ROLEX DATE

Maker: Rolex
Model: Date
Reference: 1500
Year: 1974
Serial: 3'6xx'xxx
Material: Stainless Steel
Dial: Deep Blue Dial, tritium plots and hands that faded close to a pumpkin patina. Double signed with Arabic signature “Sheikh Abdallah ibn Saud" a gift from an Arabic royal family, possibly from Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
Dimensions: 34mm
Crystal: Plexiglass
Clasp: Oyster Bracelet Ref. 7835 with 357 End Links
Box & Papers: None

Rolex Date Ref. 1500 – The Royal Blue Chapter

There are watches that tell time, and there are watches that whisper stories. This Rolex Date Ref. 1500, born in 1974, does the latter—delicately, almost conspiratorially, like a secret passed across decades.

Its 34mm stainless steel case holds a dial the color of twilight—a deep blue that’s matured with dignity, enhanced by tritium plots and hands now kissed with a warm pumpkin patina. It’s the kind of natural aging that collectors chase but few ever find, the slow burn of time turning something already beautiful into something quietly extraordinary.

But what sets this watch apart isn’t just its look. It’s its lineage.

Look closer, and you'll find it double signed, a second signature in graceful Arabic script: “Sheikh Abdallah ibn Saud.” This wasn’t a retail offering. It was a gift—likely bestowed by royalty, with strong ties pointing toward King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud himself. In a time when Rolexes were more than status symbols—they were tokens of diplomacy, friendship, and respect—this watch was a personal gesture, not a transaction.

These Arabic-signed Rolexes have become cult objects, prized not only for their rarity but for the mystique they carry. They're not just watches—they’re artifacts from another world.

And this particular reference has quietly made the rounds among discerning wrists. Eric Clapton, known not only for his guitar but also his impeccable taste in watches, wore a Rolex 1500 with casual elegance. Robert Redford, the very picture of laid-back sophistication, was often spotted wearing one during the ‘70s. Even Martin Luther King Jr. was known to wear a similar Date model, appreciating its understated refinement—proving that you don’t need gold or flash to make a lasting statement.

With its Oyster bracelet Ref. 7835 and correct 357 end links, it still hugs the wrist just as it did half a century ago—only now, it carries a quiet confidence that only comes with age and purpose.

There are flashier watches. Bigger watches. Louder watches.

But few watches tell a story like this one.

Style Beyond Time: The Rolex Date 1500 as Your Daily Signature

There are watches that quietly complement. And then there are pieces like this 1974 Rolex Date Ref. 1500—unassuming in size, yet bursting with character. With its 34mm stainless steel case, rich deep blue dial, and creamy tritium patina approaching pumpkin tones, it tells more than time; it tells a story. A gift from an Arabic royal family, double signed in Arabic script, this isn’t just a watch—it’s a statement of heritage, discretion, and soul.

Here’s how to wear it with intention—three ways to let it echo through your day.

The Morning Market Stroll: Understated Confidence

Outfit: Crisp white oxford shirt, olive green Harrington jacket, raw selvedge denim, and desert boots. A canvas tote filled with market finds and your weekend paper.

Why it works: The 1500’s 34mm case sits snug under a shirt cuff, while its warm patina adds just the right touch of lived-in elegance. The plexiglass crystal catches the morning light, glinting softly as you reach for fresh produce or flip through vinyls. It feels casual, but considered—just like your Saturday mornings.

Midday Meetings: Quiet Authority

Outfit: Navy unstructured blazer, cream merino roll neck, tapered charcoal trousers, and black leather loafers.

Why it works: In a sea of oversized steel sports watches, this vintage Rolex whispers instead of shouts. The deep blue dial—softened over time—pairs effortlessly with tonal tailoring, while the Arabic signature adds a layer of intrigue for those close enough to notice. You’re not flexing status; you’re telling a story.

Dusk Til Dinner: A Touch of Romance

Outfit: Earth-toned linen shirt (half-tucked), beige pleated trousers, suede espadrilles, and a vintage leather weekender thrown over the shoulder.

Why it works: The warm patina of the tritium glows against twilight, and the smaller case size feels effortless—almost like you forgot it was there. The watch brings a nostalgic charm to an evening ensemble, perfectly matching the kind of date where time seems to stretch. A quiet nod to style that isn’t trying too hard.

This Rolex Date Ref. 1500 isn’t here to compete with your outfit—it completes it. It bridges decades of craftsmanship with a whisper of royalty and a distinctly human touch. In a world of loud design, it’s the one thing that speaks just to you.

There’s a certain charm that only time can bestow — and this 1974 Rolex Date Ref. 1500 wears its nearly five decades of life with dignity, presence, and just the right amount of patina. The 34mm stainless steel case has gracefully aged, with soft curves that remain sharp where it matters — particularly along the lugs, which show only modest signs of wear. Light surface marks throughout speak not of neglect, but of a life lived.

The deep blue dial is the undeniable star — a moody, shifting tone that plays with light, anchored by warm tritium lume plots and hands that have faded to an almost pumpkin-like patina. The effect is organic and alluring, a quiet nod to authenticity. Even more compelling is the double signature in Arabic script — “Sheikh Abdallah ibn Saud” — a rare royal provenance hinting at the watch's origin as a diplomatic gift, possibly from King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Few pieces whisper history quite like this one.

The plexiglass crystal carries minor scuffs and character lines, consistent with its age, yet remains clear and intact. The automatic movement inside is running well, recently checked, and continues to deliver reliable performance — a testament to Rolex’s unwavering mechanical integrity.

Completing the look is the original Oyster bracelet Ref. 7835 with correct 357 end links — stretched, but evenly so, offering both wearability and authenticity. No box or papers accompany the piece, though what it lacks in original packaging, it more than makes up for in story, soul, and patina.

In short, this is not a watch for the pristine-seeking collector. It’s for someone who understands that character is built — not bought — and that every mark, every fade, adds another verse to its legacy.

The price includes Swiss VAT of 8.1%, which can be directly deducted for export, and the shipping cost comes with full worldwide insurance. Please note that the customer will be responsible for paying any customs duties in their country.

We have completed a full service to ensure precision and accuracy, and we offer a 2-year warranty (excluding waterproofness) starting from 10.08.2023. In the event of a warranty claim within this period, the customer will need to cover the cost of shipping the watch to our watchmaker.