Rolex - Oyster Perpetual - 1025 - Men - 1966

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 1025 is a quintessential example of mid-century elegance, combining the warmth of a gold-capped case with the reliability of a stainless steel foundation. Known as a "Gold Shell" model, it offers the luxurious aesthetic of solid gold while maintaining robust everyday wearability. Featuring the legendary Caliber 1570 movement and a pristine champagne sunburst dial, this timepiece represents a significant era in Rolex history, perfectly balancing dressy sophistication with the sporty DNA of the Oyster case. Brand: Rolex Model: Oyster Perpetual Reference Number: 1025 Serial Number: 1415859 Movement: Automatic Caliber 1570 Dial: Champagne Sunburst Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold Capped Stainless Steel Production Year: 1966 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a very clean dial and sharp case lines. The movement is running within chronometer standards based on testing. Dial and Hands The champagne sunburst dial is preserved in remarkable condition, radiating a warm stroke pattern that catches the light beautifully. It features applied gold faceted baton hour markers and matching alpha-style hands that remain sharp and legible, accompanied by a central sweep seconds hand. The tritium lume plots have aged to a subtle, uniform creamy tone located at the outer periphery of the indices. The text remains crisp and black, showcasing the "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified" designation. Case and Crystal The 34 mm case features a heavy gold-capped construction over stainless steel, a technique often referred to as Gold Shell, which provides a thick layer of gold superior to standard plating. The case lines remain distinct, and the smooth bezel adds a refined touch to the profile. A stainless steel screw-down caseback ensures structural integrity and displays expected surface scratches from wear. The signed gold crown screws down securely, and the acrylic crystal is clear with minimal signs of age. Movement Powering this timepiece is the renowned Rolex Caliber 1570 automatic movement, a mechanism celebrated by collectors for its durability and engineering excellence. It is a Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified movement featuring the distinctive butterfly rotor. Timegrapher testing shows the watch running at -3 to -5 seconds per day with strong amplitude, which indicates healthy movement operation and reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a classic black leather strap featuring contrasting white stitching, which complements the gold tones of the case perfectly. It is secured by a standard pin buckle, making the watch ready for immediate wear. Condition This example is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally clean, free from significant spotting or damage, which is rare for watches of this vintage. The gold-capped case shows light handling marks appropriate for its age but retains a rich luster without significant wear-through on the plating. The movement is clean and functioning well. Dimensions The case measures 34 mm in diameter excluding the winding crown. This classic size offers a sophisticated presence on the wrist, suitable for a variety of wrist sizes and perfect for both dress and casual occasions. Remarks The Reference 1025 is a desirable variation of the Oyster Perpetual line, offering the prestige of a gold watch appearance with the practicality of an Oyster structure. The presence of the Caliber 1570, often regarded as one of the finest movements Rolex ever produced, adds significant horological value to this piece. Ideally preserved for a 1966 production, it is a collector-grade example ready for a new owner. History The Rolex Oyster Perpetual is a cornerstone of modern watchmaking, tracing its lineage back to the release of the world's first waterproof wristwatch case in 1926 and the Perpetual self-winding rotor in 1931. Through the decades, the model has stood as a symbol of achievement and understated luxury. The 1960s were a golden era for the brand, introducing refinements that cemented the Oyster Perpetual's status as the ultimate daily wearer. /Second Vintage SKU: ROLZSSPVT0000