I recently come across a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Reference 1018. It is a simple looking but yet a rare watch, produced for just a few years of Rolex’s history. What makes the Reference 1018 attractive is the size and chronometer certified. There are many Rolex Oyster, Oysterdate etc at 30mm, 34mm but the Rolex 1018 has an attractive 36mm case diameter, 20mm lug width, and 11.5mm thick. The 1018 has about the same specs as its cousin, the 1016 Explorer, though the case has a slightly slimmer profile. The Rolex 1018 is similar size to the Rolex Datejust 1600, 1601,1603 except that it has no date function.
The Reference 1018 can be found with both the caliber 1560 and the 1570. The 1560 was an in-house movement introduced by Rolex in 1959 and remained in use until 1965, when Rolex transitioned to the caliber 1570. The main improvements of the 1570 were a slightly faster beat rate (19,800 bph, as compared to the 1560’s 18,000), and hacking seconds. As we all know, the caliber 1570 would go on to power Explorers, Submariners, and Oyster Perpetuals until the 1980s.
I am still considering if I should collect the Rolex 1018 and to trade it with my vintage gold Omega or other watches...
Latest update:
Over the weekend, I went back to the store and view the Rolex 1018 again and finally decided to get it by trading away the Movado triple calendar and the Rolex Royal. This will match nicely with my 1016 & 1019. The bracelet is a bit long and I will need to remove two links in order to right size the length.
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