Rolex Oyster Perpetual ‘Date’ 18K 1969

Description

Here we have a simply beautiful, fully restored, gentleman’s 18ct vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual ‘Date’ dress watch, from 1969. This is Rolex model ref 1503, with the Cal. 1570 Certified Chronometer Grade (highly accurate and highly reliable) automatic movement which has just received a full overhaul from our watchmaker. With a light gold sunburst dial and date function, this is a very elegant piece in immaculate condition.

The Dial

This is the classic Rolex Oyster Perpetual dial of the 1960s, clean and simple and very elegant. The light gold sunburst effect catches and reflects the light wonderfully and varies from a Champagne colour to a deep gold, depending on the light. The dial has its original ‘stick’ hands and applied gilt baton hour indices, which are also in superb condition. The lens has been replaced with a new original and so is completely clear and unmarked. This is a really superb 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 sparklingly clean condition. The movement has been fully overhauled which involves full dismantling, ultrasonic cleaning, microscope inspection and replacement of parts as required, only with new originals, then gradual reassembly and oiling ready for final testing and careful calibration. The watch is now running perfectly having been calibrated and timed at ± 8 seconds per day and is now ready for many more years of reliable 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 month warranty on this watch movement*.

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

The Case

The case measures 35mm in diameter, not including the original Rolex Oyster screw-down crown. The case, case-back and smooth bezel are all in superb condition with no marks or scratches visible to the naked eye. The watch case has seen only very light use and has been very well cared for, so following close inspection, there has simply been gentle polishing, bringing 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 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. The case serial number 2,398,510 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. Although this 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 196os vintage 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 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, providing 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.