Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date model in stainless steel with a solid eighteen carat yellow gold capped case. This watch, unlike its more fragile gold plated cousin, is fitted with a fine cap of solid gold on top of the stainless steel case. This way scratches or heavy dings will not reveal the metal below, making it a lot more durable, and a much more expensive method of production. The process also provides the end user with a Rolex that looks to be solid gold once on the wrist. This watch has the less common reference number 1550, as opposed to the classic 1500, 1501 or the solid gold 1503 from this time period.
Not only is this an unusual method of manufacturing the case, that Rolex phased out in the 1970's due to the additional expense in making the cap and applying it, but, the dial fitted to the watch is a stunning and rare dial type known as a "radial dial". Not to be confused with a "rail dial", the radial dials have extended minute markers along the minute marker track. These dials were also found on the GMT model of this same time period; mid-1970's. These are sometimes called "mini dials', as the lume plots are smaller, and moved closer into the dial to allow for the extended minute track.
This dial is work of art for so many reasons; the base colour of the dial is a stunning, and very rare, deep coppery bronze metallic colour that transforms in bright light to this rich bronze colour, and returning to an almost deep charcoal under low light, or evening. The aforementioned extended minute markers are beautiful against the bronze dial being that they are a printed in a gilt colour. The same goes for all the text on the dial, which looks stunning against the dial backdrop. The gold hour markers are not simply baton shaped, but coffin shaped. The original Tritium lume colour has aged beautifully into a light latte color. The original baton hand set is also complete with the original colour matched lume. Finally, the dial is in perfect condition.
The watch is powered by the classic Rolex Swiss made twenty six jewel automatic calibre 1570 that also powered the iconic sports watches such as the GMT and the Submariner during this time. A reliable workhorse of a movement that served Rolex very well in its nearly decade long usage.
This particular case appears untouched by a polishing wheel. This, oddly, seemed to be the case with capped gold cases. There is light scratching throughout, but nothing to detract from the overall beauty. Simply commensurate with now fifty years of light, careful wear. The case measures 34mm x 40mm.
Overall, this is perhaps one of the best looking, and most unusual Rolex Date models we have come across. It is a size that is very comfortable to wear, and a dial that nobody will ever get tired of looking at.
