Launched in 1962, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date was Rolex's entry-level watch at the time and was designed for daily use. Most often cased in stainless steel, these watches were true workhorses with their flat steel bezel and rugged design providing protection from daily wear and tear. Similarly specced to the Datejust models of its time, the ref. 1500 featured the same automatic movement, and so boasted a date function and cyclops lens like its more expensive sibling. However, the main point of distinction was that the OP was housed within a slightly smaller 34mm case, as opposed to the Datejust’s 36mm case. Eventually the ref. 1500 would then be replaced by the ref. 15000, which is what we have here. A smaller watch by today’s standards but filled with a unique charm, the ref. 15000 was undeterred by its svelte proportions and instead buoyed by the robustness of its design and functionality of its movement, with both elements combining to create a timepiece that will still fit the bill as a daily wearer even for a modern collector to this day. Offered with a multitude of dial variants and often used by companies as the perfect watch to commission Rolex to stamp with their logo, these co-signed Dates reflect one of the most interesting niches within Rolex collecting and this example boasts the Honda logo at 6 o’clock, a logo that isn’t seen all that often of Rolex dials. Given as a sales award by Honda North America in the mid-1980s, very few examples of these Honda dial ref. 15000s are known to the market.

Watch is in excellent overall condition. Case shows surface scratches and marks, as well as some debris trapped in some of the corners. The crystal has damage on the edge between 11 and 12 o'clock as seen in the images. Underneath the crystal, the dial remains in excellent condition. Nicely toned luminous dots on the dial and matching tritium hands. Red Honda logo appleid above the chronometer text on the dial. Caseback engraved "Honda Bowl '85". The original jubillee band has 17 links and fits an approx 7" wrist. There is light to moderate stretch and the band has some wear on the surface.

A great introductory piece for new collectors to set foot into the world of vintage watches, the Oyster Perpetual Date proves that interesting watches may be attained at any price point - including models from Rolex themselves. Additionally, with its rare Honda dial and stunning condition, this example has something for seasoned collectors too.