Rolex Oyster Perpetual ‘Date’ 9K 1958 – Original Unrestored Dial

Description

Here we have a beautiful fully inspected, serviced and guaranteed, Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer ‘Date’ in 9ct yellow gold from 1958. This watch is Rolex model reference 1500 with the Rolex Calibre 1560, 26 Jewel Chronometer grade movement which is superbly accurate and reliable. At 34mm diameter, not including the crown, this is a large sized watch by 1950s standards. The watch case has the sought after plain bezel which adds to the clean and simple lines and elegance of this watch. Unusually, the dial here is original, unrestored and in tip top condition.

The Dial

This is the original, unrestored Champagne dial with gold Dauphine hands and matching applied gold facetted baton hour indices. This dial is completely original, unrestored and untouched and as can be seen in the photographs, is in almost perfect condition. Only under close examination can some very light spotting be found which is evenly spread across the dial. This is truly exceptional for a dial of this age as they typically suffer significant damage due to moisture, sunlight and contaminants which cause staining, pitting, spots and freckling to varying degrees. We have therefore decided in this instance, not to restore the dial to maintain its originality as there is some value to certain buyers, in electing to do this.

If upon buying this watch you decide you would like to have the dial restored at some point, we will arrange this for you at a 50% reduction on our normal price. Please see here for more details.

The Watch Case

The original 9ct yellow gold case measures 34mm, not including the Rolex Oyster screw-down crown. The watch has the rarer plain bezel which is preferred by many rather than the usual fluted bezel. The screw-down case-back is highly polished and full thickness and has never been inscribed. The case has been professionally cleaned and restored through very light hand polishing and the bezel, case and case-back are all in immaculate condition with no scratches, dings or similar marks visible to the naked eye. This, along with the superb condition of the dial, indicates this watch has seen very little use.

The inside of the case-back carries the Rolex serial number 1,084,620 and the model number 1500 along with 9ct Swiss Geneva hallmarks and the signature, Montres Rolex SA Geneva Switzerland. The case also carries the same external serial number 1,084,620 between the lugs at 6’ along with the model number 1500 again, at 12’. The case serial number indicates the date of manufacture of this watch as 1958.

Please note, even though this watch was specified as waterproof when new and the rubber seals have been replaced on the case-back and the 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 Watch Movement

The original high grade “Officially Certified Chronometer” 26 Jewels, 1560 calibre ‘butterfly’ movement is very highly regarded for being particularly accurate, reliable and strong. Here, it is in sparkling condition and working perfectly following a thorough overhaul and service by our vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker. This movement is known as a ‘butterfly’ movement because the lightened rotor resembles a butterfly wing. It is signed MONTRES ROLEX SA GENEVA and TWENTY SIX JEWELS, ADJUSTED to FIVE POSITIONS. The movement carries the movement reference number D24961 and the Calibre number 1560.

The movement has been fully overhauled and serviced by a Master Watchmaker. This means dismantling the watch to all its component parts, careful inspection under high magnification, replacement where necessary with only genuine parts, then careful reassembly and adjustment, before final calibration in 5 positions. This watch therefore winds, sets and runs accurately and reliably. At final test and calibration, the movement is running strongly and accurately within +10 seconds/day which is outstanding for a watch movement of this age! This watch movement is now ready for many more years of faithful service and is perfectly suited for everyday use. The watch is offered with 12 months warranty on the movement*.

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