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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Date wristwatch

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref. 1501

Partially verified

This Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date, reference 1501, is a 34mm stainless steel wristwatch dating to 1963, identified by serial number 958xxx. It is fitted with an engine-turned bezel and a gilt dial that has developed a honey-brown patina. The dial features stick markers and luminous plots with a yellowish patina, accompanied by hands with a corresponding tone. The movement is an automatic caliber housed within the Oyster case. The watch is presented on a riveted Oyster bracelet, reference 7205, with end links marked 57 and a clasp stamped 4-63, which bears an engraving of the initials “MDH”. The object is accompanied by an original Rolex box, a hangtag, and a set of chronometer papers, one of which documents a sale in 1966. The watch has undergone service by the vendor's watchmaker.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref. 1501 with honey-brown gilt dial on a riveted Oyster bracelet.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref. 1501 with honey-brown gilt dial on a riveted Oyster bracelet. — Bulang & Sons. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bulangandsons.com
Category
Wristwatch · Date wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
1501
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1963
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
958xxx

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial

The watch features a 34mm stainless steel Oyster case and an engine-turned bezel. The dial is a gilt type that has aged to a honey-brown color. The dial displays a variation in shade across its surface, with a darker tone on the left and a lighter tone on the right.

The dial is configured with stick markers and luminous plots that show a yellowish patina. The hands also display a matching yellowish patina. The gilt text on the dial remains visible in a golden hue.

Evidence for this section
  • “34mm steel case”
  • “engine-turned bezel”
  • “gilt dial that has beautifully aged into a honey-brown color”
  • “gilt text remains sharp, with a golden hue, complemented by lovely stick markers and a yellowish patina”

Bracelet and Personalization

The watch is equipped with a riveted Oyster bracelet, identified as reference 7205. The bracelet features end links marked with the number 57. The clasp is stamped with the date code 4-63.

The clasp is further personalized with an engraving on its exterior surface, reading “MDH”.

Evidence for this section
  • “fitted with a riveted Oyster bracelet, reference 7205, with end links marked 57, and a clasp stamped 4-63”
  • “clasp also bears a charming engraving: “MDH””

Documentation and Service

The object includes its original Rolex box, an old hangtag, and a set of chronometer papers. One of the included documents indicates that the watch was sold in 1966.

The vendor reports that the watch has been fully serviced by their watchmaker.

Evidence for this section
  • “original Rolex box is included, along with an old hangtag and a set of chronometer papers, one of which indicates a sale in 1966”
  • “The watch has been fully serviced by our watchmaker.”
  • “One-year mechanical warranty”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement caliber number visible under the rotor in the provided photographs?
  • Does the serial number 958xxx correspond to a production year definitively within 1963 based on historical production tables?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref. 1501
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Reference1501“Rolex Oyster -perpetual Date Reference 1501”
Case size34mm“34mm steel case”
Serial number958xxx“Serial 958xxx dating to 1963”
Bracelet reference7205“Rolex rivited oyster bracelet ref 7205”
Clasp date stamp4-63“clasp stamped 4-63”
Dial descriptionGilt turned to honey brown““Gilt “dial turned to a honey brown”
AccessoriesBox, hangtag, chronometer papers“Original Rolex box , hangtag, 2 x chronometer papers - stating a sale 1966”

Visible details

  • Honey-brown aged gilt dial with gradient shading
  • Engraved 'MDH' initials on the bracelet clasp
  • Engine-turned steel bezel
  • Riveted Oyster bracelet construction

Research qualifications

  • The exact cause of the dial's color variance remains a matter of speculation
  • The original owner's identity associated with the clasp engraving is unverified

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت مچی Rolex Oyster-Perpetual Date رفرنس 1501 با صفحه تروپیکال گیلت

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 5307089e1c

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.