Rolex oyster perpetual date 1501

[albertoa]

Hello to everyone!
I am new in here and i need your experts help on a rolex i just bought.
It is my first one and from the beginning was i looking for a oyster perpetual date ref 1500, with a smooth bezel and i bought one. Now i have been seeing that the ref is 1501 in the case side (6 o clock) but the bezel in my rolex is smooth and i assume is not not correct. I then asked to the seller that says that this is a transitory model of oyster perpetual date 1501 with smooth bezel. The serial number is 3 150 xxx.

So my big question is: has anyone of you in here experience about that? Have you ever heard about this transitory model?

Thank you very much!

[Toronto Soup King]

I can't answer your specific question but bezels get replaced frequently according to buyer preference, so a smooth bezel when you're expecting fluted is not a dealbreaker IMO. I personally had LAWW take my 1013's old worn-out fluted 18K YG bezel and lap it smooth, because it would've been too much trouble to restore as fluted (maybe not even possible). So that particular 1013 now looks just like a 1012. I have three of those, only difference between them is the bezel style, which is not terribly important.

You could probably find a fluted bezel for yours if you wanted. But if you can't, I wouldn't worry about it. It's just a bezel.

[BigBlue1]

I have to agree with Pete. Not that big of a difference more preference than anything. Not a big value difference.
As far as transitioning not sure.
Someone here can help I’m sure.
You can post some pics why we are waiting and researching an answer.

[BigBlue1]

After doing some more research almost seems both models came with the engine turned bezels. So smooth may have been added and or replaced at some point. No matter still a very nice entry level piece that is liked in many respects.

[albertoa]

thank you very much för your answer!

[vintagewatch]

Glancing at a 1970s Rolex brochure the 1501 has a "finely engraved bezel" which I've called engine tuned. The 1500 is shown with a smooth bezel. Just a quick snapshot below of each, sorry not a very good picture. 1501 labeled, 1500 not. I have not heard of a "transitory" model.

[carwashchris]

The 1501's I have seen have the engine turned bezel, personally I like the smooth bezel better, for all we know someone or maybe the original dealer swapped bezels for a customer. I have a 1505 TT and wear it daily as a work watch " being a smaller size " it doesn't get banged up as much as the bigger watches, at least in my case. Have yet to ever find a fluted SS or WG for the 1500. Maybe they don't exist ??

Here is an add from a forum member who has some bezels for sale or did have if you ever want a engine turned bezel down the road.

Best Chris

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...highlight=1500