We are pleased to offer another Rolex 1530 treasure. We receive many requests for this model, and we expect a great deal of interest in this example which rivals our owner’s personal 1530 which many of you have seen in person or photo’d on Instagram. There is no question that the Oyster Quartz case, and especially the 1530 version, is the original antecedent to Rolex’s recently introduced Land Dweller model. This is an opportunity to acquire a great looking vintage example that was the inspiration!

This is a scarce and extremely desirable example Rolex ref #1530 Oyster Perpetual Date self winding date model in the Oyster quartz case, an extremely small production model circa late 1970’s. Featuring a 36mm diameter case with smooth bezel, sapphire crystal, and original now turned a rich tropical ochre color. This dial was “born” silver satin, but as is occasionally seen on this model, has turned a deep vintage honey color. The rich color of the dial is nicely contrasted with the silver sloped inner minutes track and warmly patina’d original tritium lume plots and hands.

Case serial # 5.1 million dates this model to 1978. Powered by self winding chronometer caliber 1570 movement with sweep seconds. With Rolex stainless steel integral flat link ref 17000 Oyster quartz style bracelet with deployment clasp.

Recently fully serviced by one of our veteran watchmakers, guaranteed genuine and offered with our 1 year warranty of accurate time keeping and operation. The bracelet of this model shows a fair amount of shallow surface scratches from wear. We have not polished it, and we cannot say if it has been previously polished in its lifetime. It is definitely a watch that has been worn, and not a “safe queen.” Clearly the standout feature of this example is the especially rich color change of the tropical dial. The bracelet will currently fit a 7 1/4″” wrist.

The Oyster Quartz movement was introduced by Rolex during the “quartz revolution” of the late 1970’s to compete with the burgeoning Japanese market in quartz movements. Rolex produced their own high quality movement, and outfitted the watch in a much more modernist design and more geometric formed Oyster case. The Oyster Quartz was produced in the Datejust version in steel and steel and gold combo, and in white gold or yellow gold in the DayDate version.

The Oyster Perpetual Date version represented here, utilized the Oyster Quartz case, but was fitted with the caliber 1570 self winding movement, and with 1530 reference number. Oddly, the dial reads Oyster Perpetual Date, not Datejust. Interestingly, the 2 tone version of this model bears the “Datejust” name.