Rolex - Oyster Perpetual Date - 1500 - Men - 1963

Now available at auction from Second Vintage The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Reference 1500 represents the quintessential mid-century sports watch, combining robust engineering with timeless elegance. This particular example from 1963 stands out with its striking silver sunburst dial and classic dauphine hands, encapsulating the golden era of Rolex design. Housed in the legendary waterproof Oyster case and powered by a chronometer-certified caliber, this piece offers both historical significance and exceptional daily wearability for the discerning collector. Brand: Rolex Model: Oyster Perpetual Date Reference Number: 1500 Serial Number: 955163 Movement: Automatic Rolex Caliber 1560 Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied baton indices and light even age-consistent patina Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1963 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a well-preserved dial and strong case proportions Dial and Hands The watch features a beautiful silver sunburst dial that catches the light with a dynamic, radiant effect. The typography is crisp and distinct, featuring the classic serif font for the Rolex branding and the T SWISS T designation at six o'clock, indicating the presence of tritium luminous material. The dial is appointed with faceted applied baton indices that provide excellent depth and contrast. A close inspection reveals a very light, even distribution of age-consistent patina, with minor, subtle spotting that adds to its authentic vintage character without detracting from its overall elegant appearance. The classic dauphine hour and minute hands are remarkably well-preserved, retaining their sharp facets and matching the warm, creamy tone of the luminous plots positioned at the outer edge of the hour markers. A traditional date aperture with a characteristic vintage date wheel is positioned at three o'clock. Case and Crystal The stainless steel Oyster case is in excellent vintage condition, retaining strong proportions and thick lugs. The transition between the brushed upper surfaces of the lugs and the polished case flanks remains well-defined, displaying honest signs of wear in the form of superficial scratches and light handling marks that are entirely expected for a timepiece of this vintage. The smooth stainless steel bezel complements the clean lines of the case, framing the dial perfectly. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal featuring the signature cyclops magnification lens over the date window, ensuring excellent legibility. The original signed Rolex twinlock crown operates smoothly, and the crisp engravings of the reference number 1500 and serial number 955163 between the lugs remain clearly legible. The inner caseback is properly stamped with the reference and a third-quarter 1963 production date code. Movement Powering this classic timepiece is the highly regarded automatic Rolex Caliber 1560, a chronometer-certified movement renowned for its durability and precision. The mechanism features twenty-six jewels and is adjusted to five positions and temperature, showcasing Rolex's commitment to mechanical excellence during this era. The movement presents beautifully, with its distinctive early-style butterfly rotor and signature purple reversing wheels clearly visible and in excellent cosmetic condition. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results indicate a performance of 7s+12s/day with strong amplitude. Strap The watch is presented on the original stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet. The bracelet links show normal vintage wear and a comfortable drape, characteristic of these early folded and riveted designs. The folding clasp is proudly stamped with the Rolex coronet on the exterior, while the interior blades bear the appropriate factory engravings, including the Rolex signature, Steelinox, and Swiss Made marks. The hollow endlinks are correctly stamped with the number 60, ensuring a proper fit against the Oyster case. Condition This Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date is in excellent vintage condition. The case remains robust with thick lugs and clearly visible serial and reference numbers, showing only light, honest wear consistent with its age. The silver sunburst dial is exceptionally well-preserved, exhibiting only minor, attractive patina that validates its history. The movement is remarkably clean and running with impressive precision. The rivet bracelet is structurally sound and complements the vintage aesthetic perfectly. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 34 mm in diameter, excluding the signed crown. The lug width accommodates the standard bracelet, providing a balanced and comfortable presence on the wrist. Remarks This Reference 1500 from 1963 is a superb example of early 1960s Rolex design, offering the rare and desirable combination of a silver sunburst dial, dauphine hands, and a beautifully preserved automatic movement. Its honest condition and strong mechanical performance make it a highly compelling acquisition for both seasoned Rolex enthusiasts and those looking for a versatile, historically rich vintage daily wearer. History Introduced in the mid-20th century, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date became a cornerstone of the brand's catalog, offering the robust waterproof capabilities of the Oyster case alongside the convenience of an automatic movement and a date function. The Reference 1500, in particular, is celebrated for its perfect proportions and enduring design language. Pieces from the early 1960s, like this example featuring the Caliber 1560 and dauphine hands, represent a transitional and highly sought-after era in Rolex's history, bridging the gap between early vintage charm and modern reliability. / Second Vintage SKU: ROL-ROP-0003