Rolex Reference 1530 Oyster Perpetual Date

This is not a quartz watch!

Unless you know the back story on the Rolex Reference 1530 already, you might be wondering why a declaration like that would even be necessary for a timepiece in our collection.  As anyone who has been following us already well knows, quartz watches don't get much love over here at analog/shift HQ.

The reason we needed to make this comment is actually pretty straightforward: the watch you are looking at shares a case design with the well-known Rolex Oysterquartz models of the 1970s.  These battery-powered movements were fitted in an angular steel case with an integrated bracelet, which was essentially Rolex's response to the Gerald Genta-penned designs of the period (Royal Oak, Nautilus, etc.).  With relatively harsh lines and beefy dimensions, these watches represented a significant departure from Rolex's traditional Oyster case designs, but helped the brand diversify and maintain a higher level of staying power than many other manufactures during the Quartz Crisis.

Fast forward a few decades and the Oysterquartz holds an interesting, albeit not particularly valued, place in the vintage Rolex collector's market. That said, there is one element of the Oysterquartz model that captivates Rolex fans - the case.  If only Rolex had made a watch in this case with an automatic movement, collectors would go crazy.

What's that you say? They did? Huzzah! 

That's right folks, what you're looking at is the anti-Oysterquartz: the rare and prized Reference 1530!  Fitted with the same internals as the venerable Oyster Perpetual Datejusts of the time, the 1530 truly has the best of both worlds, and is an important Reference if there ever was one.

Values on this model have begun climbing at an alarming rate in the past few years, but we were able to snatch up this particular example for a song and decided to pass the bargain along.  With an incredibly clean case, flawless dial and sharp lines all around, this is a winner all-around and is sure to stir up some serious envy!

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.