Like the Datejust, the Date was a self-winding watch (whereas the original Air-King was hand-wound), and it too had many different dial and bezel options, though not as extensive as its big brother. To further confuse the issue, another similarly styled watch was unveiled during the same period, called the Oysterdate. 
It’s perhaps easier to think of the fake Rolex Date as a smaller, gentler version of the Datejust – the engineering quality and materials used are the same. Still, the former is better suited to smaller wrists and is often a cheaper option. It shared the movement with the Datejust until the late 1970s, but while DJ received its first high-beat movement, the Date had to wait longer to upgrade.
While many different metals were used in the Rolex Date 15XX, the 34mm Ref. 1500 is all stainless steel. It underscores the model’s status as the brand’s so-called entry-level piece, an understated nature that is complemented by the fact that a smoothly polished bezel tops it in either stainless steel or gold.
As a result, the official release of the collection focuses on silver, white, black and gray dials, keeping the watches understated and unpretentious. However, as is often the case with Rolex’s most affordable offerings, they are ripe for customization.
There are also limited edition watches. In the 1960s and ’70s, the brand remained open to working with various organizations on watches, and the Date ref. 1500 was sometimes awarded to long-term employees of various organizations, often as a retirement gift. You will occasionally find other companies’ logos on the dial next to the replica Rolex signature.
Some military units have their examples, especially in the Middle East. Among them, watches with the coat of arms of the United Arab Emirates are most often found. Finally, we are still in the era of plexiglass acrylic crystals rather than the later sapphire crystals, a true vintage style favored by purists. All models are equipped with a Cyclops magnifying glass.
Not surprisingly, the Date ref. 1500 is often equipped with a three-link Oyster bracelet or a Jubilee bracelet, the five-circle link bracelet specially designed for the first Datejust in 1945.
The Date ref. 1500 is not one of them. Its 34 mm size and its steel construction are very modest. What’s more, thanks to these two qualities, it is an ideal unisex model that looks right at home on the wrist of a man or woman. The price is also very reasonable for one of the lesser-known pieces in the brand’s history. Check our online store for some of the best, guaranteed authentic examples.