ROLEX Oyster Perpetual
 
The first waterproof watch case Rolex made was the “Oyster” – And “Perpetual” refers to the perpetually winding rotor inside every Rolex watch.
 
It was around 1945 when the name Oyster Perpetual first came out to be seen. The Oyster Perpetual watches combined the robust Rolex Oyster case with the Rolex self-winding movement.
 
In 1926, Rolex launched the original Oyster watch – the first waterproof watch. “The Oyster name comes from an oyster, sealed keeping the bivalves closed keeping ocean water in. Of course, for a Rolex Oyster, the opposite is the goal, sealing the movement keeping water and dust out.”
 
Then, in 1931, Rolex patented a self-winding movement that uses a weight to gently wind the watch as it is being worn on the wrist, and thus the word “Perpetual” was added as the watch could be perpetually wound.

ROLEX Oyster Perpetual Datejust

A milestone in watchmaking history, the Datejust was Introduced in 1945 and it still symbolizes Rolex’s definition of classic elegance. The Datejust was the first self-winding waterproof chronometer wristwatch to feature a window displaying the date on the dial at 3 o’clock position. This unique combination was further enhanced in 1953 with the magnifying effect of the Cyclops lens on the display.
 
“The Datejust offers comfort as well as legibility and daily time management. Useful and practical, it was soon established as a precious instrument for the modern, independent, active wearer.” – From rolex.com/en-us.

ROLEX Oyster Perpetual Date

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date was first introduced during the mid-1950s. Early models of the Rolex Date include the references 6530, 6535 and 6537. Also, the reference 6518, but this particular vintage model was made with several different names on the dial.

In the 1960s, a second generation of Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date watches were released. Still featuring the 34mm case, cyclops lens and acrylic crystals, the manufacturer switched out radium for tritium to keep the dial luminescent.

By the 1980s, a new series of Rolex Date watches, with the 150XX range were released. This time, featured the new caliber 3035 with quickset date, making them a lot more practical than their predecessors.


ROLEX Oyster Perpetual Date
34mm Ref. 15505
Superlative Chronometer
Officially Certified

The Oyster Perpetual Date is a sibling of the Datejust series, featuring the same iconic Oyster Case design, three-hand plus date functionality, and build quality you'd expect to come out of Rolex, but with a slightly smaller 34mm case size. "It offers the exclusivity that many seek from the Rolex brand with a smaller size and weight."

In this opportunity, we are offering this vintage example of the Date series, it is a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date automatic wristwatch, reference 15505 and dated from 1985. It features an 18K yellow gold shell case and bracelet, all original.

The Rolex Date reference 15505 was introduced during the 1980s, a period of significant innovation for Rolex. "At a time when quartz watches were dominating the market, Rolex continued to champion mechanical movements, with the Date 15505 serving as a testament to this commitment. The model soon gained acclaim for its distinctive aesthetic appeal and precision, making it a beloved choice among watch aficionados."

This is an automatic watch powered by the in-house made Rolex movement caliber 3035, date indicator (quickset, counterclockwise to set time), sweep second hand, 27 jewels, adjusted 5 positions temperature, 42-hour power reserve, 28,800 vph, Swiss made, COSC certified.

Super clean white dial featuring the rare and unique combination of Roman Numerals and gold baton hour marks. Tritium lume plots, gold/luminous matching hands and the outer minute/second track. The date window is located at 3 o'clock position and the dial is also signed with the Rolex name and logo, "Oyster Perpetual Date" and "Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified."

Elegant in its simplicity, this watch is cased in a classic 34mm yellow gold shell over stainless steel Oyster case surrounded by a smooth bezel, and stainless steel back. Rolex signature waterproof screw-down crown. Acrylic crystal with magnifying effect of the Cyclops lens on the display. It comes on an Oystersteel Oyster bracelet with three-piece links and folding clasp, reference 78351.

This vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date gold shell is in excellent condition and would make a great addition to any vintage collection.

Thank you for looking! Please feel free to contact us with any question, or respectful offers.

Movement:
ROLEX S.A.
Geneva Swiss
Twenty Seven 27 Jewels
Adj. 5 Positions Temperature
Cal. 3035

Case Markings: 
MONTRES ROLEX S.A.
Geneva
Switzerland
Stainless Steel
15 505

Measurements (mm):
Case Diameter 34
Case Diameter with Crown 36.6
Case Lug to Lug 40.7
Case Thickness 13.2
Lug Width 20

Vintage watches are traditionally smaller than today's watches. Men’s watches typically measure between 29-36mm wide (some larger, some smaller) excluding the crown. In the listing details we typically try to do our best to list all pertinent dimensions of a watch. If you don't see it, or we failed to do so, please reach out to us. Women’s watches from the 1900s-1970s were also much smaller than today's offerings. Please also feel free to ask any questions you have pertaining to size.
 
We prefer to shoot photographs outside when weather is permitting. However, when we shoot indoors, please be aware that we shoot our photographs inside of lightboxes that are lit with 360 LED bulbs. This indeed magnifies any flaws. Usually, they are much less obvious to the naked eye. Having said that, we never photoshop any of our photography, remove blemishes, etc. We adjust the lighting, when necessary, but what you see is what you are getting, and we take pride in that.

The condition is pre-owned.
The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear but is fully operational and functions as intended.
Please review the photos and feel free to ask any questions you may have.
 
It will be carefully packed.

Please view our other listings.
Thank you for looking!

WA-0756