Why This Watch Matters The Rolex OP Date has a lot going for it, with its taupe colored, sunburst finished, non-lumed, and "Sigma" dial. The Full Story Rolex refined down to its core is arguably best represented by the simple and humble Oyster Perpetual Date. This is one of the most straightforward watches Rolex has ever built. The watch is truly about representing the essentials and only the characteristics watch lovers have come to know and love from the brand. In a 34mm case diameter package, you get an Oyster case with screw-down crown, date function at three o'clock, and, in this example, a folded Oyster bracelet with an elegant taper. While measuring a bit smaller than its counterparts in the Rolex catalog both back in the 1970s as well as today, these watches wear a little larger than you might think and sit both subtly and comfortably close to the wrist. Making this example truly special is the dial. This dial is taupe in color, to describe it best in a word, but plays in the light, varying in color and brightness. Beyond the color, the surface is finished in a sunburst pattern. At some angles, the text on the dial blends right in, but at another viewpoint, the text really pops off the page, so to speak. Furthermore, below the six o'clock marker is the signature "σ T SWISS T σ." Those little symbols on the outside are Sigmas. It's a pair of Sigma symbols that, in the 1970s, were used by the Swiss watch industry to indicate that a watch's hour markers and hands were made of gold, in order to emphasize the inherent value of the metal. In the case of the T indication, the dial actually has no lume. It's not unusual to see "T"s still on the dial; the printing was likely done before Rolex knew exactly what the dial variation would be. The overall condition of this Oyster Perpetual is really outstanding and honest. The date codes on the case, caseback, and bracelet all match up within reason which is always good to see. This OP Date is checking a lot of boxes for us. The Fine Print Maker: RolexModel: Oyster Perpetual DateReference: 1500Year: 1971Case No: 2589331Material: Stainless steelDimensions: 34mm diameter; 11.5mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: NoCaliber: Rolex, self-winding, caliber 1575Bracelet/Strap: Rolex stainless steel folded Oyster No. 7835 bracelet with No. 357 end-linksLug Width: 19mmBox/Papers: No What we Love and What You Should Know The watch is overall in great condition. The case is in strong condition with light scratches. The back of the lugs show some scratches that are most likely from the bracelet being taken off and on. The caseback has a few scratches and small marks. The taupe colored dial is in overall good condition with light patina, and this colorway is not seen too often. The dial also features the Sigma symbols at the bottom on both sides of the "T SWISS T," indicating that the hands and hour markers are in gold. The inside caseback is stamped "IV 70," which corresponds to the fourth quarter of 1970, which makes sense with a case number that dates to circa 1971. The Oyster bracelet is fitted with the correct folded links and has some light stretch in between. The clasp code of "2 72" dates the bracelet to the second quarter of 1972. The case, dial, movement, crown, and bracelet are signed. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
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