THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: ROLEX
MODEL: 1500/8
YEAR: 1979
BOX/PAPERS: YES/YES
CASE DIAMETER: 34MM
CASE MATERIAL: 18K ROSE GOLD
BRACELET MATERIAL: LEATHER
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date line was quietly introduced in the 1950s, bridging the gap between the time-only Oyster Perpetual and the far more famous Datejust. The 34 mm model remained somewhat overshadowed by the Datejust and Day-Date throughout its life, right up until its discontinuation just a few years ago. Most examples are fairly restrained, typically featuring a stainless steel case, smooth bezel, and simple dial.

However, the present example, ref. 1500/8, is anything but average. It features an 18K rose gold case with a gorgeous silver dial. While full-gold Datejust's are already less common than Day-Dates, finding one in the 34 mm Oyster Perpetual Date line is even more unusual, particularly in 18K gold (14K was more commonly used on precious metal Oyster Perpetual models). This watch was worn very sparingly throughout its life. The case is pristine, showing only the faintest hairlines. The dial is flawless, with all of the tritium lume plots intact and aged to a lovely creamy hue.

The movement arrived in excellent health and is running at +4 s/d, with 285° amplitude and a beat error of just 0.1 ms. Out of all the models in the Rolex catalogue in 1979, very few were more expensive than this, and the original owner could easily have purchased a larger Datejust or Day-Date instead. Instead, they knew exactly what they wanted—something that still rings true for the new owner today.

The watch comes complete with its original inner and outer boxes, booklet, wallet, and guarantee papers.

A wonderful watch on the wrist.