Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date

When it comes to "budget" Rolex, there are few watches more attractive than an Oyster Perpetual — and the Oyster Perpetuals of the 1960s and 1970s remain some of Rolex's best-loved timepieces. As a non-professional Rolex model, the Oyster Perpetual line is arguably overlooked by collectors today, despite being the most 'pure' successor to the original waterproof Oyster-cased Rolexes from the last century. All it takes is a strap change to transform this watch from a go-to tuxedo accoutrement to a field watch or BBQ grill timer. When you factor in that OPs have been made available in a broad variety of fun dial color configurations, the appeal grows even more. This particular OP, a Reference 5031, dates to circa 1960 and features a 36mm two-tone rose gold and stainless steel Oyster case with an acrylic crystal, a signed crown, a rose gold engine-turned bezel, a white tritium dial with matching alpha handset, and a stainless steel & rose gold-capped rivet bracelet with a signed blade clasp. With its “roulette” red-and-black date wheel, stylized Arabic indices and beautiful patina, this is a classic, mid-century Rolex through and through, and the progenitor of many a modern reference. Not to mention, an excellent opportunity to get into an interesting and not often seen vintage Rolex without losing your shirt!