For sale we have a beautiful not often seen variation of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 1500. It has a 34mm Stainless Steel Oyster case and dates to 1960, which makes this an early example for the reference. It also has a desirable and uncommon black dial with gold signing and hour markers. Among the other uncommon aspects is that it is presented on a 1950s WAB (Watch Accessories Birmingham) Made In England expanding bracelet.
 
The matte black dial is original and has developed a unique ageing. There is a light speckling to the matte black base tone, with raising and cracking to the lacquer around the applied hour markers and Rolex cornet. The gold Rolex signing is well executed with the Chronometer signing above 6 O’clock. The hour markers are of arrow design and are uncommon. The lume plots to their base are also original. The date window is a nicely aged champagne tone, with clear black signing. 
 
The handset is well balanced with the arrow hour markers, being of dauphine style. It has the original radium lume in-fill to the centre. This and the dial are protected by a new model correct acrylic crystal. 
 
The Stainless Oyster case measures 34mm, 2mm smaller than the Datejust. This may seem on the smaller side, but with a lug-to-lug measurement of 42.25mm, this case still has significant wrist presence. It has the brushed finish to the top, with polished bezel and polished sides. The Oyster crown is original and in good condition with cornet logo, screwing down as it should. The case back is the classic oyster design with coin edge finish. Inside it is signed with the reference 1500, with the date stamp IV60. 
 
The movement is the beautiful calibre 1560 with butterfly rotor. It is chronometer grade and is automatic. It has a jewel count of 26 and has a non-quickset date function. It is keeping time to within 3 seconds a day.
 
The watch is presented on a 1950s WAB Made In England for Rolex, official expanding rivet bracelet. This is a rare and unique bracelet which contributes to the overall appeal of this piece with its black and gold dial.
 
The watch comes with a period correct Rolex box which is potentially original. 
 
Full condition report below. Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
 
Dial: 
The matte black dial is original and has some ageing around the hour markers to the lacquer. The hour markers are good with some slight corrosion marks. The signing is clear and good in a gold tone. The date window is a patinated champagne tone. 
 
Hands: 
The hands are original of luminous dauphine design, in a gold tone. They are in good condition with little sign of corrosion on the hour and minute hand. The lume in-fill is original. The second hand is original with lollipop counterbalance.
 
Glass: 
The acrylic crystal is a new replacement, which is model correct and in perfect condition.
 
Crown: 
The Rolex crown is original and in good condition, functioning as it should, screwing down well.
 
Case:
The case is formed of Stainless Steel and is in average condition with light surface scratching. It has had the finish re-done in the past. The brushed finish on the top is good, with polished finish to the sides. The lugs are well shaped with little signs of wear to the drilled lugs. The steel bezel has marking associated with age.  
 
Caseback:
The case back is stainless steel and is in average condition with polished exterior and a brushed face. The finishing has light surface scratching associated with ageing. The coin edge is average with some wear, with a deeper scratch from poor opening attempts. 
 
Strap: 
The watch comes on a rivet bracelet with a made in England, WAB clasp. It has 57 endlinks. It is in decent condition for the age, with signs of use as expected. The overall finish is good with some light scratching. The clasp has a slight repair to the inside. 
 
Movement: 
The movement is a Rolex calibre 1560. It is a chronometer grade automatic movement with a jewel count of 26 and a frequency of 18,000 BPH. It has a date function. It has the desirable butterfly rotor design. 
 
The movement service history is unknown, but it is in good condition. It’s keeping time to within -3 seconds deviation a day, with an amplitude of 290 degrees and a beat error of 2.0m/s.
 
Case dimensions:
Case width: 34.5mm
Case width with crown: 37.75mm
Case length: 33.25mm
Lug to lug: 42.25mm
Depth: 11.75mm
Lug width: 19mm