jewel automatic movement which is in sparkling clean condition. The movement has been completely overhauled and serviced which involves fully dismantling, ultrasonic cleaning, inspection under high magnification and replacement new original Rolex parts where required. Then careful reassembly and oiling ready for testing and calibration. The watch is therefore now running perfectly, having been calibrated and timed within +4 seconds per day. This is truly outstanding for any watch of this age and has been confirmed by our electronic timegrapher, making it now ready for many more years of faithful service.
The movement is all correctly signed ‘MONTRES ROLEX SA GENEVA SWISS’, and ‘TWENTY SIX JEWELS’ with the Calibre number 1570 and the reference number D606211. These movements are very strong, very accurate and very reliable making this watch particularly suited to everyday use should you so wish. This particular movement is in superb A1 condition and with regular servicing, say every 4 years, we would fully expect this watch to run very happily for many more decades to come. We are therefore pleased to offer 12 months warranty on this watch movement*.
*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.
The Case
The 14ct yellow gold case measures 36mm in diameter, excluding the original Rolex Oyster screw-down crown. The case carries the fluted bezel, which along with the rest of the case and case-back, is in immaculate condition, with no marks or scratches visible to the naked eye. The watch has only seen light use and has been very well cared for. Following close inspection, it has simply required some gentle hand-polishing to bring the watch to almost new condition once again. The case-back has never been engraved and equally importantly, it is of its original thickness.
Inside the case-back, the markings are all correct for a Rolex Swiss-made case and it is signed ‘MONTRES ROLEX S.A. GENEVA SWITZERLAND’ with the correct Swiss hallmarks for 14ct gold and the model number 1500. This model number can also be clearly found on the outside of the case between the lugs at 6 o’clock and the case serial number 5834064 is found on the outside of the case between the lugs at 12 o’clock. This dates the watch to 1978.
The case has the screw-down Rolex Oyster crown and screw-down case-back, each complete with new rubber seals, however, although the watch was specified as waterproof when new, this has not been tested and it is not guaranteed.
Please note – our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Bracelet
The extremely rare 14ct yellow gold Rolex bracelet is original to this watch and is of full size, complete with its original 19 links, plus the Rolex adjustable catch which includes 7 adjustable steps. The bracelet has been very lightly used with minimal stretch and is free from any marks or damage visible to the naked eye. The bracelet would fit a wrist size of 19.1cm, however with this clasp having 7 adjustable steps, it can be adjusted up to 1.5cm.
The Box and Papers
Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating this watch to 1978.
Detailed particulars will be included with the receipt, along with our 12 months’ warranty*. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of this watch will also 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”.
A Rolex presentation box, as shown in the photographs, is included in the sale.
In Conclusion
This is a truly first class and rare example of a mid-1970s vintage yellow gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual ‘Date’ which is ready to wear and completely practical for everyday use. If treated with care, this will make an excellent investment or heirloom piece and even though vintage gold Rolex prices have risen markedly recently, we still feel excellent examples such as this, are still undervalued. As each year goes by and the world market for vintage gold Rolex watches continues to expand, prices will continue to climb ever higher.
A word about our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very best quality watches we can find before restoring these 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 inevitably means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are a number of well known stores in West London which are very 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 choose to pay by UK bank transfer, we will be pleased to pass on a 3% transaction saving to you. Paying by bank transfer for a 3% saving will not affect your 12 months warranty. Please contact us to reserve the watch and request our bank details. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or International Bank Wire Transfer, we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.
Please note, we welcome part exchanges and if you have a watch or small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss this.
We will be happy to Service, Repair, or Restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.
If you have any questions, please call our landline 020 7727 7095 or mobile 07515 949 250 or if calling from overseas our landline number is +44 207 727 7095 or mobile +44 7515 949 250.
We will be happy to answer any questions and offer advice about this or any of our watches listed for sale. If you would like some general advice regarding any aspect of vintage watches, including buying, selling, or collecting, we will also be very happy to hear from you. We await your call!
Finally, please enjoy some time spent viewing our other fine vintage gold watches!
Thank you.
Andrew M via feefo 
3rd December 2024 
JLC1891 
