Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Full Gold 18K

"Gold and Satin on an Oyster Perpetual"

1969

In 1931 Rolex patented a self-winding watch movement, this was one of the first movements to be wound through the means of a rotor ‘weight’. This weight moved as the wearer moved their arm and wrist, constantly winding the mechanism. Hence the moniker ‘Perpetual’ as it would be perpetually wound. At that early juncture in Rolex’s history, the first Perpetual movements were not solely designed and produced by Rolex. They were originally modules that consisted of rotor assembly mechanisms that could be bolted onto the back of an existing movement, called the Hunter from movement maker Aegler. Though some of the Rolex reference history is vague and lost to the annuls of time, the first documentation with true indication of the first Oyster Perpetual model was in 1950 when the Oyster Perpetual makes its first appearance. A number of calibres were used such as the 645 and 1030, which was also featured inside the early Submariner and the Explorer. From 1959 onwards the Rolex Oyster Perpetual No Date all featured automatic movements (hence the name) screw down back and screw down crown. As a model the No Date was always 36mm in size, featuring a plastic crystal and a 26 jewels movement. All starting with reference 1002 through to reference 1038, from reference 1003 onwards until the 1038 they were all available with either fluted or milled bezels. Available at the time with a selection of bracelets and available in stainless steel, steel and gold with yellow, white, pink gold bezel. Or even the whole watch in solid pink or yellow gold. The two calibres that feature within this generation of Oyster Perpetual are the 1560 and the 1570. The production for this Oyster Perpetual ended in the early to mid – 1980s.

Known the world over, Rolex is a benchmark for prestige and quality in watchmaking. Since its creation, the brand has placed the reliability of its products uppermost. It submits virtually its entire movement production for testing by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres to obtain COSC certification. Rolex is also renowned for its after-sales service which is performed by staff who have been specially trained, often in Rolex's own schools in countries around the globe, including the United States and Japan. Rolex was founded by Hans Wilsdorf. A Bavarian watchmaker who emigrated to Switzerland, he immediately put his natural flair for products and business acumen at the service of a brand that would soon forge an international reputation. He was succeeded in 1963 by André Heiniger, whose son Patrick took over at the helm in 1992. Bruno Meier in 2009 then Gian Riccardo Marini in 2011 were successively appointed at the head of the business, a limited company (société anonyme) that is wholly owned by the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation. In 2014, Jean-Frédéric Dufour, previously Chief Executive of Zenith, was named as the new CEO. Such a reputation hasn't gone unnoticed among collectors, as recent auction results demonstrate. At a 2013 sale in Geneva, for example, a Daytona Chronograph in steel achieved an absolute record price of US$ 1.1 million. The brand hones its image through associations with prominent and well-respected personalities chosen from the arts and sports. Also, in 1976 Rolex launched its Awards for Enterprise which each year single out innovative projects that promote sustainable development. The Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative gives young artists a privileged opportunity to benefit from the experience of masters in their field.