1982 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 1002 'Unpolished' with Box and Papers

In 1931 Rolex patented a self-winding watch movement, this was one of the first movements to be wound through the means of a rotor ‘weight’. This weight moved as the wearer moved their arm and wrist, constantly winding the mechanism. Hence the moniker ‘Perpetual’ as it would be perpetually wound.

 

Though some of the Rolex reference history is vague and lost to the annuls of time, the first documentation with true indication of the first Oyster Perpetual model was in 1950 when the Oyster Perpetual makes its first appearance. Several calibers were used such as the 645 and 1030, which was also featured inside the early Submariner and the Explorer.

 

From 1959 onwards the Rolex Oyster Perpetual No Date featured automatic movements (hence the name) screw down back and screw down crown. As a model the OP No Date was always 34mm in size, featuring a plastic crystal and a 26 jewels movement. All starting with reference 1002 through to reference 1038, from reference 1003 onwards and until the 1038 they were all available with either fluted or milled bezels. Available at the time with a selection of bracelets and available in stainless steel, steel and gold with yellow, white, or pink gold bezel. Or even the whole watch in solid pink or yellow gold. The two calibers that feature within this generation of Oyster Perpetual are the 1560 and the 1570. The production for this Oyster Perpetual ended in the early to mid – 1980s.

Offered here for sale is a very well-preserved Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 1002 which dates to 1982.

 

The silver sunburst dial remains perfect, with no stains or marks, and features complete lume plots with pumpkin patina, matching with that on the original hands.

 

The stainless steel case remains sharp and unpolished, showing little wear. The case back remains in the same condition. The smooth stainless steel bezel is also in great shape with only minor signs of wear.

 

The 19mm Rolex Oyster 78350 stainless steel bracelet with 557 end links and clasp code G has full links and almost no stretch, with only normal signs of use. The clasp is still tight, indicating it hasn’t been worn much.

 

The watch is running well and keeping time, although service history is unknown.

 

The original acrylic crystal is in good condition.

 

It comes as a full set, presenting inner box, wallet, calendar, translation leaflet, Oyster Perpetual card and punched guarantee papers.

 

This watch is ready to become someone’s daily beater.

 

Macros of dial and case are available under request.