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Seeking input on potential first Rolex purchase

impalla62ss
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Hello All, I am looking at a 1970 Rolex Date 1500. I have focused on Omegas and do not much experience in Rolex. Watch has a fresh Service. Original Blue Linen Dial. Original bracelet in apparent good condition. From my untrained eye, it looks to be unpolished. I don't know a lot about Rolex and seek input from members. It is being offered at $2,500 by a friend. No box or papers. Any guidance is greatly appreciated. Is the price reasonable? Please comment on condition. The blue linen dial is really stunning in person.

IMG_1659.JPEG IMG_1660.JPEG IMG_1661.JPEG IMG_1662.JPEG IMG_1685.JPG IMG_1686.JPG IMG_1687.JPG
 
Dan S
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The bracelet is obviously not original (it's a later solid link bracelet for sure, you can date it using the clasp code if you care). The case looks ok, but sleeve polished. Some typical blue-dial degradation around the lume plots, which is actually reassuring. The price is no bargain for a 1500 in general, but it's not outrageous given that the dial is desirable. It's always nice to see the numbers between the lugs (serial and reference) and inside the case-back (reference and date), to make sure everything is consistent with no replacement or service parts.

I assume you know that it's a 34mm model. Personally, I'd prefer to pay more for a 36mm DJ, but if you like 34mm watches then go for it. They're a bit harder to sell obviously.
 
impalla62ss
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Dan S Dan S
The bracelet is obviously not original (it's a later solid link bracelet for sure, you can date it using the clasp code if you care). The case looks ok, but sleeve polished. Some typical blue-dial degradation around the lume plots, which is actually reassuring. The price is no bargain for a 1500 in general, but it's not outrageous given that the dial is desirable. It's always nice to see the numbers between the lugs (serial and reference) and inside the case-back (reference and date), to make sure everything is consistent with no replacement or service parts.

I assume you know that it's a 34mm model. Personally, I'd prefer to pay more for a 36mm DJ, but if you like 34mm watches then go for it. They're a bit harder to sell obviously.

Thanks Dan. Here are photos of the lug numbers and case back. It is about the same size as my c-case Constellation and I am pretty happy with the size on that one.
IMG_1680.JPG IMG_1681.JPG IMG_1682.JPG IMG_1683.JPG
 
Faz
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Dan S Dan S
The bracelet is obviously not original (it's a later solid link bracelet for sure, you can date it using the clasp code if you care). The case looks ok, but sleeve polished. Some typical blue-dial degradation around the lume plots, which is actually reassuring. The price is no bargain for a 1500 in general, but it's not outrageous given that the dial is desirable. It's always nice to see the numbers between the lugs (serial and reference) and inside the case-back (reference and date), to make sure everything is consistent with no replacement or service parts.

I assume you know that it's a 34mm model. Personally, I'd prefer to pay more for a 36mm DJ, but if you like 34mm watches then go for it. They're a bit harder to sell obviously.
When Rolex is involved, size always matters.
By today's standards, although appealing, the 1500-1600 references at 34-36 mm, are small. On pictures they look big. Make sure you want a smaller watch. For a first Rolex, I would opt for a 5 digit sub. More specifically the 14060-16610.

Cheers,
 
Dan S
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It's likely that the case-back was swapped at some point. 3.6M would more typically have a 1972 case-back. 1971 would be unlikely. 1970 would really surprise me.

1970 case-backs would typically have serial numbers in the 2.5M-ish range more or less. These numbers are never exact with Rolex, but this discrepancy is pretty large compared to the usual. Again, my opinion.

Still, if you love it, don't over-think it. It's still a nice watch with an unusual dial, and even if the back is swapped, it's not the end of the world. Maybe just get the price down a bit in case you decide to sell at some point.
Edited:
 
thelinendial
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I think it’s a great buy given combo of blue and shantung (as I understand) is quite rare!

Never new about these as a distinct dial. It’s be great to see a short video to see how it shimmers.
Edited:
 
alam
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@impalla62ss that’s a good looking dial 👍 your thoughts on case size? as others have mentioned, watches appear much larger on photos.. nice catch, enjoy!
 
impalla62ss
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alam alam
@impalla62ss that’s a good looking dial 👍 your thoughts on case size? as others have mentioned, watches appear much larger on photos.. nice catch, enjoy!
I am really into vintage. It is the same size as my Omegas and it wears bigger than my C-Case Connie. As long as it is not a 28mm Seamaster size I am good with the smaller sized vintage stuff.
 
impalla62ss
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Never new about these as a distinct dial. It’s be great to see a short video to see how it shimmers.[/QUOTE]
 
swaini3
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Love these Mosaic dials.Wished these older datejusts came in bigger sizes.
 
JwRosenthal
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I have two 34mm Rolex’s and they are among my fav’s (actually get more wrist time than my GMT these days). I have 7.25-7.5” wrists and don’t find them small at all wearing long sleeves...with short/rolled sleeves, it may look a little dainty to some, but you are all that matters. That blue dial is a stunner- congrats.
 
slique12
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Beautiful watch, congrats! As you were rightly informed this is a rare dial variation and highly desired by many enthusiasts. I think you got a nice and friendly price since I often see these sell for more.

Fun trivia which isn't completely true: You may have also read that these dials were made for the Asian market in the late 60s and early 70s. I never had a reason to doubt this claim until one day I bought one with original papers that were stamped by a US AD. So, take that with a grain of salt😀
 
Scarecrow Boat
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JwRosenthal JwRosenthal
I have two 34mm Rolex’s and they are among my fav’s (actually get more wrist time than my GMT these days). I have 7.25-7.5” wrists and don’t find them small at all wearing long sleeves...with short/rolled sleeves, it may look a little dainty to some, but you are all that matters. That blue dial is a stunner- congrats.
Ryan Gosling has a vintage Air King and it doesn't look dainty on him 😉 I am excited for mine to arrive tomorrow morning.
 
JwRosenthal
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T t3bkmzd
why smooth and not fluted bezel?
The 1500 series came only with the smooth (1500) and the engine turned bezel(1503)- fluted wasn’t available for that line as far as I’ve seen.
 
base615
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I wear my 34mm OP (along with other 34mm vintage Omegas) and also wear 42mm Speedies and divers. Both sizes look fine IMO. Never understood the need to limit yourself to only a certain watch size. Hard to take pictures in a way that shows the real size but:

IMG_2989.JPG IMG_3402.JPG
 
nkhandekar
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Scarecrow Boat Scarecrow Boat
Ryan Gosling has a vintage Air King and it doesn't look dainty on him
Of course it doesn't. And Don Draper's Seamaster de ville doesn't look dainty on him. When you see the size of actors in real life you understand why they make 34mm watches seem substantial!
 
impalla62ss
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nkhandekar nkhandekar
Of course it doesn't. And Don Draper's Seamaster de ville doesn't look dainty on him. When you see the size of actors in real life you understand why they make 34mm watches seem substantial!
The Draper is another of my small watches that I love, and I am quite happy it is not a DeVille.
86F0EA66-B37F-4F04-A5B2-15C14FB472F4.jpeg CE06C59A-48FE-484E-9D86-7A2B194655B3.jpeg
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