Passions Watch Exchange

About This Watch

Vintage. No box or papers but a Passions pouch will be given to you.

This Ref.1018 Rolex Oyster Chronometer is a very rare model & the only one that we've come across. It was the largest non-date & non-sports Oyster Perpetual of it's time which shares the same chronometer movement and similar case with the Explorer 1 ref.1016. As a result, it has a very pleasing slim Oyster case with a lug size of 20mm instead of 19mm. A very appealing Rolex with that larger than life appearance and it actually looks like a 40mm instead.

The dial is original and case has been polished to factory specs so overall external condition=99% like new. The lug-ends are thick and bezel perfect while the back cover is good as new with crisp locking teeth. Upon opening the back you are treated to a clean Calibre 1570 automatic Rolex movement made to chronometer specs. It is numbered and without the D in front which signifies that it has the correct non-Date movement that will appear in Datejusts and some sports models with date. There is little sign of rust on the screw thread which is good news for a 50yrs old watch. Now moving on to the most important feature, the original dial shines with images of rainbow coloured reflection throughout due to the lacquer and it has light blemishes on the surface but not critical and adds to the charm. The hands in dauphine shape is a tell-tale sign of it's psychedelic 60s age & engraved numbers between the lugs are clear and sharp.

The serial numbers on the case dates this watch to 1966 which coincides with the manufacture stamp on the internal back cover as "III 66" which identifies as 3rd quarter of 1966.

You may fit Nato straps or other vintage style leather as the choices are quite unlimited for 20mm lug size. A great looking Rolex in steel with a clean silvered dial and most importantly, a vintage that's very affordable. This reference model puts it next to the important and highly valuable Ref.1019 Milgauss which is worth over US$20K!

*6% GST is included in the advertised price for sales in Malaysia only & discount will be given for cash payment.