1972 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref. 1500 With Sigma Dial

Why This Watch Matters

This Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date is a textbook example of why keeping it simple is often the best way to go. 

The Full Story

The Rolex ref. 1500 offers a blueprint of how a straightforward design, when executed in the right way, can become an all-time classic. The deceivingly uncomplicated appearance offers effortless performance and comfort. With a well-proportioned case diameter of 34mm and a smooth bezel, it is well suited for men and women, and for all occasions. The uncluttered dial layout features matching baton markers and hands, and has a large date window with a Cyclops lens to maximize legibility. The dial indexes have an unusual combination of applied single and double bars. The bottom of the dial features a "Sigma" indication, a label used in the 1970s to show that the hour markers and hands on the watch were made of gold. This was the result of an effort made by l'Association pour la Promotion Industrielle de l'Or (APRIOR), a Swiss watch industry trade association, to emphasize the value of watches using any gold material. The inside caseback is engraved "III 72," indicating it is from the third quarter of 1972. With a gorgeous patina on the silver sunburst dial and lume, this Rolex Date model is about as timeless as it gets.   

The Fine Print

Maker: Rolex
Model: Oyster Perpetual Date
Reference: 1500
Year: Circa 1972
Case No: 3107623
Material: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 34mm diameter; 12mm thickness
Crystal: Plexiglass
Lume: Yes, tritium
Caliber: Rolex self-winding caliber 1575
Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Bedford Strap In Navy
Lug Width: 19mm 
Box/Papers: N/A

What we Love and What You Should Know

The watch is in overall very good condition. The case appears to have been lightly polished in the past, but it retains a nice thickness. The interior of both sets of lugs show scratches and signs of the previous bracelet. There is a minor nick on the nine o’clock side of the case and soft scratches on the bezel. Both sides of the case have a couple of light indentations. The silver dial is in excellent condition and has gained a soft champagne color, which brings out the warmth of the creamy patina on the lume plots and hands. The lume plots are slightly worn in several areas. The hands match perfectly and appear to be original. The inside caseback is engraved "1501," which is not uncommon for a ref. 1500.