Rolex
1981 Rolex Oyster-Perpetual Date (Ref. 15000) Silver Dial W/ Box & Papers
The Rolex Oyster-Perpetual Date is one of the best value-per-dollar Rolex watches that exist on the market today. Priced slightly below the more predominantly known and slightly larger Rolex Datejust, the vintage OP Date is often found in great condition with unique dials that offer more presence than could be achieved by case size.
The Oyster-Perpetual Date ref. 15000 is an uncommonly seen and often overlooked model that is actually quite the wolf in sheep's clothing. This model was introduced in 1980 and is the very transitional - direct successor to the long-running Rolex ref. 1500 model line. The ref. 15000 employs the updated Rolex cal. 3035 movement, which possesses a quick-set date function, and an updated bracelet, but while also sporting tritium dials and acrylic crystals. The updated functionality and vintage flair of the Oyster-Perpetual ref. 15000 is hard to match, especially for its price point.
SPECS
| Stock # | RLXOP15000 | |
| Brand | Rolex | |
| Style | Oyster-Perpetual Date | |
| Model | 15000 | |
| Serial | 70XXXXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | Stainless Steel | |
| Dial | Silver | |
| Millimeters | 34 | |
| Bracelet | Rolex 78350 Oyster Bracelet W/ 557 End Pieces |
CASE & BRACELET
The exceptional case retains extremely thick and symmetrical lugs, it is actually believed the mid-case and bezel of this watch are unpolished due to the crisp factory finishing present. Though, the case back shows evidence of being lightly polished in its past. The original Rolex 78350 Oyster bracelet with 557 end pieces retains 13 links that show almost no stretch and will fit up to a 7 3/4-inch wrist.
DIAL & HANDS
The silver sunburst dial is simple and beautiful, allowing the smaller details to really shine. The dial exhibits extremely minor aging at the very edge of the dial which is essentially invisible to the naked eye, otherwise, the dial is flawless. The tritium lume has achieved a stunning bright yellow patina that enhances the overall watch, under U.V. light inspection the lume plots remain in perfect condition with no degradation present whatsoever. The original tritium hands match the dial patina perfectly with no degradation present when inspected under U.V. light. The metallic date wheel is original with open 6's and 9's.
ACCESSORIES
The watch comes complete with its original inner and outer boxes, Rolex guarantee paper, booklets, and the sales card from the original retailer.