Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1102

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date ref. 1102 is a rare and early reference produced in the mid-to-late 1950s, typically constructed in stainless steel or 14k yellow gold. This 34mm Oyster case reference incorporates the hallmark features of the period, including a smooth bezel, acrylic crystal with a Cyclops date magnifier, and a screw-down crown and caseback for water resistance. It was powered by the Rolex Caliber 1030, a self-winding movement introduced in the 1950s, notable for its bi-directional rotor and robust architecture, though not chronometer-rated in all examples. Dial layouts were simple and balanced, often silver or champagne in tone, with applied hour markers and dauphine or alpha hands. The lug-to-lug length is approximately 41mm, and the lug width is 19mm, making for a proportionally classic Rolex Oyster profile. As a transitional model, the 1102 represents Rolex’s move toward more refined and standardized design cues for their date-equipped watches, and surviving examples are sought after today for their rarity and vintage appeal.