Introduction
Released in the mid-1950s following the release of the Rolex Datejust, the Rolex Date was a mid-sized version of the Datejust that featured all of its iconic design traits just within a smaller case. Swapping the Datejust’s relatively larger 36mm case for the Air-King’s more quaint 34mm case, the Date was a fashionable watch that fit in with the tastes and aesthetic that was popular during the 50s and 60s. Continuing to offer the Date long into the 2010s, Rolex provided the Date with a wide selection of dial variants, bezel options and case materials. Operating as a watch that could do it all, the Date was often constructed from an entirely gold case, or in the case of the ref. 15505 that we have here, a gold-capped case and bracelet. Launched in 1980 and produced until 1990, this gold-capped Oyster Perpetual Date offered Rolex’s iconic aesthetic for a fraction of the cost of a solid gold construction. Complete with a champagne dial, the resulting aesthetic is intensely luxurious while also wonderfully robust.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$2,000 – $4,000
The Details
Brand
Rolex
Dimensions
34mm
Model
Oyster Perpetual Date
Movement
Automatic cal. 3035
Reference
15505
Bracelet
Yellow gold-capped stainless steel bracelet
Year
1982
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel with gold cap
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Champagne
THE DIAL
Featuring a champagne dial with wide hands and indices, this ref. 15505's display is full of depth and texture.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Featuring a gold-capped construction made of stainless steel, the ref. 15505 offers an intensely luxurious aesthetic for a fraction of the cost of a full gold construction.
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 gold-plated case shows surface scratches and light marks, although the plating remains intact. The case back retains crisp engravings. The bezel is well defined. The dial is excellent, with good lume plots, and the hands are clean. It is fitted with a gold-plated bracelet showing light surface marks, some wear to the coronet on the clasp, and moderate play between the links. The bracelet is fitted with 13 links, 3 of which are removable, and fits approximately a 7¼” wrist.
Our Perspective
Democratizing the full gold look for a fraction of the price, gold-capped watches were popular in the 1980s, and so Rolex launched the ref. 15505 that they produced until 1990.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
