Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 1018 – 1967

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 1018

A rarely seen reference, the 1018 was an oversized Oyster Perpetual released in circa-1959 with the same 36mm case as it’s Explorer 1016 cousin but with a more classic dial design featuring applied baton indices and baton hands, and is powered by the venerable 1570 automatic movement.

This particular example is a very early production with a 159XXXX serial, dating from circa-1967 and presents in very good vintage condition. Has been polished in the past. Lugs are very even, with clear numbers between them. Case shows scratching and scuffs commensurate with its age, though only very small dings present.

The dial has aged to a lovely champagne tone, and shows a lovely bubbling patina across it, with a dark moisture mark at 6, as well as around its outer edges. The tritium plots are all in place, with an even patina across them. Hands are tritium.

Case back has a 66 date code, so would be correct for a 1967 case serial. Please see images for full condition details.

It’s mounted to an aftermarket B&S leather strap with tang buckle.

Service history is unknown, but the movement looks very clean and its keeping time at around +13 seconds a day at mid-200’s amplitude at time of writing.

No box or papers. Comes with Watch Vault cleaning cloth and Watch Vault Travel Pod.