An interesting and unique Oyster Perpetual DATE. Yay? Nay? RUN AWAY?

[Jake B]

G'day, all...

This is the first time I've posted a thread asking for opinions and/or input on a watch I've found while shopping around, so I hope you can please cut me a little slack

So, on with it.... What do you guys think of this? Yay? Nay?...or RUN AWAY?



Listed as having "thick lugs" and also "no significant nicks or scratches"



Listed as a model 1500. I'm curious because I've never seen a Rolex that was gold plated, and especially not with "STAINLESS STEEL" text on the case-back which overlaps with another personalised engraving



Any thoughts? Ideas?

Thanks & cheers, guys!

[mistercoach32]

Depends on your taste, size, etc. I'm 6-1, 225 and the only vintage I gravitate towards GMT's and Subs, but even then I'll take the updated, modern version most of the time. So for me? It'd be a no.

[HogwldFLTR]

I'd say goodbye. Never seen that stamp on the back of a Rolex.

[Old Expat Beast]

Hi Jake,
Looks like a gold-filled 1550, which would have an SS caseback. Lugs look pretty worn to me.

[David5807]

I'd say pass on this. Unless you really have a thing for vintage then why not wait, save and, purchase a new piece you like.

[Jake B]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Hi Jake,
Looks like a gold-filled 1550, which would have an SS caseback. Lugs look pretty worn to me.

Thanks, Adam...Yeah, I think that's a little strange. With the case worn down so much, wouldn't you see the steel...or do you think that maybe it was re-capped? Ever seen a case back stamped like that?

[Jake B]

Originally Posted by David5807

I'd say pass on this. Unless you really have a thing for vintage then why not wait, save and, purchase a new piece you like.

Good point

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

I'd say goodbye. Never seen that stamp on the back of a Rolex.

Thanks...Me neither.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Jake B

Thanks, Adam...Yeah, I think that's a little strange. With the case worn down so much, wouldn't you see the steel...or do you think that maybe it was re-capped? Ever seen a case back stamped like that?

Gold filling can be quite thick. You can see the back of the lugs showing the SS or base metal under the gold in your last photo.

Here’s two more with the stamped caseback just from a quick ebay search.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/ROLEX-1550-...U3Sk:rk:2:pf:0

https://www.ebay.com/itm/MENS-ROLEX-...a2dW:rk:3:pf:0

[Jake B]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Gold filling can be quite thick. You can see the back of the lugs showing the SS or base metal under the gold in your last photo.

Here’s two more with the stamped caseback just from a quick ebay search.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/ROLEX-1550-...U3Sk:rk:2:pf:0

https://www.ebay.com/itm/MENS-ROLEX-...a2dW:rk:3:pf:0

Thanks, Adam. Wasn't aware of these. They don't look to hold up to well over time....Especially that bracelet. Yikes.

[77T]

If you wish to own a vintage piece there may be better choices. The one thing I’d say is be sure you have an able local watchmaker to check it out after purchase. Often owners have had to settle for aftermarket parts during overhauls.


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[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Jake B

Thanks, Adam. Wasn't aware of these. They don't look to hold up to well over time....Especially that bracelet. Yikes.

Yeah the bracelets were only plated, I believe. These were really in common HK back in the day, as you can probably imagine.

[crowncollection]

1550 model. Not my taste but certainly an interesting part of rolex history


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[Mark020]

I'd like to see better pics of that caseback

[Toronto Soup King]

My feeling on those 1550s is "only if it's in spectacular condition" because that GF won't last forever. For vintage I prefer all PM or all SS, no plating

[omitohud]

Here is mine. The gold cap, as Rolex called it, is quite thick. I feel it can withstand light polish without showing the SS underneath. The only weak link is the rivet bracelet which had less thick plating, so it worn out faster. Even though the bracelet is useable, it has shown its age, so I opted for an aftermarket one. My only gripe is the size which is 34mm. If it’s 36 or larger, it’s not such a bad watch to wear.

Btw, I believe this is the only gold plated model from Rolex, and it’s also rarely available in solid gold.




I blame it on autoconnect.

[motoikkyu]

My watchmaker wants me to sell his 1500 in 14k, but the lugs have been mutilated at some time in the past by someone fitting a custom bracelet. This is NOT a thread hijack attempt. As 34mm watches go, these are very attractive, especially in gold-filled or gold.

[Toronto Soup King]

Originally Posted by motoikkyu

the lugs have been mutilated

AAAGH ruined. Agree they're lookers, though. Wearing my 1012 today and those old gold watches are aces with me. Now if only I could get the Mennucci Crimson with RG hardware, even YG would be OK...strap looks great, deep red with RG, but SS hardware doesn't match. If anyone can point me towards a source I'd be grateful!

I'm glad Rolex doesn't do GF any more, frankly. Makes it tough to keep your watch in good shape