Rolex Date Ref.1500 Radium Dial

At AWCo, we believe that some watches don’t just measure time , they embody it. The Rolex Date Ref. 1500 from 1968 is a perfect example of that philosophy. This remarkable model, with its iconic “Radium dial,” captures the essence of an era where technology, elegance, and daring design converged.

The silver sunburst dial radiates like liquid sunlight, with long, slender hour markers that stretch outward like rays from the heart of the watch. This refined texture , known as a sunburst finish , gives the dial a dynamic, ever-changing glow, as if time itself were playing across its surface. The robust 34 mm stainless steel case and classic Oyster bracelet provide the perfect frame for this interplay of light and sophistication.

In the 1950’s and 1960’s, the use of radium on watch dials was considered a true innovation. The radioactive element emitted a gentle, luminous glow, allowing the wearer to read the time even in darkness,  a small technological marvel of its day. Today, that same radium stands as a symbol of a bygone era, a reminder of the pioneering spirit of a brand that has always dared to look ahead.

Inside beats an automatic movement , reliable, precise, and unmistakably Rolex. The date window at three o’clock adds a touch of practicality, while the signature Oyster design ensures both comfort and durability. This is a watch created to be worn , not merely as an ornament, but as a companion through everyday life.

What makes the Rolex Date Ref. 1500 truly special is its ability to unite past and present. The soft patina of the dial, the subtle dance of light over the hour markers, and the warm sheen of the steel all tell a story,  not of wear, but of life.

A Rolex like this is more than an instrument; it’s a piece of sunlight captured in steel , a witness to generations, and a tribute to the idea that true beauty only deepens with time.