Rolex Date 1500 riveted

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date occupies a fascinating chapter in the history of the manufacture. Introduced during the 1950s as a more compact alternative to the Datejust, the Date combined the robustness of the Oyster case, the convenience of an automatic movement and the precision of an officially certified chronometer. With the arrival of the Ref. 1500 at the beginning of the 1960s, Rolex refined this concept into one of its most understated and enduring designs, featuring a perfectly proportioned 34 mm case and a smooth polished bezel.

This remarkable example dates to 1961, placing it among the earliest generations of the reference. Its beautiful silvered white dial retains the distinctive early typography, including the charming “– DATE –” designation and the period-correct “SWISS” signature at six o'clock, characteristic of the pre-tritium era. The applied faceted hour markers, delicately aged luminous plots and elegant hands create an exceptionally harmonious appearance, preserving the unmistakable aesthetic of early 1960s Rolex production.

Inside beats the celebrated Rolex Calibre 1560, an early chronometer-grade automatic movement belonging to one of the manufacture's most important mechanical families. Particularly noteworthy is the accompanying Rolex Oyster expandable riveted bracelet, Ref. 6635, fitted with No. 57 end links and a clasp dated 1962. These early stretch-link bracelets represent a fascinating and increasingly difficult-to-find chapter of Rolex bracelet manufacturing. A beautifully balanced vintage configuration, combining historical significance, refined proportions and the authentic character that makes early Rolex watches so appealing to discerning collectors.