Introduction
Famed as the base model that all of Rolex’s sports models use as their foundations, the Oyster Perpetual is an iconic watch that has a profound impact on horology. While its no-frills stainless steel construction is utilitarian, its design is equally timeless and classic. With its smooth stainless steel bezel and clean dial, the Oyster Perpetual has long been a collector favorite. Produced from the late 1950s until the early 1980s, the Oyster Perpetual ref. 1002 introduced the automatic cal. 1560 movement to Rolex’s catalog and came with either a silver or a gilt dial. Here we have the gilt black dial variant with a two-tone construction with an 18kt yellow gold polished bezel and winding crown. Boasting an appealing aged appeal through its patinated luminous material that dots its applied golden hour markers and sits atop its golden hands, this example’s display reveals its heritage as a vintage timepiece that has stood the test of time.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$2,000 – $4,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
34mm x 11mm
Model
Oyster Perpetual
Movement
Automatic cal. 1560
Reference
1002
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
1961
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel and 18kt yellow gold
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Black
THE DIAL
Boasting luminous indices atop its applied golden hour markers that have aged to develop a patina, along with its golden hands, the ref. 1002's gilt black display still manages to subtly hint at the example's age tastefully.
THE CONSTRUCTION
While normally boasting a no-frills design that speaks to the Oyster Perpetual's job as a robust and utilitarian timepiece, this ref. 1002 features a hint of luxury through its various 18kt gold parts, such as its bezel, crown, hour markers, and hands.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in overall excellent condition. The steel case shows surface scratches and small marks as expected of a watch of this vintage, while the case back displays light scuffs. The yellow gold bezel remains excellent, with a sharp edge, light surface scratches, and some patina to the gold. The gold winding crown remains excellent. The glossy black dial remains near mint, with some missing lume plots, while the gold hands show oxidation and patina. It is fitted with a black crocodile pattern leather strap and a gold-coloured pin buckle.
Our Perspective
Robust and utilitarian, the Oyster Perpetual has always been built to last, and the splendid condition of this ref. 1002 only stands to support that fact.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
