Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1500 Taupe Singer Proto/Test Dial in 14k Yellow Gold, 1969

Dealer description — Bulang & Sons

We always try to offer you something uncommon or seldom seen — and today we have something special to propose once again. The case of this reference 1500 model, with its smooth bezel, is in excellent condition. Rolex decided to engrave the full serial number of this example inside the case back — a very uncommon feature. It is known that Rolex only did this for special deliveries, such as the famed military Submariners, the first “experimental” Sea-Dwellers (given to professional deep-sea divers for testing), unique pieces, and watches made for important collectors like the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said, who ordered a number of watches featuring the “Khanjar” coat of arms. The soleil-finished grey non lumed dial is another extremely uncommon feature. In fact, we have never seen another exactly like this. The dial resembles features like these unusual markers, very close in style to those made by the famous dial maker Singer, who produced the dials for what is arguably one of the most collectible watches of all time — the Daytona Exotic Dials. As the story goes, around a decade ago, a number of books containing loose dials were discovered — “study” dials from Singer, created as proposals to various brands including Universal Genève, Omega, and, as mentioned, Rolex. Some of these proposals were eventually used by Rolex in models such as the Daytona as well as in Datejust and other dressier models from that era. If you search “Rolex Singer prototype dials” online, a whole world opens up that helps illustrate what we are referring to. We have also previously had some rarer Datejusts with this feature and shared a small write-up on those as well over HERE We believe this dial was more a proto as “test for the market, meant as a way of testing the waters. It is extremely close to the more Art Deco–esque proposals by Singer, and perhaps this is why Rolex marked the watch with its full serial number inside the case back. To fully appreciate the dial, the decision was made to fit the watch with a non-loupe crystal, allowing a full and uninterrupted view of this rare variant. The watch has been paired with a beautiful Bulang and Sons leather strap, and both the watch and its movement have been fully serviced by our watchmaker. This is a rare opportunity to add a uniquely configured Rolex dress watch to your collection — and a true conversation starter. Let’s talk. Specifications: Rolex Reference 1500 Oyster Perpetual Date 14kt yellow gold 34mm case , smooth bezel , for the British market Serial 213xxxx dating to 1969 Super uncommon “Singer “non lumed soleil dial with art deco inspired hour markers, non lumed hands black text Full serial in case back Bulang and sons Leather strap Fully serviced by our watchmaker