Rolex Date Automatic Reference 1501 with Blue Linen Dial, 1969
View Similar Items
Rolex Date Automatic Reference 1501 with Blue Linen Dial, 1969
About the Item
- Creator:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1969
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Beverly Hills, CA
- Reference Number:Seller: 122471stDibs: LU139415555391
Rolex
While the rise in popularity of vintage Rolex watches is of no surprise to aficionados, collectors and industry experts, when it comes to contemporary luxury wristwatches, Rolex is also often the first brand that springs to mind. Not only is the company revered for its precision timekeeping and impeccable craftsmanship, but its name was designed to be memorable.
Rolex's enviable worldwide recognition can be credited in part to the genius of company founder Hans Wilsdorf. When the German-born watch dealer and his brother-in-law, Alfred Davis, set up their London enterprise, in 1905, they called it Wilsdorf & Davis, according to the traditional formula.
But Wilsdorf was determined to come up with another name that was short, would look good on a watch dial and was easy to say and remember in several languages. In 1908, he trademarked the name Rolex, and by 1920, he had moved the company to Geneva and redubbed it as Montres Rolex S.A.
But the main reasons for the brand’s success are its aforementioned commitment to precision and unflagging pursuit of innovation. In 1926, the company introduced the aptly named Oyster model. With a screw-down crown and case back, both fitted with rubber gaskets, this was the first truly waterproof watch.
Five years later, Rolex upped the ante with the Oyster Perpetual. That model’s patented Perpetual movement contained a rotor mechanism enabling it to self-wind. In another trendsetting move, in 1945, the brand debuted the Datejust, with a date window prominently displayed on the dial.
The company’s two most iconic models are sports watches. Although the Submariner, which debuted in 1953, was developed as a dive watch, its waterproof case, solid construction and good looks made it a favorite of adventurers and urbanites alike, including James Bond, who wore it in classics like Dr. No and Goldfinger. The Daytona, the racing chronograph made famous by Paul Newman, is especially sought after by collectors. Newman’s personal Daytona, which hit the auction block in 2017, sold for $17.8 million.
Find vintage Rolex watches, bracelets and more on 1stDibs.
- Rolex Oyster Date with Custom Mickey Mouse Dial Reference 6694By RolexLocated in New York, NYThe Rolex Oysterdate Precision 6694 is a vintage watch model that epitomizes classic Rolex craftsmanship and design. Introduced in the 1960s, this timepiece is a testament to timeless elegance and precision. It features a stainless steel case that measures 34mm in diameter, making it a modestly sized watch by modern standards but one that was quite typical for its time. The case houses a manually wound mechanical movement, showcasing Rolex's dedication to horological excellence. The 6694 model is part of the Oysterdate Precision line, which is noted for its date function displayed at the 3 o'clock position. This feature is accompanied by a magnifying Cyclops lens on the crystal, enhancing legibility. This watch features a custom Mickey Mouse dial with silver background. The dial is marked with simple baton or stick hour markers, exuding a minimalist aesthetic that has aged gracefully over the decades. A distinctive feature of the Rolex 6694...Category
Vintage 1960s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Rolex Oyster Date Reference 6694By RolexLocated in New York, NYThis vintage Rolex Oysterdate reference 6694 is from 1978 and remains a timeless classic suitable for both men and women. It features a...Category
Vintage 1970s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Mens Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1501 Automatic with Paper 1970s Vintage RA320BBy RolexLocated in Beverly Hills, CAClassic icon, Men's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref.1501 automatic, c.1970s, all original, with paper. Verified authentic by a master watchmaker. Gorgeous Rolex-signed silver dial, applied indice hour markers, silver minute and hour hands, sweeping central second hand, date display at the 3 position, hands and dial in excellent, vintage condition, very minor show of age. Acrylic crystal. Engine turned bezel on stainless steel case measures 35mm wide, in excellent vintage condition. 26-jeweled Rolex cal.1570 COSC automatic movement, cleaned and serviced, in excellent running condition. Fitted on new, aftermarket croc leather strap, with Rolex buckle. All time luxurious classic, Men's all-stainless steel Rolex Oyster Date 1501...Category
Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches
- Rolex Vintage Steel Date Model 1501 Black Dial Wrist WatchBy RolexLocated in Chicago, ILCirca 1957 Rolex Reference 1501 Date Model Wrist Watch, 34 M.M. 3 Piece Stainless Steel case with Engine Turned Bezel, Caliber 1560, 26 Jewel Automatic, Sel...Category
Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsSteel
- Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1501By RolexLocated in London, GBA 34mm stainless steel Oyster Perpetual Date by Rolex. Featuring a blue dial with applied hour markers and a steel engine-turned bezel. Fitted with a plastic glass, a self-winding au...Category
Late 20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Rolex Steel 34mm Oyster Perpetual Date Grey Dial 1500 Automatic Watch, 1969By RolexLocated in Central & Western District, HKBrand: Vintage Rolex Model: 1500 Year: 1969 Serial number: 20xxxxx Reference: C03481 Case: 34mm without crown; Show sign of wear with slight polish from previous; inner case back st...Category
Vintage 1960s Swiss Wrist Watches
MaterialsSteel, Stainless Steel
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
How to Spot a Fake Rolex: 13+ Expert Tips
Learn the devious techniques that counterfeiters use to sell inauthentic pieces at authentic prices. Of course, you don't have to worry about that on 1stDibs, where every seller of Rolex watches is highly vetted.
Rolex Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know about Choosing the Right Watch
From understanding the models to choosing among vintage, pre-owned and new watches, here’s our expert advice on finding the best Rolex for you.