Rolex - Oyster Perpetual Date - 1501 - Men - 1972

Presented for auction by Second Vintage An exceptional and highly attractive Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date reference 1501, boasting a beautiful engine-turned bezel and a remarkably preserved silver sunburst dial. This classic 34 mm chronometer from 1972 perfectly captures the essence of vintage Rolex, combining robust steel construction with timeless elegance. The beautifully aged lume and the desirable folded Oyster bracelet make this a true collector's prize, offering tremendous historic appeal and versatile daily wearability. Brand: Rolex Model: Oyster Perpetual Date Reference Number: 1501 Serial Number: 3149033 Movement: Automatic Caliber 1570 Dial: Silver sunburst with applied baton indices Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1972 Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The timegrapher reads +8 to +16 seconds per day. Which indicates a healthy movement. Dial and Hands The watch features a stunningly preserved silver sunburst dial that catches the light beautifully, showcasing a pristine surface free of spotting or blemishes. It is adorned with applied steel baton hour markers that feature elegantly faceted edges. The lume plots remain entirely intact and have aged to a highly desirable warm creamy patina. The original steel baton hands perfectly match the color of the dial plots, presenting a cohesive and striking vintage aesthetic. A classic date window sits at the three o'clock position, framed by the iconic cyclops magnifier. The dial text, including the signature Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified, remains crisp and sharp. Case and Crystal The 34 mm stainless steel case remains robust and well-defined, featuring original brushed finishes on the upper lugs and polished sides. It is topped by the distinctive and sought-after engine-turned bezel, which remains crisp and highly textured, adding exceptional character to the piece. The watch is fitted with a signed Rolex Twinlock crown bearing the classic underline coronet. The screw-down caseback bears the correct 1501 reference and a III.72 stamping inside, properly dating the case production to the third quarter of 1972. The acrylic crystal, complete with its date magnifier, is clear and well-preserved, showing only minimal signs of handling. Movement Powering this timepiece is the legendary in-house Rolex automatic caliber 1570, a 26-jewel chronometer-certified movement adjusted to five positions and temperature. The beautifully rhodium-plated mechanism features the distinctive purple reversing wheels synonymous with Rolex engineering of this era and carries the movement serial D103847. The movement is running within vintage tolerances and currently measures between +8 and +16 seconds per day on the timegrapher. Which indicates a healthy movement offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is presented on its original vintage stainless steel folded-link Rolex Oyster bracelet, reference 7835 19, equipped with the correct 357 end links. The clasp is appropriately signed with the embossed Rolex coronet and internal authentic engravings noting Patented and Registered Swiss Made Steelinox. The bracelet accommodates a wrist size of up to 18.5 cm and displays honest vintage wear while retaining exceptional structural integrity and historic charm. Condition This timepiece is in Excellent vintage condition. It shows light and honest wear consistent with its age, including minor superficial scratches on the polished case sides, caseback, and bracelet clasp. The case lines remain strong, and the engine-turned bezel is remarkably crisp. The dial and hands are exceptionally well-preserved with a flawless surface and beautifully aged lume. Overall, the watch presents a highly attractive, honest, and balanced appearance that will thoroughly delight any vintage enthusiast. Dimensions The case measures 34 mm in diameter excluding the crown, offering a classic and versatile vintage profile that rests elegantly on the wrist. Remarks The combination of the engine-turned bezel, the pristine silver sunburst dial, and the perfectly matching warm patina elevates this reference 1501 above standard examples. The presence of the original folded Oyster bracelet and exact dating cues further solidify its status as a highly collectible and cohesive vintage Rolex package. History The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date was introduced to offer the robust waterproof Oyster case and chronometer-certified automatic movement alongside a practical date function, proportioned slightly more compactly than its Datejust sibling. The reference 1501 specifically introduced the distinctive engine-turned bezel, a design element originally rooted in aviation and motorsport aesthetics to minimize glare while adding architectural depth to the watch. Today, these engine-turned variations are highly prized for their unique character and enduring classic style. / Second Vintage SKU: ROL-ROP-0002