Manufacturer: Rolex Year: Circa 1973 Reference No: 1513, inside caseback stamped 1503 Movement No: D624’006 Case No: 3’561’300 Model Name: Datejust Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1570, 26 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Rolex mesh bracelet, max length 210mm Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Rolex Oyster deployant clasp Dimensions: 34mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Rolex outer packaging and fitted presentation box.
Catalogue Essay
The 1970s was an exciting period in general with ever changing trends embracing a more carefree spirit which was also reflected in timepieces from the respective era. Making a substantial impact in the limelight of the industry was Rolex. With an innovative approach to horology, the firm has experimented with various case and dial materials, style as well as sizes.
The present Rolex Date ref. 1513 hailing from circa 1973 is certainly a testament to the statement above. Encased in a beautiful 34mm 18K yellow gold Oyster case, the bezel is blessed with a “tapestry-style” finish matching its elegant mesh bracelet with the same finish on the surface. Furthermore, the dial in champagne is perfect, again matching the hue of the bracelet and case without breaking its chemistry.
Offered in excellent overall condition with very minimal signs of use and wear, the bracelet remains long measuring 210mm overall length. The rare textured bezel and bracelet will surely interest collectors of fine and unusual timepieces.
Founded in 1905 England by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis as Wilsdorf & Davis, it soon became known as the Rolex Watch Company in 1915, moving its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. Like no other company, the success of the wristwatch can be attributed to many of Rolex's innovations that made them one of the most respected and well-known of all luxury brands. These innovations include their famous "Oyster" case — the world's first water resistant and dustproof watch case, invented in 1926 — and their "Perpetual" — the first reliable self-winding movement for wristwatches launched in 1933. They would form the foundation for Rolex's Datejust and Day-Date, respectively introduced in 1945 and 1956, but also importantly for their sports watches, such as the Explorer, Submariner and GMT-Master launched in the mid-1950s.
One of its most famous models is the Cosmograph Daytona. Launched in 1963, these chronographs are without any doubt amongst the most iconic and coveted of all collectible wristwatches. Other key collectible models include their most complicated vintage watches, including references 8171 and 6062 with triple calendar and moon phase, "Jean Claude Killy" triple date chronograph models and the Submariner, including early "big-crown" models and military-issued variants.
Ref. 1513, inside caseback stamped 1503 A very fine, attractive and rare yellow gold wristwatch with center seconds, date, bracelet and presentation box
Circa 1973 34mm diameter Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed