Rolex 1030

Last updated: August 4, 2025
Close-up of a Rolex watch movement showing intricate gears, jewels, and the engraved Rolex crown logo.

Brand

Caliber Number

1030

Production Period

1950-1959

Lignes

12.5′′′

Diameter

28.5 mm

Height

5.85 mm

Power Reserve

Unconfirmed

Frequency

18,000 A/h (2.5 Hz)

Jewels

17, 25, or 26

Escapement

Swiss Lever

Anti-Shock Device

Kif-Flector

Hand Count

3

Manufacture Region

Unconfirmed

Functions

Hours, Minutes, Central Seconds

Rolex 1030 Description

The Rolex Caliber 1030 is the foundational movement of the entire 10xx series and represents a major milestone in Rolex’s history. Introduced around 1950, it was one of the brand’s first in-house, bi-directionally winding automatic calibers, superseding the earlier, thicker “Bubbleback” movements. The 1030’s architecture, defined by its highly efficient red anodized reversing wheels, became the blueprint for all subsequent 10xx variations, including those with date, day-date, and GMT complications. This robust, time-only movement was built for performance, with many examples featuring a Breguet overcoil and earning COSC chronometer certification. It powered some of Rolex’s most legendary tool watches, including the Explorer (Ref. 6610) and early Submariners (Refs. 6536, 6538, 5508), cementing Rolex’s reputation for creating durable and precise movements.

Watches Using The Rolex 1030 Caliber

Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6503 watch with a two-tone metal band and a white dial, isolated on a blue background.
A vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6334 wristwatch with a brown leather strap and a gold case on a white background.
Gold vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6634 watch with a brown leather strap and a worn yellow dial.
A gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6551 wristwatch with a mesh bracelet and silver dial displayed on a plain background.
Silver Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6614 wristwatch with a white speckled dial and metal link bracelet.
A vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6580 watch featuring a brown leather strap and a classic cream dial.
Gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual wristwatch, model 6584, with a white dial and brown leather strap, showing the time at 10:10.
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 1102 watch featuring a cream dial, brown leather strap, and classic Arabic numerals.
A gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual wristwatch with a white dial, gold hour markers, and a dark brown leather strap.
A silver and gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6586 wristwatch with a white dial and metal bracelet.
A vintage Rolex Explorer 6610 Oyster Perpetual watch featuring a classic black dial and sleek silver metal band.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6566 watch with gold accents, brown leather strap, and a white dial featuring gold hour markers and hands.
A vintage gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6585 watch featuring a black leather strap and a classic silver dial.
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6504 watch featuring a brown leather strap and a classic gold case.
Classic silver Rolex Oyster Perpetual Air-King 6552 watch featuring a white dial and sleek metal bracelet.
Gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual wristwatch, model 6594, with a black leather strap and MERITUS elegantly written on the dial.
A Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6592 watch featuring a gold bezel, silver dial, and black leather strap.
A vintage silver Rolex Explorer 6150 watch with a cream dial and silver hour markers on a metal bracelet.
A silver Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6554 wristwatch featuring a white dial and sleek metal link band.
Gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6553 watch with a textured gold band and a simple, classic dial.
A black dial Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6552 Precision watch with a black leather strap.
Gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual watch with a brown leather strap and cream dial, displaying the time 10:10.
A vintage gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual wristwatch with a brown leather strap and a champagne-colored dial, model 6567.
A silver Rolex Oyster Perpetual watch with a cream dial and metal bracelet.
Vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 6530 watch with a brown leather strap and beige dial displaying the date at the 3 o’clock position.
Gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6569 watch featuring a gold face, simple hour markers, and a classic metal link bracelet.
A gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6598 wristwatch featuring a white dial and a black leather strap.
Gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual watch with a black dial, date display, and black leather strap, shown from the front.
Silver Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6303 wristwatch with a white dial and silver hour markers on a metal bracelet.
A silver Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6565 wristwatch with a cream dial and metal bracelet, featuring simple hour markers.
A vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual 6532 watch featuring a tan leather strap and elegant silver casing.