This vintage Rolex Explorer Date is a rare beast.

The watch features a very attractive black dial with silver and gilt text. The words Rolex Oyster Perpetual are in gold type and the text, Explorer Date and Precision are printed in silver type. The dial also features steel arrowhead markers and steel dauphine shaped hands. Note the slight patina on the dial visible in the photos.

The movement fitted in the watch is a rugged workhorse from Rolex, the calibre 1530 automatic wind 25 jewel movement. The watch was just serviced by my Rolex trained watchmaker and is keeping excellent time.

The caseback is free of any engraving and has an inside date code of 1.60 indicating that it was produced in the first quarter of 1960. The serial number in the 500,000 range suggests a production date of late 1959 or 1960

The watch measures 34.5mm wide by 43 mm long and is supplied on a vintage Rolex Oyster bracelet.