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 silver dial variant on a bright non-OEM blue rubber strap with a stainless steel bezel. Beyond just its stunning silver shimmer and charismatic design, this example’s dial also boasts Saudia Airlines’ distinctive green logo at 6 o'clock that serves to celebrate the airline’s success and add a pop of color to an otherwise monochromatic timepiece. Existing as a mark of remembrance, this Oyster Perpetual ref. 1002 celebrates an old relationship between Rolex and middle-eastern companies and the vital role that they played in the popularisation of the Rolex in the region. Existing as a mark of remembrance, this Oyster Perpetual ref. 1002 celebrates that old relationship and the vital role that retailers play in the popularisation of watchmakers across the globe.

Watch is in excellent overall condition. Previously polished case has thick luges and only minor signs of surface wear. Bezel remains flat with sharp edges. Please note: The 1002 reference while visually identical to the 5500, utilized the chronometer certified version of the 15xx movement vs. the precision version used in the 5500. While the Air-King nomenclature was used exclusively on the 5500, we believe this dial was born with this reference 1002 watch. The Rolex special ordered dial has non-luminous hands and non-luminous dial and is denoted with “SWISS” at 6 o’clock and not “T SWISS T”. Watch is fitted on a DELUGS rubber strap and deployant buckle. It fits a 7 1/2” wrist.

Featuring a double-signed dial bearing the name of the Saudi Arabia's flag carrier airline, this Oyster Perpetual ref. 1002 has a profound connection with the Middle East and Rolex's history in the entire region, not just Saudi Arabia.