Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref. 1500 - Rare Matte Black Dial
Year: 1971.
Movement: Rolex automatic 1570 movement.
Case Size: 34mm.
Dial and bezel: Matte black dial with caramel lume to the markers and hands. Domed bezel.
Crystal: Acrylic crystal.
Strap: Rolex 7835 Oyster Bracelet.
This watch is sold as watch only, which is typical for vintage timepieces. We place greater value on condition, originality, and overall integrity than on whether a box or papers happen to be present. Many vintage watches have lost their packaging over time, and we don’t believe in inflating prices with non-original extras.
If a watch does include genuine box and papers, this will always be clearly noted in the description. All purchases come with bespoke Watts On Watches packaging and full purchase documentation.
Every watch we sell is fully inspected and professionally serviced to meet our exacting standards. We stand by the quality of our stock, which is why every purchase comes with a 12-month warranty as standard.
Year: 1971.
Movement: Rolex automatic 1570 movement.
Case Size: 34mm.
Dial and bezel: Matte black dial with caramel lume to the markers and hands. Domed bezel.
Crystal: Acrylic crystal.
Strap: Rolex 7835 Oyster Bracelet.
This watch is sold as watch only, which is typical for vintage timepieces. We place greater value on condition, originality, and overall integrity than on whether a box or papers happen to be present. Many vintage watches have lost their packaging over time, and we don’t believe in inflating prices with non-original extras.
If a watch does include genuine box and papers, this will always be clearly noted in the description. All purchases come with bespoke Watts On Watches packaging and full purchase documentation.
Every watch we sell is fully inspected and professionally serviced to meet our exacting standards. We stand by the quality of our stock, which is why every purchase comes with a 12-month warranty as standard.
Year: 1971.
Movement: Rolex automatic 1570 movement.
Case Size: 34mm.
Dial and bezel: Matte black dial with caramel lume to the markers and hands. Domed bezel.
Crystal: Acrylic crystal.
Strap: Rolex 7835 Oyster Bracelet.
This watch is sold as watch only, which is typical for vintage timepieces. We place greater value on condition, originality, and overall integrity than on whether a box or papers happen to be present. Many vintage watches have lost their packaging over time, and we don’t believe in inflating prices with non-original extras.
If a watch does include genuine box and papers, this will always be clearly noted in the description. All purchases come with bespoke Watts On Watches packaging and full purchase documentation.
Every watch we sell is fully inspected and professionally serviced to meet our exacting standards. We stand by the quality of our stock, which is why every purchase comes with a 12-month warranty as standard.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref. 1500 – Rare Matte Black Dial – 1971
This is a beautifully understated Rolex with a rare and desirable twist. The Ref. 1500 Oyster Perpetual Date, produced in 1971, features a matte black dial — an uncommon configuration that sets it apart from the more regularly seen silver or sunburst variants. The caramel tritium lume on the hour markers and hands adds warmth and vintage charm, making this a highly attractive and collectible piece.
Housed in a 34mm stainless steel case, the proportions are classic and refined, making it ideal for daily wear. The clean domed bezel and acrylic crystal complete the vintage aesthetic, while the watch is fitted to a solid Rolex 7835 Oyster bracelet, offering a secure and comfortable fit.
Powering this piece is the Rolex Calibre 1570 automatic movement, regarded as one of Rolex’s most robust and reliable calibres from this era. It offers smooth performance and exceptional longevity when properly maintained — which, of course, is something we guarantee.
The Appeal of the Matte Black Dial
While the Ref. 1500 is a familiar silhouette in Rolex’s lineup, examples with a factory matte black dial are genuinely scarce. These dials were produced in limited numbers and were never as commercially widespread as their silver counterparts, making them a sought-after variation by collectors. Combined with its original tritium lume and unpolished condition, this watch represents a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to add a true vintage rarity to their collection.
Key Features
Year: 1971
Reference: 1500
Movement: Automatic Rolex Calibre 1570
Case Size: 34mm stainless steel
Dial: Matte black with caramel tritium lume
Bezel: Domed stainless steel
Crystal: Acrylic
Bracelet: Rolex 7835 Oyster bracelet
Papers: Watch only
Condition and Watts On Watches Guarantee
This watch is in excellent condition with sharp case lines and a beautiful dial that has aged gracefully. It has been professionally serviced and is covered by our 12-month Watts On Watches warranty. It comes with bespoke packaging and full purchase documentation.
At Watts On Watches, we prioritise originality, condition and authenticity. Box and papers are nice to have, but they’re not what make a vintage Rolex truly great. We focus on offering exceptional examples — and this one certainly fits the bill.