ROLEX Oyster Perpetual 34 ref.1002 cal.1560 / 14K Solid Gold, 1965

The outline of a great calibre.

Ref.5512, 1675, 1016 — behind these masterpieces, which have carried so many stories, sits the celebrated Cal.1560 fitted to this watch.

As the foundation of the Cal.1570, later called a supreme achievement, its role was an extremely large one.

A condition that has been protected.

The luminous material has gained depth over long years, yet the baton indexes and dolphin hands show no sign of deterioration.

Rather than preserved, it may be more accurate to say this watch has been looked after.

A wavering of colour.

The lustrous champagne dial shows, depending on the angle, a drift of green-gold that no photograph will capture.

Set it beside a modern 18k gold model and you can feel the period held in that tone.

Dolphin hands.

Against the baton hands seen on later versions, this example carries the dolphin hands that are a feature of the early type.

Their form is not showy: it gives off a quiet, composed expression.

A joint between generations.

Made in 1965, in the generation when serial numbers moved from six digits to seven, ref.1002 sits exactly at that boundary.

As the fourth generation from the Bubbleback onward, it deserves particular note even among Cal.1560 watches.

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