Here we have a lovely example of a circa 1966 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer. It is the reference 1007 with the 34mm Steel Oyster case with an engine turned bezel. It has an uncommon and eye-catching deep blue sunburst sigma dial, with the gold applied batons and gold baton style hands. It comes on a circa 1983 service replacement bracelet ref 78350 (screw links), with 557 end links. Inside is the Chronometer grade calibre 1570 automatic movement, which is keeping time to within chronometer standards.
The dial is the main talking point of this watch. It is a blue tone with the radial brushed finish. This combines with the sunburst finish to create an eye-catching texture which plays with the light. The dial is signed to the exterior with simple gold tone dash minute/second markers. The applied hour markers are of baton design. They are formed of gold and have the rich tone with polished finish. To the base of each is the Tritium luminous plots which have aged to a yellow/green tone with age. The Rolex cornet logo is applied at 12 O’clock with the ‘Rolex Oyster Perpetual’ signing below in the gold tone. Above 6 o’clock the dial is signed with the ‘Superlative Chronometer, Officially Certified’ text. The base of the dial is signed with the ‘σ T Swiss T σ’ signing, signifying that it is the Sigma dial with gold hour markers and hands.
The hands are of the baton style with the aged luminous in-fill inset. There is a subtle bevel to the centre of the hands which catches the light. The central second is also original and gold, with the broad counterbalance and tapered design.
The case is the subtle Rolex Oyster 34mm variation. It is a neat and compact design with the total width with crown coming to 36.5mm. It has a slim depth of 10.5mm including the box crystal. The lug-to-lug length of just under 40mm adds presence to the case and increases the overall feel.
It is a classic Oyster case with the tapered lugs and the brushed finish to the top. The curved case sides have the polished finish. To the right is the screw down crown with the Rolex Cornet to the face. The bezel is engine turned with the polished sections in line with the hour markers, with double section for 12 O’clock. The grained finish sits in-between the polished markers. This engine turned bezel gives the watch a little extra lift. It’s a subtle variation in design, but it still really catches the eye.
Between the lugs are signed with the reference 1007, with the serial number which dates it to 1966. The rear of the case has the brushed finish, with the coin edge screw back. The face has the brushed finish, with the polished surround. Inside it is signed with the ‘Montres Rolex S.A.’ signing and the reference number 1007. The date is also marked ‘I.66’ for the first quarter of 1966.
The movement is the Rolex calibre 1570. It is a chronometer grade automatic movement with a jewel count of 26. It operates at a frequency of 19,800 BPH. It was serviced by Rolex in 2014 and is keeping time to within chronometer standards.
The watch comes on a service replacement bracelet, which has the date code ‘H’ dating it to 1983. It is the reference 78350, with 557 end links. It is full length and will fit any wrist size.
The watch is modelled on a 7” wrist circumference.
Full condition report below. Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
Dial:
The dial is original and is in good condition for the age. The tone is good and even with no discolouration or scratching. The signing is very good and clearly defined. There is some corrosion where the gold markers meet the dial at 10, 2 and 7.
Hands:
The hands are original and are in good condition with only light scratching. The luminous in-fill is original and has aged.
Glass:
The acrylic crystal is a correct Rolex replacement, in very good condition.
Crown:
The crown is original and is in good condition. It screws down and has a sharp coin edge. It is signed with the Cornet which is well defined.
Case:
The case is formed of Stainless Steel and shows signs of light polishing in the past. It has light scratching and some nicks associated with age. The drilled lug holes are good and unworn.
Caseback:
The case back is Stainless Steel and is in good original condition. The coin edge is well defined. There are some light scratches to the face.
Bracelet:
Service replacement Rolex bracelet from 1983. In good condition with light scratching associated with age. It is full length and will fit any wrist.
Movement:
The movement is the Rolex calibre 1570. It is a chronometer grade automatic movement with a jewel count of 26. It operates at a frequency of 19,800 BPH. It was serviced by Rolex in 2014 and is keeping time to within chronometer standards.
It is keeping time to within +/- 3 seconds a day, with a strong amplitude of 320 degrees and a beat error of 0.2m/s.
Case Dimensions:
Case width: 34mm
Case width with crown: 36.5mm
Case length: 33mm
Case length lug to lug: 39.7mm
Case Depth: 10.5mm
Lug width: 19mm