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 construction is utilitarian, its design is equally timeless and classic. With such a timeless design, the Oyster Perpetual has long been a collector favorite. Produced in the 1950s and into the 1980s, the Oyster Perpetual ref. 1013 was a rare watch even back when it was produced due to its “oversized” 36mm precious metal construction making it both larger and far more expensive than its 34mm Oyster Perpetual siblings that were often made of stainless steel, and it lacked the extra utility brought about by the date window of its equally-sized 36mm Datejust cousins. While crafted from 18kt yellow gold, the Oyster Perpetual ref. 1013 is a bit of an under-the-radar choice for Rolex collectors purely because so few know that it even exists. A stunning timepiece offered with a crisp white dial with characterful aged gold hour markers and hands, this timepiece is full of vintage charm and detail that will make sure that it takes pride of place in its next owner’s collection.

Watch is in very good overall condition. There is some wear evident on the case, and some light surface scratches visible. Bezel has some wear on the teeth, but they are still generally well defined. Tritium dial in excellent condition with some light wear visible on the edge. Indexes on the dial have oxidized and turned a darker tone. Hands are discolored. Watch comes on a generic strap with an original 18k gold Rolex tang buckle.

A watch beloved by decades of Rolex collectors, the Oyster Perpetual is as classic as it gets, and this ref. 1013 shows just how a design can transcend fashion and become the epitome of a brand's aesthetic with its hefty 18kt yellow gold 36mm case, fluted bezel and clean dial.