SOLD — This watch has found a new owner. Available Rolex watches are shown below.
ROLEX Oyster Perpetual Date PurpleGrey tropical dial 1978s
Store Pickup:
Insured, tracked worldwide delivery
By DHL Express or FedEx, fully insured with tracking, in discreet packaging.
| Japan / Asia | 1–2 days |
| Europe / US | 3–7 days |
| Other regions | 3–7 days |
Estimated times after dispatch.
Taxes and import duties
For delivery within Japan, prices include all applicable taxes.
Outside Japan, local duties or import taxes may apply. DHL or FedEx will email you to pay them before delivery.
1-year warranty
If the movement malfunctions or needs adjustment under normal use within one year, we repair or adjust it free of charge.
Certificate of authenticity included
Every watch is authenticated and inspected before sale, and comes with a PRINCIPE PRIVÉ certificate card. See the specifications for full contents.
See it in person at Omotesando store
This watch can be viewed and collected in store. Store information
Returns for defects or damage
We accept returns for defects, damage on arrival or the wrong item. See our Buyers Policy.
The story
About this watch
Among vintage Rolex watches, few characteristics are as captivating as a naturally tropical dial. This Oyster Perpetual Date is distinguished by a remarkable dial that has transformed over decades into a rich purple-grey tone, creating a character that can never be replicated.

Its stainless steel engine-turned bezel and Oyster case embody the timeless design language that has defined Rolex for generations. The balanced proportions and robust construction provide a versatile presence, equally suited to everyday wear and special occasions.

The dial is the undeniable centerpiece of this watch. Once finished in a darker tone, decades of exposure to time and environment have gradually produced a unique blend of muted purple and warm grey. The result is a surface of extraordinary depth, where changing light continuously reveals new shades and textures. Applied baton markers and matching hands remain crisp against the tropical backdrop, preserving both elegance and legibility.

Powering the watch is the legendary Rolex Caliber 1570, one of the finest automatic movements ever produced by the brand. Renowned for its durability, precision, and ease of service, it represents the golden age of Rolex mechanical watchmaking.

No two tropical dials age alike. This watch stands as a singular expression of time itself, offering a beauty that neither restoration nor reproduction can ever achieve.
Some colors are painted. The rarest are created by time.
- wrist size in our picture is 17cm circumference -
Specifications
Specifications and condition
- Brand
- ROLEX
- Ref.
- 1501
- Year
- 1978s
DIAL
- PurpleGrey Tropical dial
STRAP & BUCKLE
- Stainless steel fitting up to 18cm wrist size
CASE
- Stainless steel
- 34mm
MOVEMENT
- Cal 1570
BOX & PAPERS
- "PRINCIPE PRIVÉ" certificate of authenticity card
- "PRINCIPE PRIVÉ" box
Sold
This watch has found
its next owner.

ROLEX Oyster Perpetual Date PurpleGrey tropical dial 1978s
¥1,820,000
- 1-year
warranty - Authenticated
& inspected - Insured
delivery