ROLEX Oyster Perpetual Date 1501 18k Yellow Gold 1964s

The Oyster Perpetual Date was introduced alongside the Datejust era, initially positioned with a different movement architecture despite sharing many of the same practical functions.

That changed in 1959 with the introduction of Rolex’s legendary Cal.1560. From this point onward, the functional difference between the Oyster Perpetual Date and the Datejust effectively disappeared, leaving case size and design as the primary distinction between the two lines.

Together with the 1600-series Datejust family, the Ref.1500-series Oyster Perpetual Date family became one of the foundations of Rolex’s global success during the 1960s.

Within the 1500 family, references were differentiated primarily by bezel design. The polished bezel Ref.1500, the flat engine-turned bezel Ref.1501, and references such as 1503, 1504, and others each carried distinct visual identities.

Presented here is the highly sought-after Ref.1501.
Its wider engine-turned bezel gives the watch a noticeably stronger presence compared to other members of the 1500 family.

This particular example is further distinguished by its rare solid 18k yellow gold construction, produced primarily during the earlier Cal.1560 period around the mid-1960s. Today, even 14k gold examples have become increasingly difficult to encounter, making surviving 18k pieces exceptionally rare.

The bracelet is also period-correct to approximately 1965.
Solid gold Rolex bracelets from this era have become highly collectible in their own right and are seldom seen on the market today. The clasp section shows signs of restoration.

That come with later black gloss “σ sigma” dial from the post-1975 period service dial. 
Additionally, The silver original dial features an early configuration with enlarged indices only at 6 and 9 o’clock, paired with luminous alpha hands—details found only on the earliest examples.

A remarkable example that preserves the distinctive character of the early Ref.1501 era—
combining rare materials, transitional details, and the enduring identity of vintage Rolex.

- wrist size in our picture is 17cm circumference -