Rolex 1501 oyster perpetual Date from 1983

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date ref. 1501
Serial 3605XXX — circa 1973

A wonderfully balanced vintage Rolex Date featuring the classic engine-turned bezel configuration that gives the ref. 1501 its distinctly understated character. Less formal than a fluted Datejust yet noticeably more refined than a smooth bezel Oyster Date, the 1501 occupies a unique and increasingly appreciated place within the vintage Rolex lineup.

The silver sunburst dial offers the clean minimalist aesthetic that defines early 1970s Rolex design, with applied baton markers, matching handset and subtle tritium lume plots creating a beautifully restrained monochromatic appearance. The smaller 34mm Oyster case gives the watch elegant proportions on the wrist while remaining highly versatile for everyday wear.

Its stainless steel engine-turned bezel catches light in a far softer and more technical way than traditional fluted bezels, lending the watch a more tool-oriented personality while still preserving the unmistakable Rolex identity. Combined with the acrylic crystal and compact Oyster architecture, the overall impression is distinctly vintage in the best possible sense.

Powered by Rolex’s chronometer-certified automatic movement, the ref. 1501 represents one of the purest expressions of the classic Oyster Perpetual Date concept: robust, elegant and effortlessly wearable more than fifty years after production.

Technical background

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date ref. 1501 was produced throughout the 1960s and 1970s as part of Rolex’s 34mm Date series. Positioned below the Datejust line, the reference offered the same robust Oyster construction and automatic movement in a slightly more compact and understated format. The engine-turned bezel became one of the defining characteristics of the ref. 1501 and remains especially appreciated by collectors today. This example dates to approximately 1973 based on its serial range.

Tech sheet

• Reference: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1501
• Serial: 3605XXX
• Year: 1973
• Case size: 34mm
• Movement: Rolex automatic chronometer movement
• Dial: Silver sunburst dial
• Crystal: Acrylic crystal with cyclops
• Bezel: Stainless steel engine-turned bezel
• Crown: Rolex signed crown
• Lug width: 19mm
• Condition: Very good vintage condition
• Warranty: 2-year warranty
• Additional: Can be polished free of charge after payment has been received upon customer request