Rolex Oyster Perpetual Re. 1003 - Gold Engine Turned Bezel - 1965

£2,950.00
  • Year: 1965.

  • Movement: Rolex 1560 Automatic movement.

  • Case size: 34mm.

  • Dial: Silver Dial

  • Crystal: Acrylic crystal

  • Bezel: Gold Engine Turned Bezel.

  • Strap: Handmade leather strap.

  • 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: 1965.

  • Movement: Rolex 1560 Automatic movement.

  • Case size: 34mm.

  • Dial: Silver Dial

  • Crystal: Acrylic crystal

  • Bezel: Gold Engine Turned Bezel.

  • Strap: Handmade leather strap.

  • 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.

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 1003 is an exceptional example of Rolex’s mid-century design philosophy — restrained, versatile, and beautifully engineered. Produced in 1965, this reference combines the timeless appeal of stainless steel with the refined warmth of a solid gold engine-turned bezel, a subtle yet distinctive detail that elevates its character.

The silver dial remains clean and balanced, with applied baton markers and tritium lume adding gentle vintage warmth. The 34mm Oyster case carries Rolex’s hallmark robustness, making it perfectly suited for daily wear while retaining a classic dress-watch aesthetic.

Powering the watch is the Rolex Calibre 1560 automatic movement, one of the most respected in Rolex’s early automatic line-up — known for its smooth winding system and long-term durability.

Key Features

  • Reference: 1003

  • Year: 1965

  • Movement: Rolex Calibre 1560 automatic

  • Case Size: 34mm stainless steel

  • Bezel: Solid gold engine-turned bezel

  • Dial: Silver dial with tritium hands and markers

  • Crystal: Acrylic crystal

  • Strap: Handmade leather strap

A Word on Condition

This example remains in superb vintage condition. The case retains its sharp lines and proportions, with only light wear consistent with age. The dial shows excellent originality and balance, with the silver tone remaining vibrant and the lume aged evenly. The gold bezel has developed a soft, natural patina that enhances the watch’s vintage appeal.

Why Buy This Watch

The Ref. 1003 occupies a special place in the Rolex lineage — a sophisticated evolution of the early Oyster Perpetual series that bridges sportiness and elegance. The gold engine-turned bezel adds a rare and desirable flourish, setting it apart from standard steel models while remaining tastefully understated.

This is an ideal choice for collectors seeking a versatile vintage Rolex that represents both refinement and mechanical excellence. Its size, movement, and design make it one of the most wearable and enduring models of the 1960s.

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 includes bespoke Watts On Watches packaging, full purchase documentation, and a 12-month Watts On Watches warranty for complete peace of mind.