Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 1003 - Rare Explorer Dial

£3,200.00

  • Year: 1966.

  • Movement: Rolex automatic 1530 movement.

  • Case Size: 34mm.

  • Dial and bezel: Rare ‘Explorer’ configuration silver dial with Arabic numerals. Caramel lume to the dauphine hands and markers. Engine turned bezel.

  • Crystal: Acrylic crystal. Slight crazing to the crystal. We have opted to preserve the original crystal to emphasise this watches wonderful original condition. This can be replaced however per client request.

  • Strap: Handmade itialian 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: 1966.

  • Movement: Rolex automatic 1530 movement.

  • Case Size: 34mm.

  • Dial and bezel: Rare ‘Explorer’ configuration silver dial with Arabic numerals. Caramel lume to the dauphine hands and markers. Engine turned bezel.

  • Crystal: Acrylic crystal. Slight crazing to the crystal. We have opted to preserve the original crystal to emphasise this watches wonderful original condition. This can be replaced however per client request.

  • Strap: Handmade itialian 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.

This is what vintage collecting is all about. A wonderfully preserved Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 1003 from 1966 featuring one of the rarer and more desirable configurations: a silver ‘Explorer’ dial with Arabic numerals at 3, 6, and 9, paired with elegant dauphine hands and warm caramel tritium lume. The detail and originality of this watch place it in a category well above the standard 1003.

It’s housed in a 34mm stainless steel case with an engine turned bezel, giving it that perfect blend of utilitarian Rolex charm and vintage sophistication. This bezel variant is seldom seen on Explorer-style dials, and it pairs beautifully with the silver dial for a unique visual signature.

One of the most striking things about this piece is the outstanding originality throughout. The crystal shows slight period-correct crazing, which we have opted to preserve, as it reflects the true vintage nature of this watch and complements the overall patina. If desired, we can fit a fresh crystal for you.

We’ve paired the watch with a soft handmade Italian leather strap, but should you prefer a correct 1960s Oyster bracelet, we are happy to source one on request.

Why This Watch Matters

This is a rare reference with a highly unusual dial setup — Explorer-style Arabic numerals on a 1003 case, paired with dauphine hands and an engine turned bezel. It's a configuration that’s rarely seen together and represents a truly special find for collectors or anyone seeking a characterful vintage Rolex with originality and charm.

The dial, lume and hands are all beautifully aged, and the case remains razor sharp. This is exactly the kind of watch that’s increasingly difficult to find: honest, well-preserved and highly original.

Key Features

  • Year: 1966

  • Reference: 1003

  • Movement: Rolex Calibre 1530 automatic

  • Case: 34mm stainless steel

  • Bezel: Engine turned

  • Dial: Silver ‘Explorer’ dial with Arabic numerals and dauphine hands

  • Lume: Original tritium with caramel patina

  • Crystal: Original acrylic with light crazing (can be replaced on request)

  • Strap: Handmade Italian leather strap (60s bracelet available upon request)

  • Papers: Watch only (as typical for vintage)

Condition and Guarantee

This watch is in exceptional original condition with sharp case lines, an untouched dial, and natural patina that adds depth and character. It has been fully inspected and professionally serviced, and comes with a 12-month Watts On Watches warranty.

All purchases include bespoke Watts On Watches packaging and full documentation for your records.