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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Self-winding wristwatch

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 1002, 1966

Partially verified

This 1966 Rolex Oyster Perpetual, reference 1002, features a 9K yellow gold case and is equipped with a 14K yellow gold bracelet manufactured by the Birmingham-based firm Britton & Sons. Produced for the British market, the case displays London import hallmarks dated 1967. The silver-colored dial is vertically brushed and retains original tritium luminescent plots and matching hands, both of which exhibit a golden patina. The exterior case back is personalized with a hand-engraved inscription, "HKM, 11/9/70." The watch measures 34mm in diameter. The auction description notes the case has undergone light polishing and remains in good condition, while the movement service history is currently unverified.

Front view of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual reference 1002 showing the silver brushed dial and engine-turned bezel.
Front view of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual reference 1002 showing the silver brushed dial and engine-turned bezel. — Craft & Tailored. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
craftandtailored.com
Category
Wristwatch · Self-winding wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
1002
Catalogue / lot identifier
RLXOP1002-9K
Source-reported date
1966
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
148XXXX

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 Bracelet

The watch is housed in a 34mm 9K yellow gold Oyster case characterized by an engine-turned bezel. The case exhibits light signs of prior polishing, which has softened the edges while maintaining the integrity of the lugs. The interior of the case back contains the relevant UK assay hallmarks and matches the serial number found between the lugs on the midcase. A hand-engraved inscription on the exterior case back reads "HKM, 11/9/70."

The timepiece is fitted with a 14K yellow gold bracelet produced by the Birmingham company Britton & Sons. This bracelet is of a standard size, fitting wrists between 7 and 7.5 inches. While the bracelet is consistent with the era of the watch, the auction description notes that it is not possible to confirm if this specific bracelet was originally paired with the head at the time of initial sale or if it was added subsequently.

Evidence for this section
  • “The excellent 9K yellow gold case retains full, even lugs with light evidence of prior polishing”
  • “The outside case back features an attractive hand-engraved personalization reading “HKM, 11/9/70.””
  • “While we cannot confirm whether it accompanied the watch when first sold or was paired with it later”

Dial and Hands

The silver-tone dial is distinguished by a vertical brushing finish, which provides a textured aesthetic. The hour markers are applied indices, each featuring tritium luminous plots that have aged to a golden hue. The hands are original to the watch and match the condition and patina of the dial markers. Under UV inspection, neither the dial plots nor the hands show signs of degradation.

The dial bears standard branding for a Rolex Oyster Perpetual and indicates its status as a Superlative Chronometer. The condition of the dial is reported as exceptional, with minimal signs of age and no apparent damage to the surface or print.

Evidence for this section
  • “The original and uncommon vertically brushed silver dial remains in exceptional vintage condition”
  • “The tritium lume plots have developed an attractive golden patina”
  • “The original tritium hands have aged to complement the dial beautifully”

Provenance and Authentication

The watch is identified as a 1966 production, though its presence in the British market is confirmed by the 1967 London import hallmarks stamped within the case. This specific configuration—a 9K gold case paired with a 14K gold bracelet by Britton & Sons—is characterized by the vendor as a rarely encountered combination.

The movement is a self-winding Perpetual calibre. The seller notes that the watch is currently keeping time but states that the historical service records are unknown. As such, the internal condition and performance of the movement remain subject to independent verification by the user.

Evidence for this section
  • “Produced for the British market, its 9K yellow gold case bears London import hallmarks dated 1967”
  • “era-correct and rarely encountered 14K yellow gold Rolex bracelet, manufactured by Birmingham-based Britton & Sons”
  • “The watch is keeping time, the previous service history is unknown.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement calibre contained within this 1002 reference?
  • Are there archives confirming the frequency of Britton & Sons bracelets supplied to Rolex for the UK market during the 1960s?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 1002, 1966
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerRolex“Vendor: Rolex”
Model reference1002“1966 Rolex Oyster-Perpetual 9K YG (Ref. 1002)”
Bracelet makerBritton & Sons“manufactured by Birmingham-based Britton & Sons”
Production date1966“1966 ref. 1002”
HallmarksLondon import hallmarks dated 1967“its 9K yellow gold case bears London import hallmarks dated 1967”

Visible details

  • Vertical brushing pattern on the dial surface
  • Engine-turned decorative bezel
  • Hand-engraved inscription on the case back
  • Golden patina on tritium dial markers

Research qualifications

  • Pairing of the 14K bracelet with the 9K watch head cannot be confirmed as original to the point of sale.
  • Previous service history of the movement is unverified.

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

Consulted source

رولکس Oyster-Perpetual رفرنس 1002، سال ۱۹۶۶، طلای زرد 9K با بند طلای 14K ساخت Britton & Sons

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 9c9bc60ce3

Terms in this record

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

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