Oyster Perpetual Date 34 (Vintage 4-Digit Steel)

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 34 1503

Vintage Date 34 steel or two-tone, Oyster - some all-gold examples

  • 34mm
  • Stainless steel, two-tone, or 18K yello...
  • Automatic
  • 1972 to 1986
  • Men's
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 34 (Vintage 4-Digit Steel), reference 1503. Produced 1972 to 1986. The reference breaks down as: 15 = Date case gen; 03 = steel/two-tone/gold, Oyster bracelet variant. Below are the full specifications, plus what each part of the reference number means. If you own this reference and want to know what it is worth today, we buy it outright and appraisals are complimentary.

Rather talk to someone? Call (619) 236-9603 Mon to Sat, or walk in at 907 Sixth Ave

GIA-trained appraisers · 20 years in downtown San Diego · 100% certified authentic

Full specifications

Case

Case size34mm
Case materialStainless steel, two-tone, or 18K yellow gold
Lug width19mm
CrystalAcrylic (hesalite)
Water resistance100m

Bezel

Bezel typeFluted

Dial

Dial variantsSilver, white, champagne, black
LumeTritium

Band

Bracelet typeOyster
BraceletOyster
ClaspFolding clasp

Movement

MovementAutomatic, Rolex Cal. 1575
Caliber1575
Beat rate19800 vph
Jewels26
FunctionsHours, minutes, seconds, date

Reference

Wears asMen's
Produced1972 to 1986

What reference 1503 means

15 Date case gen
03 steel/two-tone/gold, Oyster bracelet variant

How the 1503 compares

Side by side with the other Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 34 references we document. Only the specs that actually differ are listed.

1503 vs 1018

Spec1503 1018
Produced 1972 to 1986 1959 to 1972

1503 vs 115210

Spec1503 115210
Jewels 26 31
Produced 1972 to 1986 2005 to 2023

1503 vs 115234

Spec1503 115234
Jewels 26 31
Produced 1972 to 1986 2005 to 2023

Common questions about the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 34 1503

How big is the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 34 1503?

The case measures 34mm across, with a 19mm lug width. Case material: Stainless steel, two-tone, or 18K yellow gold. Case size alone is a poor guide to how a watch wears; lug-to-lug length and how the bracelet drops off the case matter more, which is why we suggest trying one on before you commit.

What movement is in the 1503?

Automatic, Rolex Cal. 1575. It beats at 19,800 vph. The movement uses 26 jewels.

Is the 1503 water resistant?

It is rated to 100 meters, about 328 feet. That is enough for swimming and snorkeling, but not for scuba diving. One caution that applies to every watch on this page: a water resistance figure describes a new watch with fresh gaskets. On a piece that is years past its last service, treat the rating as unknown until it has been pressure tested.

When was the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 34 1503 made?

Rolex produced this reference from 1972 to 1986. Production years matter when you are valuing one, because dial, bezel and bracelet details often changed inside a single reference run.

What does the reference number 1503 mean?

15 = Date case gen; 03 = steel/two-tone/gold, Oyster bracelet variant. Reading the reference is the fastest way to confirm that a watch is what the seller says it is, before you get anywhere near the movement.

Does the 1503 have a nickname?

Vintage Date 34 steel or two-tone, Oyster - some all-gold examples. Collector nicknames are not official Rolex names, but they are what people actually search for and what they are called across a showroom.

Does San Diego Jewelry Buyers buy the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date 34 1503?

Yes. We buy this reference outright, and we lend against it if you would rather keep it. We are a family-owned San Diego buyer established in 2006, our appraisers are GIA-trained, and the appraisal is complimentary with no obligation to sell. You can bring it to our Gaslamp showroom at 907 Sixth Ave or start online. If you are looking to buy this reference instead, tell us and we will let you know when one comes in.

Explore more

  • GIA-trained watch buyer
  • BBB A+ accredited
  • Family-owned in San Diego since 2006
  • Paid on the spot, in person

Interested in a Oyster Perpetual Date 34 (Vintage 4-Digit Steel) 1503?

Inquire Tell us what you are looking for

Own a Oyster Perpetual Date 34 (Vintage 4-Digit Steel) 1503?

We buy this reference outright, and we lend against it. Bring it to our Gaslamp showroom or start online. Appraisals are complimentary and there is no obligation to sell.

Get my complimentary appraisal