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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Oyster Perpetual

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 1005

Partially verified

This 1969 Rolex Oyster Perpetual, reference 1005, is a men's wristwatch featuring a 34mm stainless steel case and a 14K yellow gold fluted bezel. It is fitted with a taupe sunburst "ghost" dial, characterized by tonal printing that varies in visibility depending on ambient lighting. The dial includes tritium lume plots and is paired with matching tritium hands. The watch is presented on an original two-tone Rolex "U.S.A. Made" Jubilee bracelet with 49 end pieces and 21 links. The auction description notes that the case and case back retain their original factory finishing. The movement's service history is unknown, though the watch is reported to be keeping time. The timepiece displays a golden patina on the lume plots consistent with its period.

Front view of the 1969 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 1005 showing the taupe sunburst dial, yellow gold fluted bezel, and two-tone Jubilee bracelet.
Front view of the 1969 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 1005 showing the taupe sunburst dial, yellow gold fluted bezel, and two-tone Jubilee bracelet. — Craft & Tailored. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
craftandtailored.com
Category
Wristwatch · Oyster Perpetual
Maker / attribution
Rolex
Reference
1005
Catalogue / lot identifier
RLXOP1005-2
Source-reported date
1969
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
21XXXXX

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 features a 34mm stainless steel case accented by a 14K yellow gold fluted bezel. The vendor reports that the case is in an unpolished state, preserving its original factory dimensions and surface finish. The case back is similarly described as retaining its original factory configuration.

It is fitted with a two-tone Rolex Jubilee bracelet manufactured in the United States, which includes 49 end pieces. The bracelet comprises 21 links and shows signs of moderate stretch from previous wear. The vendor states the bracelet can accommodate a wrist size of up to 7 1/2 inches.

Evidence for this section
  • “The unpolished case retains its factory finishing and dimensions with minimal signs of use.”
  • “The original Rolex "U.S.A Made" two-tone Jubilee bracelet with 49 end pieces retains 21 links that show moderate stretch from use”

Dial and Hands

The timepiece is equipped with a taupe-colored sunburst dial identified by the seller as a "ghost" dial variant. This specific configuration features tonal text printing designed to shift in visibility depending on the intensity and angle of lighting.

The dial is equipped with tritium-based luminous plots that exhibit a golden patina.

Evidence for this section
  • “The original taupe sunburst "ghost" dial is in exceptional condition with no age or damage present.”
  • “The tritium lume plots have taken on a gorgeous golden patina and exhibit no degradation under U.V. light inspection.”

Condition and Maintenance

The seller reports that the watch is currently functional and keeps time. There is no available documentation regarding the watch's service history, and the current maintenance status is unverified.

The overall condition of the components, specifically the case, bezel, and dial, is described as being in an excellent or exceptional state, with minimal signs of use noted by the auction house.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch is keeping time, previous service history is unknown.”
  • “The 14K yellow gold fluted bezel is in excellent unpolished condition, showing minimal signs of use.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific production month or batch for serial number 21XXXXX?
  • What is the technical definition or archive verification for the "ghost" dial variant within Rolex 1005 production?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 1005
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Year1969“1969 Rolex Two-Tone Oyster-Perpetual (Ref. 1005)”
BraceletRolex "U.S.A. Made" Two-Tone Jubilee Bracelet W/ 49 End Pieces“Rolex "U.S.A. Made" Two-Tone Jubilee Bracelet W/ 49 End Pieces”
Case FinishUnpolished“The unpolished case retains its factory finishing and dimensions”
LumeTritium“The tritium lume plots have taken on a gorgeous golden patina”

Visible details

  • 34mm case diameter
  • Two-tone Jubilee bracelet with yellow gold center links
  • Fluted yellow gold bezel
  • Sunburst texture on the dial

Research qualifications

  • Previous service history is unknown
  • Stated as "unpolished" based on seller assessment

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

Consulted source

ساعت مچی Rolex Oyster-Perpetual دو رنگ رفرنس 1005 با صفحه گوست

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record ea3d9928bd

Terms in this record

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

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