{"product_id":"rolex-date-ref-1501-c-1970","title":"Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date | Ref. 1501 (c. 1970)","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"187\"\u003eIf 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1tlcsw4\" data-start=\"1603\" data-end=\"1633\"\u003eA NOTE FROM THE CURATOR\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"187\"\u003eThe \u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eRolex\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"957\" data-end=\"1601\"\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"1tlcsw4\" data-start=\"1603\" data-end=\"1633\"\u003eCONDITION REPORT \u0026amp; CONTENTS\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-section-id=\"anbd9a\" data-start=\"1635\" data-end=\"1656\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCase \u0026amp; Bracelet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1657\" data-end=\"1974\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1976\" data-end=\"2361\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-section-id=\"4dhln4\" data-start=\"2363\" data-end=\"2381\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDial \u0026amp; Hands\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2382\" data-end=\"2699\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2701\" data-end=\"2895\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-section-id=\"q3yzlw\" data-start=\"2897\" data-end=\"2910\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCrystal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2911\" data-end=\"3005\"\u003eThe acrylic crystal remains in overall good condition with two light scratches visible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-section-id=\"1b5c9s5\" data-start=\"3007\" data-end=\"3035\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMovement\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3036\" data-end=\"3342\"\u003ePowering 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-section-id=\"vcd563\" data-start=\"3344\" data-end=\"3361\"\u003eSPECIFICATIONS\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"3363\" data-end=\"3874\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"x87lss\" data-start=\"3363\" data-end=\"3382\"\u003eReference: 1501\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1oxf3pt\" data-start=\"3383\" data-end=\"3406\"\u003eSerial: 2.3 Million\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1paw975\" data-start=\"3407\" data-end=\"3432\"\u003eProduction Year: 1970\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"rgu1pq\" data-start=\"3433\" data-end=\"3467\"\u003eCase Material: Stainless Steel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1m9ek59\" data-start=\"3468\" data-end=\"3493\"\u003eCase Diameter: 34.5mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"i9vwsv\" data-start=\"3494\" data-end=\"3514\"\u003eLug to Lug: 42mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"s42kfb\" data-start=\"3515\" data-end=\"3534\"\u003eThickness: 12mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1mmeuh2\" data-start=\"3535\" data-end=\"3571\"\u003eBezel: Engine-Turned Steel Bezel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"seeia7\" data-start=\"3572\" data-end=\"3602\"\u003eDial: Silver-tone Sunburst Dial\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1xggx5r\" data-start=\"3603\" data-end=\"3623\"\u003eCrystal: Acrylic\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"65fc5t\" data-start=\"3624\" data-end=\"3666\"\u003eMovement: Rolex Caliber 1570 Automatic\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1va662s\" data-start=\"3667\" data-end=\"3713\"\u003eBracelet: Rolex 7205 Rivet Oyster Bracelet with 57 end links\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1iyj5bm\" data-start=\"3732\" data-end=\"3772\"\u003eBracelet Date Code: 1970\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"a75rfr\" data-start=\"3773\" data-end=\"3807\"\u003eBracelet Links: 12 Rivet Links\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"6e8lt5\" data-start=\"3808\" data-end=\"3825\"\u003eLume: Tritium\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"h9dj1r\" data-start=\"3826\" data-end=\"3874\" data-is-last-node=\"\"\u003eAccessories: Rolex Service Card (2011 Service)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Rolex","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45111183081654,"sku":null,"price":4995.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0581\/7011\/4230\/files\/8F542F70-A4B5-4D11-8A15-FD5389360EB5.jpg?v=1778270256","url":"https:\/\/thisiswatchable.com\/products\/rolex-date-ref-1501-c-1970","provider":"Watchable Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}