Introduction
Offered since the 1930s, the Oyster Perpetual has come to define Rolex aesthetic and technical achievements in just about every way possible. Initially offered as the watch that merged Rolex’s hermetically sealed and waterproof Oyster case design and their automatic movements, the Oyster Perpetual has grown into the foundation of everything Rolex produces. Now the starting point of so many other collections, it is the Oyster Perpetual that marks each collection’s beginning. With a long and storied past, it serves as no surprise that the Oyster Perpetual has sported an incredible litany of case designs, dial designs, construction materials, and everything else that could vary in a watch. As such, what we have here is the Oyster Perpetual cal. 1005, produced between 1959 and the late 1980s. Made of 18kt yellow gold and measuring 34mm in diameter, it sports a gorgeous champagne dial complete with applied gold indices and gold hands that really set off its luxurious aesthetic. Harboring vintage appeal through its dial and size, the Oyster Perpetual ref. 1005 feels perfectly contemporary on the wrist for those used to 34mm watches, such is the Oyster Perpetual’s staying power and the consistency of its blueprint in Rolex’s catalog over the several decades it has been around.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$4,000 – $6,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
34mm
Model
Oyster Perpetual
Movement
Automatic cal. 1560
Reference
1005
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
1962
Condition
Excellent
Material
18kt yellow gold
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Champagne
THE DIAL
Boasting yellow gold applied hour markers and yellow gold hands that are in pristine condition, this ref. 1005's champagne display still manages to subtly hint at the example's age through the gentle patination of its luminous material and the toning of its indices.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Boasting a 34mm construction made from 18kt yellow gold, the ref. 1005's case is immediately luxurious, with its fluted bezel adding a jewel-like element to its aesthetic.
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 yellow gold case shows light surface scratches and marks, with evidence of a previous polish. A legible hallmark remains visible on the back of the lower left lug, and what appears to be a stock number is engraved on the crown side of the case. The fluted bezel remains well defined, while the case back shows a couple of deeper nicks along the edge. The champagne dial remains excellent, with some discoloration visible on the applied hour markers and light oxidation on the dagger hands. It is fitted with a brown leather strap and a gold-plated Rolex pin buckle with light marks. The buckle is stainless steel and was plated at some point. (Not done by Rolex)
Our Perspective
Robust and utilitarian, the Oyster Perpetual has always been built to last, but in splendid condition, this 18kt yellow gold ref. 1005 is a shining example of what collectors can get from the world of vintage Rolex that modern timepieces just cannot emulate.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
