As always, Rolex made a great effort with the Oyster Perpetual ref: 1002 to create a long-lasting and quality timepiece. Rolex ref 1002 was produced in the late 1950s and through the 1960s. This period timepiece featured a robust 26 jewel caliber 1560 automatic movement. Caliber 1560 possesses a Rolex p/n 7980 balance assembly with a Breguet hairspring, running at 18000 BPH. Some later Rolex ref 1002s feature the caliber 1570 automatic movement. The movement is held in a 34-36mm screw-down Oyster case. These references were available in both stainless steel and yellow gold as we have here. Each case was topped with a smooth bezel and an acrylic crystal with the present watch being a 9k yellow gold example from 1963.
The 'OP's' as they have come to be known as having a huge resurgence at the moment with the launch of the new dial range and different case sizes once again from 2020!
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual not only became the watch worn by the most influential people but was also put to the test in the most extreme situations. Sir Malcolm Campbell wore one while breaking land speed records in Bluebell in 1935, as did the first pilot to break the sound barrier in 1947. The Oyster Perpetual was the basis for many famous Rolex models that followed including the Submariner, GMT Master, Milgauss, Sea Dweller, Explorer II, and the Yacht-Master to name a few.
What's on offer
The watch available here is a smooth bezel yellow gold wristwatch with baton indices and complemented by a stunning yellow tone, sunburst dial - a classic combination. Although many watches aim to protect the crown, this vintage example without crown guards looks great. The watch wears slim and elegantly on your wrist which in our opinion is a huge benefit as many more modern watches can be chunky and snag easily. The lugs taper nicely to the wrist and accompanying the present watch is a wonderful new genuine Rolex leather strap complete with matching yellow gold plated pin buckle which completes this wonderfully classy piece. The next owner of this watch certainly has taste and will get to own a stunning watch indeed. Dated to 1963 by its serial number, the watch will make for a cracking birthyear present for someone!
Additional information
Made from
Case: Solid 9k gold.
Dial: Sunburst gilt brushing.
Crystal: Plexiglass.
Bracelet: Original Rolex, stitched black leather strap.
Technical specifications
Winding: Automatic and Manual wind
Movement Type: Mechanical Automatic
Caliber: 1560
Jewels: 26
Waterproof: When new
Purchase details
Condition: Fantastic condition! 9/10
Model Reference: 1002
Date of issue: c.1963 (serial number dated).
Guarantee
Supplied with a 12-month Vintage Watch Specialist guarantee
Dimensions
Width without crown: 34mm
Lug width: 19mm
Lug height (lug to lug): 39mm
Wrist size: Adjustable