This Rolex Date reference 1500 is a quintessential representation of classic watchmaking. As a part of the Rolex family, the Date series carries the legacy of the brand's innovation and prestigious design, with the first Date model having been introduced in the late 1950s. It offered a smaller alternative to the Datejust with a case size typically around 34mm, making it a subtler choice while maintaining the elegance and functionality Rolex is known for.

But I know most of you are more interested in the additional signage on the dial.

So let's first ask, who is Serpico y Laino?

Photo of the first Serpico y Laino Jewelry Store in Caracas, Venezuela built in 1925. Photo from https://serpicolaino.com/en/our-history/

Serpico y Laino was a prestigious jewelry store located in Caracas, Venezuela, renowned for its luxury items, particularly high-end watches. Founded in the 1920s by Italian immigrants Leopoldo Serpico and Vicente Laino, the store quickly became the go-to destination in Venezuela for luxury jewelry and timepieces.

The store gained exclusive rights to retail Rolex watches in Venezuela, becoming one of the brand’s most important retailers in South America. This partnership with Rolex was so significant that some Rolex watches from that era bear the Serpico y Laino name on the dial, which is where this watch comes from.

Due to the political and economic changes in Venezuela during the mid-20th century, Serpico Y Laino eventually closed its doors.

The historical significance, coupled with the distinctive characteristics of this watch, like its patinated dial and classic Rolex features, make it a desirable piece for anyone looking to own a slice of Rolex's storied past.

We all know the name Rolex, a name synonymous with luxury and precision in timekeeping. It was founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf, a German entrepreneur, in London. Wilsdorf's dream was to create reliable wristwatches at a time when pocket watches were the norm. His focus on precision quickly paid off when a Rolex watch received a Class A precision certificate from the Kew Observatory in 1914, a distinction normally reserved for marine chronometers.

In 1919, the economic aftermath of World War I led Rolex to relocate its headquarters to Geneva, Switzerland, a city renowned for watchmaking. This move marked the beginning of the brand's ascension to a symbol of excellence in the watchmaking industry. The innovation that Rolex would bring to the market over the next several decades cemented its status as a leader in the field.

In 1926, Rolex introduced the "Oyster," the world's first waterproof and dustproof wristwatch, marked by its hermetically sealed case. The Oyster's fame soared in 1927 when a young swimmer, Mercedes Gleitze, swam across the English Channel wearing it. The watch remained in perfect working order after more than ten hours in the water, which was a testament to its robustness and a pivotal moment in Rolex's history, heralding the Oyster's aquatic legacy.

The 1930s saw the advent of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, which incorporated a self-winding movement using a Perpetual rotor. This technology was a pioneering development in wristwatches and remains at the core of every modern automatic watch.

Rolex's dedication to precision and durability led to the creation of professional watches in the 1950s, designed for specific activities. The Submariner, introduced in 1953, was one of the world's first diving watches, waterproof to a depth of 100 meters initially and then improved to 300 meters. Similarly, the Rolex Explorer was created to withstand extreme conditions and was famously linked to Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay's historic ascent of Mount Everest in 1953.

The brand's commitment to excellence was further exemplified by the development of the GMT-Master in 1955, designed to meet the needs of international pilots, and the Day-Date in 1956, the first watch to spell out the day of the week.

Throughout the 20th century, Rolex continued to innovate, launching the Sea-Dweller in 1967, capable of reaching depths of 610 meters, and later, 3,900 meters with the Deepsea model. Rolex has also had a longstanding relationship with motorsport, exemplified by the introduction of the Rolex Daytona in 1963, a watch that became iconic among racing enthusiasts.

Rolex’s quest for excellence has transcended technological achievements. The brand has engaged in numerous philanthropic activities, established prestigious sponsorships in yachting, golf, tennis, and equestrianism, and supports the arts and exploration through its various awards and initiatives.

Today, Rolex watches are symbols of elegance, achievement, and reliability. The brand maintains its commitment to quality and precision under the vision of the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation, which was established after Wilsdorf's death in 1960 to ensure the company remained independent and dedicated to its founder's principles.

The history of Rolex is a blend of visionary entrepreneurship, technical innovation, and a relentless pursuit of precision and excellence. The brand has grown to be synonymous with timeless luxury and has firmly established itself as a status symbol and a benchmark of quality in the watchmaking world.

• Model: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date

• Reference: 1500

• Year: 1963

• Dial Color: Beige

• Style: Sports/ Casual

• Bracelet: Original Signed Rivet Oyster Bracelet

• Sizing: Fits up to 7.25" Wrist

• Box: No

• Papers: No

• Other Accessories: None

This watch was purchased directly from a private auction. History of a previous owner is unknown.

The watch case, dial, movement, and hands all match and are original. The bracelet is a match for the watch but appears to be a replacement bracelet since it is dated at 1967. The bracelet itself is original Rolex. 

The bracelet and watch case was showing signs of polish and we decided to refinish the entire watch to fit factory standards.

The movement has been fully serviced by our professional watch maker and of course includes our 2 year warranty. The watch is currently running at around +7 seconds per day which is very accurate given its age.

• Case Size: 34.0mm

• Lug Width: 19.0mm

• Lug to Lug: 41.7mm

• Thickness: 11.4mm

• Case Material: Stainless Steel

• Bezel Material: Stainless Steel

• Case Back Material: Stainless Steel

• Bracelet Material: Stainless Steel

• Crystal: Rolex Acrylic w/ Cyclops

• Luminescence: Tritium (Original & Non-Functioning)

• Manufacturer: Rolex

• Caliber: Rolex Caliber 1570

• Country: Switzerland

• Movement Type: Automatic with Date Indicator

• Jewels: 26

• Power Reserve: ~48 Hours