A Beautiful Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Chronometer 34mm, Model reference: 1003 with a Textured Silver Dial and Bamboo Bezel, c.1966. 

In 1926, the creation by Rolex of the first waterproof and dustproof wristwatch marked a major step forward. Given the name “Oyster”, this watch featured a hermetically sealed case which provided optimal protection for the movement. In 1931, Rolex invented and patented the world's first self-winding mechanism with a Perpetual rotor. This ingenious system, a true work of art, is today at the heart of every modern automatic watch.

The Oyster Perpetual remains a popular and relatively affordable Rolex model. The Oyster watch was the first waterproof and dustproof wristwatch and later became the first self-winding Perpetual rotor. This architecture has formed the heart of all Rolex watches.

What’s On Offer 

This charming 1966 Rolex Oyster Perpetual is in nice shape considering its 60-plus years vintage! The silver dial looks well with polished metal furniture including baton hour markers with luminous pips and elegant pencil hands. This is a T Swiss T dial as denoted at 6 o'clock and is powered by the Rolex 1570 movement adjusted 5 positions and temperature. The bamboo bezel is synonymous with this reference and is in good shape in this vintage example. The watch is paired with an original Rolex Oyster bracelet in stainless steel ref: 7835-19 with 361 end pieces. This watch is undoubtedly vintage and as such does show signs of wear and it has a slight blemish on the dial beneath the signature. This isn't of great concern as most vintage watches have incurred some blips along the way and it merely adds to the character of the piece. This would make a wonderful gift to yourself or a loved one - certainly, if you were born in 1966, what a year for England...

This could be an affordable way to enter the world of luxury watch collecting, a timeless piece with bags of charm. 

Additional information

Made from

Case: Stainless Steel

Dial: Silver

Crystal: Plexiglas

Bracelet: Stainless Steel

Technical specifications

Winding: Automatic

Movement Type: Mechanical

Calibre: 1570

Jewels: 26

Waterproof:

Power reserve: 48hrs

Purchase details

Condition: Very Good

Model Reference: 1003

Date of issue: 1966

Warranty: 12 Months VWS

Dimensions

Width (without crown): 34mm

Lug width: 19mm

Lug height: (lug to lug) 40mm

Wrist size: 180mm (approx)