Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date | Ref. 1501 (c. 1970)

If you're looking for a value play in the current world of vintage Rolex, this is absolutely it. A stunning Oyster Date 1501 from 1970, with a beautifully preserved and matching rivet bracelet. 

A NOTE FROM THE CURATOR

The Rolex Date Ref. 1501 has long lived in the shadow of the Datejust, but in many ways, I think it’s the more interesting and unique watch. Introduced in the 1960s as part of Rolex’s Oyster Perpetual Date line, the 1501 carries all the everyday practicality and durability Rolex was known for, but in a more compact and slightly edgier package. The standout feature of this reference is its steel engine-turned bezel, which gives the watch a more tool-oriented personality compared to its smooth or fluted siblings. Combined with the sleek proportions of the 34.5mm Oyster case and the aggressive taper of the riveted 7205 bracelet, the result is a watch that feels both refined and sporty in equal measure.

This particular example, dating to 1970 via its 2.3 million serial number, is especially compelling thanks to the presence of its correct Rolex 7205 rivet bracelet with 57 end links, with a matching production year of 1970. Details like this are becoming increasingly difficult to find as bracelets were so often replaced over decades of wear. With its warm tritium lume, crisp case proportions, and beautifully preserved silver sunburst dial, this is exactly the kind of honest, well-kept vintage Rolex that continues to get harder to source in truly attractive condition.

CONDITION REPORT & CONTENTS

Case & Bracelet

The case remains in fabulous overall condition with only minimal surface wear visible, including a couple of very small scratches on the upper right side of the case. The watch likely received a light professional polish during its Rolex service, though the lugs remain thick with crisp finishing still visible and pronounced.

The watch retains its desirable and correct Rolex 7205 rivet Oyster bracelet with 57 end links, dated to 1970, matching the production year of the watch itself. The bracelet remains in spectacular condition with only light wear and includes 12 riveted links. The strong taper to the 13.5mm clasp gives the watch a sleek yet sporty feel on the wrist.

Dial & Hands

The silver-toned sunburst dial is exceptionally clean, showing no moisture damage, discolouration, or significant tarnishing. The tritium lume plots have aged evenly to a warm cream tone and remain fully intact. There is tarnishing visible on some of the applied markers and Rolex coronet.

The lume in the hands glows and fades consistently with the dial under UV light, though the hands may have been replaced during a Rolex service as the colour is not a perfect visual match.

Crystal

The acrylic crystal remains in overall good condition with two light scratches visible.

Movement

Powering the watch is the Rolex Caliber 1570 automatic movement. The watch was last serviced by Rolex in 2011 and includes its Rolex service card from that service, dated and serial-numbered to the watch. It is currently running as it should at approximately +5 to +17s/d with a healthy amplitude of 279.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Reference: 1501
• Serial: 2.3 Million
• Production Year: 1970
• Case Material: Stainless Steel
• Case Diameter: 34.5mm
• Lug to Lug: 42mm
• Thickness: 12mm
• Bezel: Engine-Turned Steel Bezel
• Dial: Silver-tone Sunburst Dial
• Crystal: Acrylic
• Movement: Rolex Caliber 1570 Automatic
• Bracelet: Rolex 7205 Rivet Oyster Bracelet with 57 end links
• Bracelet Date Code: 1970
• Bracelet Links: 12 Rivet Links
• Lume: Tritium
• Accessories: Rolex Service Card (2011 Service)