
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Rolex Oyster Perpetual, Date, 18ct Gold, ref. 1503, 1 million Serial, circa 1965
- Maker / attribution
- Rolex (maker)
- Date
- c. 1965
- Historical period
- Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Materials / technique
- gold
- Dimensions
- Case 34 mm
- Stock no.
- vws1533
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Vintage Watch Specialist (vws1533)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Rolex Oyster Perpetual - Date - 18ct Gold - Model Ref: 1503 - 1 million Serial, c.1965 (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Vintage Watch Specialist (dealer), United Kingdom (stock number vws1533), this is a wristwatch by Rolex, made in Switzerland, dated c. 1965. The Atlas places it in the Modern Mechanical Horology period (1945 – 1969) of its Wristwatches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: gold. Recorded dimensions: Case 34 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — Vintage Watch Specialist
We Are Sorry But This Watch Is Now Sold - If However You Are Looking To Buy Or Sell Something Similar Then Please Email Sales@Vintagewatchspecialist.Com Or Whatsapp/Call +44 7831 454658. Thanks Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date in 18k Gold case Ref: 1503 from the year c.1965 The vintage Rolex Date 1503 is a luxurious watch that is sure to catch the eye. The Oyster Perpetual with date and a four digit model reference was first released in the 1950's. The cases measure 34 mm and were made of stainless steel, white, yellow or pink gold. The use of quality and luxurious metals is not only aesthetically pleasing, but ensures that the watch will continue to hold its value over time. Along with a stunning gold case, this example also prominently features a beautiful champagne 'T Swiss T' dial which continues the look and feel of luxury with gold baton markers and gold baton second, minute and hour hands. The watch comes complete on an attractive new leather genuine Rolex strap with gold plated Rolex pin buckle. The elegance of the watch really comes to the forefront with the fluted bezel, baton indices and classic Oyster case which has been a signature of Rolex watches for decades. The dial is crisp, legible and exudes a luxurious allure which makes this example not only a classic but a highly desirable timepiece. The size of the case also means this is ideal for either male or female with the calibre 1560 movement beating inside. What's on offer The condition of the watch is amazing and the 18k gold case looks as vibrant as ever. Whether worn on a leather strap as we do here or gold a bracelet, this watch is sure to bring elegance to the wrist for many years to come with the added benefit of the date function at 3 o’clock magnified by the cyclops on the crystal. The 1503 paved the way for many great Rolex dress watches since its launch, yet maintaining many of the key features seen here on the present watch. the watch will be delivered with a luxury leather VWS storage pouch! Additional information Made from Case: Solid 18 Karat Gold. Dial: Gilt, with date at 3. Crystal: Plexi crystal. Bracelet : Brown Rolex leather band and GP buckle. Technical specifications Winding : Automatic and Manual wind Movement type : Mechanical Automatic Calibre: 1560 Adj. 5 Positions Jewels: 26 Waterproof: When new Purchase details Condition : Fantastic. Model Reference: 1503 Date of issue : circa.1965 Guarantee Supplied with a 12-month Vintage Watch Specialist guarantee Dimensions Width without crown : 34.5mm Lug width: 19mm Lug height (lug to lug): 42mm Wrist size: Adjustable
Historical context
Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)
Tool watches for divers, pilots and astronauts; electric watches anticipate the electronic age.
The classic era of the mechanical wristwatch: dive watches, chronographs for motor racing and space flight, GMT watches for jet travel, slim dress watches, automatic calendars, and the rise of Japanese manufacturers alongside Swiss, American, German and Soviet industries.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking
Atlas type guide
Dive and water-resistant watches
Keeping water and dust out of a wristwatch was a long-standing challenge. Rolex's screw-down Oyster case (1926) and Omega's Marine (1932) were landmarks; in the early 1950s Blancpain's Fifty Fathoms and Rolex's Submariner defined the professional dive watch with rotating bezels for timing dives, luminous dials and high water resistance. The ISO 6425 standard (1982) later codified what a 'diver's watch' must do.
Dive watches became icons of post-war design and exploration, and their evolution — helium escape valves, ceramic bezels, saturation-diving depth ratings — records the history of underwater work.
What to look for
- Unidirectional or bidirectional rotating bezel with minute markings.
- Screw-down crown and case back; depth rating printed on the dial.
- Luminous hands and markers (radium before c. 1960, tritium c. 1960–1998, then Super-LumiNova).
- Reference numbers on the case between the lugs or inside the back.
Dating clues
- Screw-down Oyster cases: from 1926.
- Professional dive watches: from 1953.
- Tritium 'T' marks on dials: c. 1960–1998.
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
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