Rolex Oyster Perpetual 18K, 1977

Description

Here we have a rare and hardly used example of a Rolex Oyster Perpetual ‘Date’, 18ct dress watch from 1977. This is Rolex model reference 1500, with the highly accurate and reliable Cal.1570 26 Jewels, Certified Chronometer Grade, automatic movement. This watch is in immaculate condition and has an original untouched, unrestored dial which is in absolute top condition. The watch has been dated 1977 by the case serial number, making this the perfect 40th birthday or 40th anniversary gift!

The Dial

This is the classic and elegant Rolex Oyster Perpetual ‘Date’ of the  1970s, here with with a gold sunburst dial which catches the light wonderfully. The dial here is completely original having never been restored and remains untouched. It is in amazingly good condition with no signs of ageing visible to the naked eye. Only upon very close examination and under high magnification can the slightest signs of ageing be found. The original Rolex gilt ‘stick’ hands and gilt baton hour indices are also in original condition and are superb. The lens is a new genuine replacement and so completely clear and unmarked. It is exceedingly rare to find a Rolex of this age with an original dial in such great unrestored condition!

The Case

The 18ct yellow gold watch case measures 34mm in diameter, excluding the Rolex screw-down crown and is in immaculate condition with no scratches dings or other marks visible to the naked eye.

This watch has seen very little use, evidenced not only by the dial but also the case. Generally an 18ct watch case which has seen regular use will soon pick up one or two tell-tale marks in the form of slight nicks and scratches. Normally these are never a problem as they can be removed by gentle polishing by hand or professionally by a watch case restorer, however this watch shows almost no signs of polishing even to the trained eye. This is proof to us that this watch has hardly been used.

The bezel, i.e. the surround which holds the lens to the case, is the more sought after ‘shallow fluted’ type and it is in perfect condition. The lens and bezel are naturally the parts of the watch which are most prone to damage and so some nicks or marks are almost always found, but here there are none. The lens is a new Rolex replacement and therefore also in perfect condition.

Inside the case-back, the markings are all correct for a Rolex Geneva, Swiss made case signed: MONTRES ROLEX S.A, GENEVA SWITZERLAND, with the Rolex model reference 1500 along with the correct Swiss hallmarks for 18ct gold. The model reference number is found on the outside of the case between the lugs at 12 o’clock.  The case serial number 5,255,xxx is found on the outside of the case between the lugs at 6 o’clock and this dates the watch to 1977.

The case has the screw-down case-back and crown, complete with new rubber seals. Please note, although this watch was waterproof when new, this has not been tested and is not guaranteed – Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Movement

The watch carries its original, very high grade ‘Superlative Chronometer’ Calibre 1570, 26 jewel automatic movement which is in sparklingly clean condition. The movement has been fully overhauled and serviced which involves fully dismantling, ultrasonic cleaning, inspection under high magnification and replacement of parts as required, with genuine new originals. Then careful reassembly, oiling of all parts to Rolex specification and finally testing and calibration. This watch is now running perfectly having been calibrated and timed at +8 seconds per day and arrow straight! Please note, the timing is outstanding for a watch of this age.

The movement is all correctly signed with ‘MONTRES ROLEX SA GENEVA’, ‘SWISS’, ‘TWENTY SIX 26 JEWELS’ and the Calibre number 1570 along with the Rolex reference number D436,xxx. These movements are very strong, very accurate and very reliable and this particular movement is in superb A1 condition and is now ready for many more years of service. It is perfectly suitable for daily use and should prove perfectly reliable. We are therefore pleased to offer 12 months warranty on the movement of this watch* and will also be pleased to service the watch for you when this becomes due in 2-3 years time.

*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only included if the list price is paid.

The Strap and Buckle

The strap fitted is a new, good quality Hirsch ‘croc grain’ strap with Rolex gold plated buckle. 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 at short notice.

The Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, all the numbers and markings on the watch are correct, dating the watch to 1977.

Our detailed ‘Particulars’ document will be included in the sale, along with our detailed receipt and 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”.

The presentation box shown in the photographs will be included with this watch. If this is not required, we will be able to reduce the price of the watch by a few £s. Please enquire.

In Conclusion

This is a superb, highly collectable and usable vintage watch from horology’s most famous name, which will provide an excellent financial investment as well as something to treasure and enjoy! It will make an excellent evening wear dress watch as well as a practical, highly accurate and reliable time-piece to use on an everyday basis, but however you may wish to view this watch, as the years go by, the world market for vintage gold watches of this type is growing ever larger and the supply more limited. This, allied to high demand, means prices will inevitably climb ever higher!

This will also make a perfect 40th birthday gift for someone special, even or especially to oneself!

A word on our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before then 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 our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.

If you have any questions please call on 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.

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

Thank you.