Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref.15038 Men's Gold Vintage Watch

A tidy example of the classic 18k Gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 15038. If you're looking for a timeless vintage gold Rolex watch, this Oyster Perpetual Date Ref 15038 has a lot going for it. 

Tracing its history back to Rolex’s original Oyster model invented in 1926. The Oyster Perpetual Date was launched in the late 1950’s and was one of the first watches to display the date in a window at 3 o’clock. 

Housed in a 34mm Oyster case and originally waterproof to 100m, early examples of the Oyster Perpetual Date didn’t have a quick set date function meaning you have to wind the hands through 24 hours to change the date. It wasn’t until the reference 3035 launched in 1983 that the quick set date was added. This reference also housed the upgraded cal. 3035 with its jewel count upped from 26 to 27. 

The Oyster Perpetual Date shares some similarities with the Rolex Datejust, made more confusing with the steel version of the Datejust launched around a similar time to the Oyster Perpetual Date. The easiest way to tell the difference is to look at the wording on the dial with the Date saying just “Date” whilst the Datejust unsurprisingly says “Datejust”. Other differences include a 36mm case on the Datejust vs the Date’s 34mm, the Date also has a smaller bracelet at 19mm vs the Datejust’s 20mm.

This particular reference, the ref.15038 in 18k maintains a largely scratch free 18k gold case and well preserved dial. Its calibre 1570 has been fully serviced and should serve its new owner for many years to come.

If you ever wanted a gold Rolex that wasn't over the top, this may well be the watch for you!