1977 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref. 1530

Why This Watch Matters

Don’t be fooled by the angular case and bracelet of this Rolex, this watch is not an Oysterquartz – this is a reference 1530 with an automatic movement. Futuristic looks but traditional brains, if you will.

The Full Story

It is often forgotten that Rolex did offer "ticking" watches – they indeed joined the quartz trend along with many other manufactures, researching to build the ultimate quartz movement. As a result, they manufactured 1,000 watches housing the famous Beta 21 movement. In the early 1970s, Rolex decided to come up with their own version of a perfect quartz movement that could be serviced by a trained watchmaker. It actually took them five years to reach their goal, but in the meantime, they had already built the perfect case to house such a revolutionary caliber. The result was a very angular case with an integrated bracelet, much like the Royal Oak from Audemars Piguet.

In 1975, Rolex decided to combine this case with the chronometer-certified caliber 1570 movement, launching the short-lived reference 1530, which was discontinued as soon as the first Oysterquartz watches were released in 1977. This 1530 is historically significant as it belongs to an era where Rolex was experimenting and getting new products to the market to see what worked. The ref. 1530 is an uncommon reference to put it lightly, only made for two or three years, it is estimated that the total production is below 1,500 examples.

The watch we have here is particularly exciting due to a dial patina that borders on "tropical." The overall look is distinctly vintage where the originally silver dial presents as creamy just as the luminous material does. The reference 1530 is one of the most quirky Rolex watches to have ever been produced, we are proud to offer this great example.

The Fine Print

What We Love And What You Should Know

Things We Love:

- "Oysterquartz" style case and bracelet
- Rare reference
- Vanilla patina on dial and hands

Things To Know:

- Scratches on case and bracelet
- Dial patina is slightly lighter on the nine o'clock side

This uncommon Rolex is in great and honest condition. The case has scratches throughout and signs of a previous polish but presents as strong and by no means over-polished. The case and reference numbers on the backside of the midcase are all present, readable, and crisp.

The dial has developed a patina that presents as vanilla in the metal. The "tropical" look matches well with the luminous material and is slightly uneven as you move horizontally across the dial surface. The lume in the hands and on the dial has all aged to a similar creamy vanilla tone and matches well. The lume on the dial is remarkably intact and full at each hour marker.

The movement has just been serviced by our watchmaker. The bracelet is in very good condition with scratches throughout. This reference bracelet was made specifically for the ref. 1530 making it important that it matches. The case, crown, movement, and bracelet are all signed by Rolex. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.