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 early 1960s until the late 1980s, the Oyster Perpetual ref. 1018 featured the automatic cal. 1570 movement and came with either a silver or a gilt dial. Boasting an enlarged 36mm diameter case, a step up from the Oyster Perpetual's typical 34mm construction, the ref. 1018 was a step towards contemporary sizing for Rolex. Here, we have the silver dial variant with a matching stainless steel polished bezel. Boasting an appealing aged appeal through its patinated luminous material that dots its applied hour markers and sits atop its hands, this example’s display reveals its heritage as a vintage timepiece that has stood the test of time.

Watch is in very good overall condition. Case shows moderate signs of wear, with some visible scratches and dings along the surface. Bezel is generally sharp, but there are some small nicks along the edge. The original silver dial is in very good condition. The surface has fine spotting, and wear visible on the edge. Luminous dots are discolored and uneven. The hands have luminous inserts that have darkened to a near black-tone. Watch comes on a generic leather strap and buckle.

Robust and utilitarian, the Oyster Perpetual has always been built to last, and the splendid condition of this ref. 1018 only stands to support that fact. Offered as a larger-than-normal Oyster Perpetual at the time, the ref. 1018 is perfectly contemporary in its sizing to this day.