Rolex Oyster Perpetual 1010

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref. 1010 is a vintage reference produced primarily in the late 1950s through the 1960s, embodying the classic traits of Rolex’s mid-century watchmaking philosophy. Its 34mm stainless steel or gold case followed the standard Oyster architecture, complete with a screw-down crown, screw-down caseback, and domed acrylic crystal, delivering functional water resistance and a compact, balanced wrist profile. The reference was powered by the Rolex Caliber 1530, a self-winding movement notable for its reliability, 18,000 bph beat rate, and a power reserve of roughly 42 hours. Dial designs were typically minimalist and clean, with applied baton indices, dauphine or stick hands, and a central seconds hand. Common dial colors included silver, white, and champagne, with occasional radium or tritium lume plots. With a lug-to-lug measurement of approximately 41mm and a lug width of 19mm, the 1010 wears similarly to other references in the same family. Though not as widely collected as more prominent Rolex models, the 1010 holds its place as a well-proportioned and mechanically robust vintage watch, ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate the elegance and heritage of early automatic Rolex timepieces.