Rolex Oyster Perpetual 18ct 1969

Description

Here we have a fascinating and rare gentleman’s 18ct vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual ‘Date’ dress watch from 1969. This is Rolex model reference 1500, with the Cal. 1570 Certified Chronometer Grade (highly accurate and highly reliable) automatic movement, which has just received a full overhaul and service. This watch has a rare dial, made when manufacturers were releasing watches with futuristic looking dials, perhaps influenced to a degree by early manned space travel and the first manned landing on the moon in July 1969.  The watch is in immaculate condition, having been fully restored by ourselves.

The Dial

During the late 1960s and early ‘70s, many watch manufacturers experimented with a range of avant-garde futuristic looking dials which are now known as retro-futuristic. These are now becoming popular once more and are becoming quite collectable. A Rolex with such a dial is rare, although they do appear from time to time. The example here is quite typical of the genre, having tall cubic block hour indices, which feature steeply raked faces. These, along with the vertical grained Gold dial are quite stunning as they catch the light amazingly.

The dial has been beautifully restored by our dial restorers which are considered to be the best in the UK. The lens has been replaced with a new original and so is completely clear and unmarked.

This really is a striking looking dial and we have tried to capture this in the photographs, but needless to say, the dial and watch look much better in real life!

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 of parts, only with new original Rolex parts where required. Then careful reassembly and oiling ready for testing and calibration. The watch is now running perfectly, having been calibrated and timed at ± 8 seconds per day and it is now ready for many more years of faithful service.

The movement is all correctly signed ‘MONTRES ROLEX SA GENEVA’, ‘SWISS’, and ‘TWENTY SIX 26 JEWELS’ with the Calibre number 1570. These movements are very strong, very accurate and very reliable! This particular movement is in superb A1 condition and with regular servicing, say every 2 to 3 years, we would fully expect this watch to run happily for many more years to come! We are pleased to offer a 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 18ct yellow gold case measures 35mm in diameter, not including the original Rolex Oyster screw-down crown. The case, case-back and plain bezel are all in superb condition with no marks or scratches visible to the naked eye. The watch has seen only very 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 more. The outside of the case back, importantly, 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, Geneva, Swiss made case and it is signed MONTRES ROLEX S.A, GENEVA SWITZERLAND, R.W.C. LTD with the correct Swiss hallmarks for 18ct gold, along with the model number 1503. The model number can also be clearly found on the outside of the case between the lugs at 12 o’clock and the case serial number 28611811 is found on the outside of the case between the lugs at 6 o’clock and dates the watch to 1969.

The case has the screw-down Rolex Oyster crown and screw-down case-back, each complete with new rubber seals, but although the watch was specified as waterproof when new, this has not been tested and it is not guaranteed. Here, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Strap & Buckle

A new high quality Brown Crocodile strap has been fitted, along with a matching 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 19mm straps if you wish here.

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 1969. 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 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 as shown in the photographs are included in the sale.

In Conclusion

This is a truly first class example of a late ‘60s vintage 18ct Rolex Oyster Perpetual ‘Date’ with a rare retro-futuristic dial. This watch is ready to wear and completely practical for everyday use. If treated with care, it will make an excellent investment or heirloom piece and even though vintage gold Rolex prices have risen markedly recently, we still feel good 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.

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 and pass on a 3% saving to you. 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 on our Landline 0207 727 7095 or Mobile 07515 949250 or if calling from overseas, on Landline +44 207 727 7095 or Mobile +44 7515 949250.

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

We will also be happy to Service your watch, Repair your watch or Restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.

Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.

Thank you.