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The Rolex 1003 is a no-date Oyster Perpetual with an engine-turned bezel. Auction catalogues use several descriptions for the bezel, including “milled,” “ridged” and “graduated engine-turned.” The 1003 shares the 34mm case family with the smooth-bezel [[Reference:1002|1002]], but catalogue markings vary: some steel examples have 1002 stamped inside the caseback, while gold examples have been listed with 1005 there.
The Rolex 1003 is a no-date Oyster Perpetual with an engine-turned bezel. Auction catalogues use several descriptions for the bezel, including “milled,” “ridged” and “graduated engine-turned.” The 1003 shares the 34mm case family with the smooth-bezel [[Reference:1002|1002]], but catalogue markings vary: some steel examples have 1002 stamped inside the caseback, while gold examples have been listed with 1005 there.


Auction records include steel and gold examples, British-market 9-carat cases, personalized service-award dials and watches catalogued with Air-King dials. The sources document individual watches and sale-time configurations; they do not establish a complete production census.
Auction catalogues document steel and gold cases, British-market 9-carat examples, personalized dials and watches catalogued with Air-King dials.


==Core facts==
==Core facts==
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|-
|-
| production
| production
| dated auction examples run from circa 1960 to the late 1970s; production limits are not established
| dated auction examples run from circa 1960 to the late 1970s
|-
|-
| case diameter
| case diameter
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|-
|-
| caseback
| caseback
| screw-down, inside stamped 1002 on steel cases and 1005 on gold
| screw-down; some examples carry 1002 or 1005 inside, and Antiquorum says the backs could be interchanged at the factory
|-
|-
| paired designations
| paired designations
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==Where it sits in the line==
==Where it sits in the line==


The 1003 is one of the engine-turned-bezel references in the four-digit Oyster Perpetual line. The [[Reference:1002|1002]] has a smooth bezel; the [[Reference:1005|1005]] is associated with the fluted gold bezel. References [[Reference:1006|1006]], [[Reference:1007|1007]] and [[Reference:1008|1008]] also appear with engine-turned bezels. Auction records use paired designations such as 1003/1002 or 1003/1005, reflecting the different numbers found between the lugs and inside the caseback. The [[Reference:1018|1018]] is the 36mm model in this family.
The 1003 is one of the engine-turned-bezel references in the four-digit Oyster Perpetual line. The [[Reference:1002|1002]] has a smooth bezel; the [[Reference:1005|1005]] is associated with the fluted gold bezel. References 1006, [[Reference:1007|1007]] and 1008 also appear with engine-turned bezels. Auction records use paired designations such as 1003/1002 or 1003/1005, reflecting the different numbers found between the lugs and inside the caseback. The [[Reference:1018|1018]] is the 36mm model in this family.


==Production outline==
==Production outline==


Auction catalogues date individual 1003 examples from circa 1960 through 1977. The records include cases 512,833 and 573,835 dated circa 1960, a Glasgow assay mark for 1961, case 531,734 dated circa 1966, case 3,044,042 dated 1972, case 3,960,865 dated circa 1975 and case 5,426,177 dated 1977. A separate Antiquorum listing describes a watch as late 1970s and records its sale in January 1980; the sale date is not a delivery date. These auction descriptions do not establish the reference’s first or last production year.
Auction catalogues place individual examples from around 1960 through the late 1970s. Cases 512,833 and 573,835 are circa 1960; a Glasgow import mark is dated 1961; case 531,734 is circa 1966; case 3,044,042 dates to 1972; case 3,960,865 to circa 1975; and case 5,426,177 to 1977. Antiquorum’s 2004 lot says another watch was produced in the late 1970s and had previously sold in January 1980.


==Movement notes==
==Movement notes==


Most reference tables list calibers 1560 and 1570 for the 1003. Bonhams listed caliber 1530, movement number 98,643, in a 1003 (case 573,835) with a chronometer certificate dated 22 December 1960. The same auction house listed a caliber 1530 in a 1002. The 1003 movement attribution conflicts with common reference tables, and the auction descriptions alone do not establish factory fitment.
Watch-Wiki lists calibers 1560 and 1570 for the 1003. Bonhams’ September 2024 catalogue entry lists a caliber 1530, movement 98,643, in case 573,835, with a chronometer certificate dated 22 December 1960. Bonhams also recorded a caliber 1530 in a 1002. Treat the 1530 as a catalogue outlier; the reproduction does not establish factory fitment.


Auction records document 1560 and 1570 movements in 1003 examples. Caliber 1560 beats at 18,000 vph; caliber 1570 raises the rate to 19,800 vph. Auction descriptions also record differing jewel counts and movement details. The broader lineage and points of disagreement are covered in [[Reference:Movements|the movement index]].
Auction records document both 1560 and 1570 examples. Caliber 1560 beats at 18,000 vph; caliber 1570 runs at 19,800 vph. See [[Reference:Movements|the movement index]] for the full lineage.


==Dial map==
==Dial map==


Silvered is the default and covers most of the record: sunburst and satiné finishes on steel and gold alike, with applied baton or dart markers, luminous five-minute dots and a printed chronometer line. A cream or beige tone appears on aged gold examples, and Artcurial's 1966 gold watch is described as patinated cream. Sotheby's 2021 steel example photographs as a heavily spotted cream dial with rose-toned markers, the kind of tropical change that reads as condition rather than as a factory variant.
Silvered dials recur in the auction records, with sunburst or satiné finishes, baton or dart markers, luminous dots and chronometer text. Individual lots show a blue Air-King dial on a watch catalogued as 1003/1002, British-market gold examples with gilt darts and Arabic quarters, and corporate logos including Coca-Cola and Diesel Power. Artcurial described its circa-1966 Diesel Power dial as patinated cream. Sotheby’s catalogued its 2021 steel dial as silvered; photographs show heavy spotting and rose-toned markers.
 
Auction records include silvered dials, a blue Air-King dial in a watch catalogued as 1003/1002, and British-market gold examples with gilt dart markers and Arabic quarters. The catalogues describe several gold dials with Coca-Cola service inscriptions; those examples are discussed below.


[[File:Ref 1003 air king dial.webp|thumb|right|250px|Blue Air-King dial in a steel case catalogued as ref 1003/1002, made 1964|alt=Blue Air-King dial in a steel case catalogued as ref 1003/1002, made 1964]]
[[File:Ref 1003 air king dial.webp|thumb|right|250px|Blue Air-King dial in a steel case catalogued as ref 1003/1002, made 1964|alt=Blue Air-King dial in a steel case catalogued as ref 1003/1002, made 1964]]


==Case, bezel, crystal, and crown==
==Case, bezel, crystal, and crown==
The 1003 uses a 34mm Oyster case with 19mm lugs. Auction catalogues give measurements from 33mm to 35mm and thicknesses around 12mm; these are catalogue measurements, not a single factory specification. Examples have screw-down backs and crowns and acrylic crystals.
The 1003 has a 34mm Oyster case with 19mm lugs. Auction listings give diameters from 33mm to 35mm and thicknesses around 12mm. Examples have screw-down backs and crowns and acrylic crystals.


The bezel is engine-turned. Auction houses also describe examples as “milled,” “ridged” or “semi engine-turned”; Antiquorum describes some examples as graduated and with hour divisions. The wording varies by catalogue, and not every listing provides enough detail to compare the cut pattern.
The bezel is engine-turned. Auction houses also call it “milled,” “ridged” or “semi engine-turned”; Antiquorum describes some examples as graduated with hour divisions. Terminology varies across catalogues, and their descriptions rarely give enough detail to compare the cut pattern.


Catalogued cases include stainless steel, 14k and 18k yellow gold, and British-market 9-carat gold. In the Coca-Cola 1003/1005 auction record, Antiquorum explains that the number between the lugs identifies the watch’s bezel reference while the inside caseback bears the case reference. Other lots show the same paired-number pattern.
Catalogued cases include stainless steel, 14k and 18k yellow gold, and British-market 9-carat gold. In the Coca-Cola 1003/1005 auction record, Antiquorum explains that the number between the lugs identifies the watch’s bezel reference while the inside caseback bears the case reference. Other lots show the same paired-number pattern.
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==Bracelets, end links, and clasps==
==Bracelets, end links, and clasps==


Auction examples show steel riveted and folded Oyster bracelets, gold bracelets, and leather straps with signed buckles. These catalogue descriptions record the watch as offered for sale; they do not establish the original bracelet or strap fitted to each head. A clasp date dates the bracelet, not the watch head. See [[Reference:Bracelets|the bracelet and clasp guide]].
Auction examples show steel riveted and folded Oyster bracelets, gold bracelets, and leather straps with signed buckles. The listings establish what accompanied each watch at sale. A clasp date belongs to the bracelet, not the watch head. See [[Reference:Bracelets|the bracelet and clasp guide]].


==Special branches==
==Special branches==


===The Coca-Cola service awards===
===The Coca-Cola service awards===
Several auctioned gold Oyster Perpetuals carry Coca-Cola logos and “25 Years of Service” inscriptions. For the 1003, Antiquorum catalogued an 18k gold case, number 5,426,177, as made in 1977; Sotheby’s sold that same case in 2014. A second 1003/1005, case 3,044,042, was catalogued as made in 1972 and sold by Antiquorum in 2007. A third watch was catalogued as late 1970s and sold in New York in January 1980. Other references, including 1002 and 1005, also appear in auction records with Coca-Cola service inscriptions.
Three Antiquorum catalogue appearances cover two or possibly three 18k Coca-Cola 1003 watches. Case 5,426,177 is dated 1977 and appears in Antiquorum’s 2006 sale and Sotheby’s 2014 sale. Case 3,044,042 is dated 1972 and appears in Antiquorum’s 2007 sale. Antiquorum’s 2004 New York lot 118 describes an 18k 1003/1002 produced in the late 1970s and previously sold in January 1980. The catalogue omits its case number. It could be a separate watch or case 5,426,177. Antiquorum notes that case bodies and backs were interchangeable, so the paired designation cannot identify it. Watch Club separately lists a 14ct gold 1003 as a 1961 presentation watch. The dealer attributes the commission to Coca-Cola; its photograph shows an engraving naming Sal Eaton and dating the presentation to 1 September 1961. Christie’s catalogued a 14k 1002 with a Coca-Cola dial. Artcurial’s separate 14k 1005, case 3,921,444, has a Coca-Cola service engraving for Th. Rummens on the caseback. Heritage catalogued another 14k 1005 with a hand-painted Coca-Cola dial inscription; its condition report says the dial was refinished, leaving the mark’s date and maker undetermined.


<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
File:Ref 1003 coca cola full.webp|An 18k gold Coca-Cola 1003, case dated 1961
File:Ref 1003 coca cola full.webp|Watch Club’s dealer-listed 14ct gold 1003, dated 1961
File:Ref 1003 coca cola.webp|The 25 Years of Service Coca-Cola dial on the same watch
File:Ref 1003 coca cola.webp|The dial on 18k case 5,426,177, catalogued circa 1977 by Antiquorum and Sotheby’s
File:Ref 1003 coca cola caseback.webp|Caseback engraving for Sal Eaton, 25 years’ service, dated 1 September 1961
File:Ref 1003 coca cola caseback.webp|Engraving naming Sal Eaton and giving the presentation date as 1 September 1961
</gallery>
</gallery>


===The Sotheby's “Minnie Mouse”===
===The Sotheby's “Minnie Mouse”===


Sotheby’s catalogued a steel watch as “Reference 1003 Air-King ‘Minnie Mouse’” in 2020. Its silvered dial carries Air-King and Precision text, with a printed Minnie Mouse figure between the centre and six o’clock. Sotheby’s lists case 3,011,703, an inner caseback stamped 1002, caliber 1570, and a 33mm case. The dial and inner caseback support describing it as an Air-King-style watch in a case marked 1003 between the lugs; the catalogue does not establish how that combination left the factory.
Sotheby’s catalogued a steel watch as “Reference 1003 Air-King ‘Minnie Mouse’” in 2020. Its silvered dial carries Air-King and Precision text, with a printed Minnie Mouse figure between the centre and six o’clock. Sotheby’s lists case 3,011,703, an inner caseback stamped 1002, caliber 1570 and a 33mm case.


[[File:Ref 1003 minnie mouse.webp|thumb|right|250px|The printed character sits between the centre and six, under Air-King and PRECISION text|alt=The printed character sits between the centre and six, under Air-King and PRECISION text]]
[[File:Ref 1003 minnie mouse.webp|thumb|right|250px|The printed character sits between the centre and six, under Air-King and PRECISION text|alt=The printed character sits between the centre and six, under Air-King and PRECISION text]]
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===The Diesel Power Company dial===
===The Diesel Power Company dial===


Artcurial catalogued a 14k yellow-gold 1003, case 531,734, circa 1966, with a cream dial bearing a Diesel Power Company logo. The lot documents another personalized corporate dial; it does not establish who made or fitted it.
Artcurial catalogued a 14k yellow-gold 1003, case 531,734, circa 1966, with a cream dial bearing a Diesel Power Company logo. The catalogue leaves the dial maker and installer unidentified.


===British-market gold cases===
===British-market gold cases===


Bonhams catalogued three 1003 examples in 9-carat gold. One carries a Glasgow import mark dated 1961 and a caliber 1560; another, case 512,833, was catalogued in New York as circa 1960 with a butterfly rotor; a third was offered with a 9ct gold bracelet and a 1966 receipt. The hallmarks and receipt provide separate dating evidence; they do not date the movement. See [[Reference:Serial-numbers|the serial-number guide]] for the limits of assay dating.
Bonhams catalogued three 1003 examples in 9-carat gold. One carries a Glasgow import mark dated 1961 and a caliber 1560; case 512,833 was catalogued circa 1960 with a butterfly rotor; a third was offered with a 9ct gold bracelet and a 1966 receipt. The import mark dates the case, while the receipt records the documented purchase. See [[Reference:Serial-numbers|the serial-number guide]] for assay-date context.


==Auction record==
==Auction record==


Results vary by watch and dial. The table includes a 1003/1005 Coca-Cola example that sold for CHF 37,500 at Sotheby’s in 2014; the same case sold for CHF 11,800 at Antiquorum in 2006. Among the steel examples listed here, the Sotheby’s 2020 Air-King “Minnie Mouse” brought the highest result. These sales describe individual lots, not a general price range for the reference.
Antiquorum sold case 5,426,177 for CHF 11,800 in 2006; Sotheby’s reported CHF 37,500 when it resold the watch in 2014. The table gives each result in the sale currency.


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
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! result
! result
|-
|-
| May 2014
| Sep 2024
| Sotheby's Geneva, Important Watches, lot 216
| Bonhams, Weekly Montres, lot 84
| yellow gold, "25 Years of Service Coca-Cola" dial, ref 1003/1005, case 5,426,177, c.1977
| steel, cal 1530, case 573,835; certificate dated 22 December 1960
| CHF 37,500 (est. CHF 6,000–8,000)
| GBP 960
|-
|-
| Oct 2007
| Jun 2021
| Antiquorum Geneva, Important Collectors' Watches, lot 486
| Sotheby's Geneva, Fine Watches, lot 42
| yellow gold Coca-Cola, ref 1003/1005, case 3,044,042, made 1972
| steel, dial catalogued as silvered; photographs show spotting, cal 1570, case 3,960,865
| CHF 12,980 (est. CHF 5,000–7,000)
| CHF 2,142
|-
| May 2006
| Antiquorum Geneva, The Mondani Collection, lot 111
| 18k yellow gold Coca-Cola, ref 1003/1005, case 5,426,177, made 1977
| CHF 11,800 (est. CHF 8,000–10,000)
|-
|-
| Oct 2020
| Oct 2020
| Sotheby's New York, Watches, lot 97
| Sotheby's New York, Watches, lot 97
| steel Air-King 'Minnie Mouse', cal 1570, case 3,011,703, c.1972
| steel Air-King 'Minnie Mouse', cal 1570, case 3,011,703, c.1972
| USD 7,560 (est. USD 4,000–6,000)
| USD 7,560
|-
| Jul 2011
| Artcurial Monte-Carlo, Fine Watches, lot 406
| 14k yellow gold, Diesel Power Company service dial, case 531,734, c.1966
| EUR 4,335 (est. EUR 3,000–3,500)
|-
| Jun 2021
| Sotheby's Geneva, Fine Watches, lot 42
| steel, spotted cream dial, cal 1570, case 3,960,865, c.1975
| CHF 2,142 (est. CHF 1,000–3,000)
|-
|-
| Nov 2017
| Nov 2017
| Bonhams London, Watches and Wristwatches, lot 121
| Bonhams London, Watches and Wristwatches, lot 121
| 9K gold, Glasgow import mark for 1961, cal 1560, silvered dial with Arabic quarters
| 9K gold, Glasgow import mark dated 1961, cal 1560
| GBP 2,000
| GBP 2,000
|-
|-
| Nov 2016
| Nov 2016
| Antiquorum Geneva, lot 38
| Antiquorum Geneva, lot 38
| steel with Air-King dial, ref 1003/1002, case 1,197,501, made 1964, rivet bracelet
| steel with Air-King dial, case 1,197,501, made 1964
| CHF 1,875 (est. CHF 1,000–2,000)
| CHF 1,875
|-
| May 2014
| Sotheby's Geneva, Important Watches, lot 216
| 18k gold Coca-Cola, ref. 1003/1005, case 5,426,177, circa 1977
| CHF 37,500
|-
| Jul 2011
| Artcurial Monte-Carlo, Fine Watches, lot 406
| 14k yellow gold, Diesel Power Company service dial, case 531,734, c.1966
| EUR 4,335
|-
|-
| Dec 2007
| Dec 2007
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| USD 1,440
| USD 1,440
|-
|-
| Sep 2024
| Oct 2007
| Bonhams, Weekly Montres, lot 84
| Antiquorum Geneva, Important Collectors' Watches, lot 486
| steel, cal 1530, case 573,835, chronometer certificate dated December 1960
| yellow gold Coca-Cola, ref. 1003/1005, case 3,044,042, 1972
| GBP 960
| CHF 12,980
|-
| May 2006
| Antiquorum Geneva, The Mondani Collection, lot 111
| 18k yellow gold Coca-Cola, case 5,426,177, 1977
| CHF 11,800
|-
| Mar 2004
| Antiquorum New York, lot 118
| 18k gold Coca-Cola, ref. 1003/1002; case number unreported; catalogue says produced late 1970s and previously sold January 1980
| USD 4,140
|}
|}


== Related references ==
== Related references ==


* [[Reference:1002|Oyster Perpetual 1002]] — 34mm, smooth bezel
* [[Reference:1002|Oyster Perpetual 1002]], 34mm, smooth bezel
* [[Reference:1005|Oyster Perpetual 1005]] — 34mm, fluted gold bezel
* [[Reference:1005|Oyster Perpetual 1005]], 34mm, fluted gold bezel
* [[Reference:1007|Oyster Perpetual 1007]] — 34mm, engine-turned bezel
* [[Reference:1007|Oyster Perpetual 1007]], 34mm, engine-turned bezel
* [[Reference:1018|Oyster Perpetual 1018]] — the 36mm case in the same line
* [[Reference:1018|Oyster Perpetual 1018]]: the 36mm case in the same line
* [[Reference:5500|Air-King 5500]] — the same case, non-chronometer
* [[Reference:5500|Air-King 5500]]: the same case, non-chronometer
* [[Reference:1016|Explorer 1016]] — same calibers, 36mm Explorer dial
* [[Reference:1016|Explorer 1016]]: same calibers, 36mm Explorer dial


See also the [[Reference:oyster-perpetual|Oyster Perpetual family index]], [[Reference:Movements|movement reference]], [[Reference:Bracelets|bracelet & clasp guide]], and [[Reference:Serial-numbers|serial numbers by year]].
See also the [[Reference:oyster-perpetual|Oyster Perpetual family index]], [[Reference:Movements|movement reference]], [[Reference:Bracelets|bracelet & clasp guide]], and [[Reference:Serial-numbers|serial numbers by year]].


== Gallery ==


<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
File:Ref 1003 hero.webp|Whole-watch view, steel 1003
File:Ref 1003 hero.webp|Whole-watch view, steel 1003
File:Ref 1003 coca cola full.webp|Whole-watch view, gold Coca-Cola example
File:Ref 1003 coca cola full.webp|Watch Club’s dealer-listed 14ct gold 1003, dated 1961
File:Ref 1003 minnie mouse.webp|Air-King character dial in a 1003-marked case
File:Ref 1003 minnie mouse.webp|Air-King character dial in a 1003-marked case
File:Ref 1003 coca cola.webp|Coca-Cola service dial detail
File:Ref 1003 coca cola.webp|Coca-Cola service dial on 18k case 5,426,177, catalogued circa 1977
File:Ref 1003 air king dial.webp|Blue Air-King dial in a 1003/1002 catalogue example
File:Ref 1003 air king dial.webp|Blue Air-King dial in a 1003/1002 catalogue example
File:Ref 1003 nine carat.webp|British-market 9K case and dial detail
File:Ref 1003 nine carat.webp|British-market 9K case and dial detail
File:Ref 1003 coca cola caseback.webp|Coca-Cola service engraving on caseback
File:Ref 1003 coca cola caseback.webp|Coca-Cola service engraving on the caseback, dated 1 September 1961
</gallery>
</gallery>


== Sources ==
== Sources ==


* [https://www.watchclub.com/rolex/oyster-perpetual/extremelyrarevintage-ref-1003-year-1961 Watch Club, Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref. 1003, 14ct gold, dealer-listed as 1961]
* [https://www.watch-wiki.net/doku.php?id=rolex_calibres Watch Wiki, "Rolex calibres — reference index", Watch Wiki (watch-wiki.net)]
* [https://www.watch-wiki.net/doku.php?id=rolex_calibres Watch Wiki, "Rolex calibres — reference index", Watch Wiki (watch-wiki.net)]
* [https://beckertime.com/blog/the-review-of-the-rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-1005/ BeckerTime, "Review: The Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref. 1005", BeckerTime, 2022-09-11]
* [https://beckertime.com/blog/the-review-of-the-rolex-oyster-perpetual-ref-1005/ BeckerTime, "Review: The Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref. 1005", BeckerTime, 2022-09-11]
* Sotheby's, "Sotheby's Geneva Important Watches Lot 216 — Rolex ref 1003/1005 Coca-Cola 25 Years of Service", Sotheby's, 2014-05-14
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2014/important-watches-ge1401/lot.216.html Sotheby's Geneva, lot 216 — Rolex ref 1003/1005 Coca-Cola 25 Years of Service, 2014-05-14]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-111 Antiquorum, "Antiquorum Geneva The Mondani Collection Lot 111 — Rolex ref 1003/1005 Coca-Cola", Antiquorum, 2006-05-14]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-108-111 Antiquorum, "Antiquorum Geneva The Mondani Collection Lot 111 — Rolex ref 1003/1005 Coca-Cola", Antiquorum, 2006-05-14]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-171-486 Antiquorum, "Antiquorum Geneva Important Collectors' Watches Lot 486 — Rolex ref 1003/1005 Coca-Cola 1972", Antiquorum, 2007-10-14]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-171-486 Antiquorum, "Antiquorum Geneva Important Collectors' Watches Lot 486 — Rolex ref 1003/1005 Coca-Cola 1972", Antiquorum, 2007-10-14]
* Antiquorum, "Antiquorum New York Important Collector's Wristwatches Lot 118 — Rolex ref 1003/1002 Coca-Cola", Antiquorum, 2004-03-24
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-lot-49-118 Antiquorum, "Important Collector's Wristwatches, lot 118 — Rolex ref 1003/1002 Coca-Cola", 2004-03-24]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/watches-5/rolex-reference-1003-air-king-minnie-mouse-a Sotheby's, "Sotheby's New York Watches Lot 97 — Rolex ref 1003 Air-King "Minnie Mouse" circa 1972", Sotheby's, 2020-10-29]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/watches-5/rolex-reference-1003-air-king-minnie-mouse-a Sotheby's New York, lot 97 — Rolex ref 1003 Air-King "Minnie Mouse", 2020-10-29]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1003-1002-lot-302-38 Antiquorum, "Antiquorum Geneva Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces Lot 38 — Rolex ref 1003/1002 with Air-King dial", Antiquorum, 2016-11-13]
* [https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/rolex-ref-1003-1002-lot-302-38 Antiquorum, "Antiquorum Geneva Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces Lot 38 — Rolex ref 1003/1002 with Air-King dial", Antiquorum, 2016-11-13]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/fine-watches-3/oyster-perpetual-ref-1003-stainless-steel Sotheby's, "Sotheby's Geneva Fine Watches Lot 42 — Rolex ref 1003 steel milled bezel circa 1975", Sotheby's, 2021-06-24]
* [https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/fine-watches-3/oyster-perpetual-ref-1003-stainless-steel Sotheby's, "Sotheby's Geneva Fine Watches Lot 42 — Rolex ref 1003 steel milled bezel circa 1975", Sotheby's, 2021-06-24]
* Bonhams, "Bonhams Weekly Montres Lot 84 — Rolex ref 1003 caliber 1530, chronometer certificate 1960", Bonhams, 2024-09-19
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/24234/lot/121/ Bonhams, "Bonhams London Watches and Wristwatches Lot 121 — Rolex ref 1003 9K gold, Glasgow import 1961", Bonhams, 2017-11-21]
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/24234/lot/121/ Bonhams, "Bonhams London Watches and Wristwatches Lot 121 — Rolex ref 1003 9K gold, Glasgow import 1961", Bonhams, 2017-11-21]
* Bonhams, "Bonhams New York Fine Watches and Wristwatches Lot 125 — Rolex ref 1003 9k gold circa 1960", Bonhams, 2007-12-06
* [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/oyster-perpetual/ref-rolex-1003/lpi Bonhams New York, lot 125 — Rolex ref 1003 9k gold circa 1960; record mirrored by Collector Square]
* Bonhams, "Bonhams Knightsbridge Clocks, Watches & Barometers Lot 162 — Rolex ref 1003 9ct gold 1966", Bonhams, 2003-10-07
* [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/oyster-perpetual/ref-rolex-1003/lpi Artcurial Monte-Carlo, lot 406 — Rolex ref 1003 14k gold with Diesel Power service dial; record mirrored by Collector Square]
* Artcurial, "Artcurial Monte-Carlo Fine Watches Lot 406 — Rolex ref 1003 14k gold with Diesel Power service dial", Artcurial, 2011-07-26
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6193990 Christie's Dubai, lot 6 — Rolex ref 1002/1005 Coca-Cola 25 Years Service, 2019-12-12]
* [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6193990 Christie's, "Christie's Dubai Important Watches Lot 6 — Rolex ref 1002/1005 Coca-Cola 25 Years Service", Christie's, 2019-12-12]
* [https://www.gazette-drouot.com/en/auctions/142294-horlogerie-de-collection?modeDiapo=false&page=2 Gazette Drouot reproduction of Artcurial lot 286 — Rolex ref. 1005 Coca-Cola, 2023]
* Artcurial, "Artcurial Monaco Vente Horlogerie de collection Lot 286 — Rolex ref 1005 Coca-Cola 25 years service", Artcurial, 2023-07-16
* [https://jewelry.ha.com/itm/timepieces/rolex-ref-1005-gold-oyster-perpetual-damaged-back/a/5279-54225.s Heritage Auctions, New York, Watches & Fine Timepieces lot 54225 — Rolex ref. 1005, 27 October 2016]
* Heritage Auctions, "Heritage New York Watches & Fine Timepieces Lot 54225 — Rolex ref 1005 14k gold Coca-Cola service dial", Heritage Auctions, 2016-10-27
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/30130/lot/27/ Bonhams, "Bonhams Watches Online Lot 27 — Rolex ref 1002 caliber 1530, purchased 1962", Bonhams, 2024-03-01]
* [https://www.bonhams.com/auction/30130/lot/27/ Bonhams, "Bonhams Watches Online Lot 27 — Rolex ref 1002 caliber 1530, purchased 1962", Bonhams, 2024-03-01]
* [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/oyster-perpetual/ref-rolex-1003/lpi Collector Square, "Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref. 1003 — auction and second-hand price index", Collector Square]
* [https://www.collectorsquare.com/en/watches/rolex/oyster-perpetual/ref-rolex-1003/lpi Collector Square — Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref. 1003 auction index, including Bonhams lot 84]


[[Category:Oyster Perpetual]]
[[Category:Oyster Perpetual]]
[[Category:References]]
[[Category:References]]

Latest revision as of 21:34, 8 October 2026


Oyster Perpetual › 1003

Steel 1003, circa 1975, with the engine-turned bezel and a heavily spotted cream dial
Steel 1003, circa 1975, with the engine-turned bezel and a heavily spotted cream dial

The Rolex 1003 is a no-date Oyster Perpetual with an engine-turned bezel. Auction catalogues use several descriptions for the bezel, including “milled,” “ridged” and “graduated engine-turned.” The 1003 shares the 34mm case family with the smooth-bezel 1002, but catalogue markings vary: some steel examples have 1002 stamped inside the caseback, while gold examples have been listed with 1005 there.

Auction catalogues document steel and gold cases, British-market 9-carat examples, personalized dials and watches catalogued with Air-King dials.

Core facts

detail value
reference 1003
family Oyster Perpetual
production dated auction examples run from circa 1960 to the late 1970s
case diameter 34mm in most catalogues; auction listings range from 33mm to 35mm
lug width 19mm
thickness c.12mm
case material stainless steel; 14k and 18k yellow gold; 9k and 9ct gold for the British market
bezel engine-turned, graduated with hour divisions on documented gold examples
crystal acrylic
movement most reference tables list calibers 1560 and 1570; one Bonhams 1003 lot lists caliber 1530, a disputed catalogue attribution
certification Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified
date complication none
bracelet rivet Oyster, later folded Oyster, gold fold-over bracelets, leather
caseback screw-down; some examples carry 1002 or 1005 inside, and Antiquorum says the backs could be interchanged at the factory
paired designations catalogued as 1003/1002 and 1003/1005
sibling references 1002 (smooth), 1006 / 1007 / 1008 (engine-turned), 1005 (fluted gold)
oversized relative 1018, the 36mm case

Where it sits in the line

The 1003 is one of the engine-turned-bezel references in the four-digit Oyster Perpetual line. The 1002 has a smooth bezel; the 1005 is associated with the fluted gold bezel. References 1006, 1007 and 1008 also appear with engine-turned bezels. Auction records use paired designations such as 1003/1002 or 1003/1005, reflecting the different numbers found between the lugs and inside the caseback. The 1018 is the 36mm model in this family.

Production outline

Auction catalogues place individual examples from around 1960 through the late 1970s. Cases 512,833 and 573,835 are circa 1960; a Glasgow import mark is dated 1961; case 531,734 is circa 1966; case 3,044,042 dates to 1972; case 3,960,865 to circa 1975; and case 5,426,177 to 1977. Antiquorum’s 2004 lot says another watch was produced in the late 1970s and had previously sold in January 1980.

Movement notes

Watch-Wiki lists calibers 1560 and 1570 for the 1003. Bonhams’ September 2024 catalogue entry lists a caliber 1530, movement 98,643, in case 573,835, with a chronometer certificate dated 22 December 1960. Bonhams also recorded a caliber 1530 in a 1002. Treat the 1530 as a catalogue outlier; the reproduction does not establish factory fitment.

Auction records document both 1560 and 1570 examples. Caliber 1560 beats at 18,000 vph; caliber 1570 runs at 19,800 vph. See the movement index for the full lineage.

Dial map

Silvered dials recur in the auction records, with sunburst or satiné finishes, baton or dart markers, luminous dots and chronometer text. Individual lots show a blue Air-King dial on a watch catalogued as 1003/1002, British-market gold examples with gilt darts and Arabic quarters, and corporate logos including Coca-Cola and Diesel Power. Artcurial described its circa-1966 Diesel Power dial as patinated cream. Sotheby’s catalogued its 2021 steel dial as silvered; photographs show heavy spotting and rose-toned markers.

Blue Air-King dial in a steel case catalogued as ref 1003/1002, made 1964
Blue Air-King dial in a steel case catalogued as ref 1003/1002, made 1964

Case, bezel, crystal, and crown

The 1003 has a 34mm Oyster case with 19mm lugs. Auction listings give diameters from 33mm to 35mm and thicknesses around 12mm. Examples have screw-down backs and crowns and acrylic crystals.

The bezel is engine-turned. Auction houses also call it “milled,” “ridged” or “semi engine-turned”; Antiquorum describes some examples as graduated with hour divisions. Terminology varies across catalogues, and their descriptions rarely give enough detail to compare the cut pattern.

Catalogued cases include stainless steel, 14k and 18k yellow gold, and British-market 9-carat gold. In the Coca-Cola 1003/1005 auction record, Antiquorum explains that the number between the lugs identifies the watch’s bezel reference while the inside caseback bears the case reference. Other lots show the same paired-number pattern.

9K gold British-market 1003 with a Glasgow import mark for 1961, silvered dial with gilt dart markers and Arabic quarters
9K gold British-market 1003 with a Glasgow import mark for 1961, silvered dial with gilt dart markers and Arabic quarters

Bracelets, end links, and clasps

Auction examples show steel riveted and folded Oyster bracelets, gold bracelets, and leather straps with signed buckles. The listings establish what accompanied each watch at sale. A clasp date belongs to the bracelet, not the watch head. See the bracelet and clasp guide.

Special branches

The Coca-Cola service awards

Three Antiquorum catalogue appearances cover two or possibly three 18k Coca-Cola 1003 watches. Case 5,426,177 is dated 1977 and appears in Antiquorum’s 2006 sale and Sotheby’s 2014 sale. Case 3,044,042 is dated 1972 and appears in Antiquorum’s 2007 sale. Antiquorum’s 2004 New York lot 118 describes an 18k 1003/1002 produced in the late 1970s and previously sold in January 1980. The catalogue omits its case number. It could be a separate watch or case 5,426,177. Antiquorum notes that case bodies and backs were interchangeable, so the paired designation cannot identify it. Watch Club separately lists a 14ct gold 1003 as a 1961 presentation watch. The dealer attributes the commission to Coca-Cola; its photograph shows an engraving naming Sal Eaton and dating the presentation to 1 September 1961. Christie’s catalogued a 14k 1002 with a Coca-Cola dial. Artcurial’s separate 14k 1005, case 3,921,444, has a Coca-Cola service engraving for Th. Rummens on the caseback. Heritage catalogued another 14k 1005 with a hand-painted Coca-Cola dial inscription; its condition report says the dial was refinished, leaving the mark’s date and maker undetermined.

  • Watch Club’s dealer-listed 14ct gold 1003, dated 1961
    Watch Club’s dealer-listed 14ct gold 1003, dated 1961
  • The dial on 18k case 5,426,177, catalogued circa 1977 by Antiquorum and Sotheby’s
    The dial on 18k case 5,426,177, catalogued circa 1977 by Antiquorum and Sotheby’s
  • Engraving naming Sal Eaton and giving the presentation date as 1 September 1961
    Engraving naming Sal Eaton and giving the presentation date as 1 September 1961

The Sotheby's “Minnie Mouse”

Sotheby’s catalogued a steel watch as “Reference 1003 Air-King ‘Minnie Mouse’” in 2020. Its silvered dial carries Air-King and Precision text, with a printed Minnie Mouse figure between the centre and six o’clock. Sotheby’s lists case 3,011,703, an inner caseback stamped 1002, caliber 1570 and a 33mm case.

The printed character sits between the centre and six, under Air-King and PRECISION text
The printed character sits between the centre and six, under Air-King and PRECISION text

The Diesel Power Company dial

Artcurial catalogued a 14k yellow-gold 1003, case 531,734, circa 1966, with a cream dial bearing a Diesel Power Company logo. The catalogue leaves the dial maker and installer unidentified.

British-market gold cases

Bonhams catalogued three 1003 examples in 9-carat gold. One carries a Glasgow import mark dated 1961 and a caliber 1560; case 512,833 was catalogued circa 1960 with a butterfly rotor; a third was offered with a 9ct gold bracelet and a 1966 receipt. The import mark dates the case, while the receipt records the documented purchase. See the serial-number guide for assay-date context.

Auction record

Antiquorum sold case 5,426,177 for CHF 11,800 in 2006; Sotheby’s reported CHF 37,500 when it resold the watch in 2014. The table gives each result in the sale currency.

date house configuration result
Sep 2024 Bonhams, Weekly Montres, lot 84 steel, cal 1530, case 573,835; certificate dated 22 December 1960 GBP 960
Jun 2021 Sotheby's Geneva, Fine Watches, lot 42 steel, dial catalogued as silvered; photographs show spotting, cal 1570, case 3,960,865 CHF 2,142
Oct 2020 Sotheby's New York, Watches, lot 97 steel Air-King 'Minnie Mouse', cal 1570, case 3,011,703, c.1972 USD 7,560
Nov 2017 Bonhams London, Watches and Wristwatches, lot 121 9K gold, Glasgow import mark dated 1961, cal 1560 GBP 2,000
Nov 2016 Antiquorum Geneva, lot 38 steel with Air-King dial, case 1,197,501, made 1964 CHF 1,875
May 2014 Sotheby's Geneva, Important Watches, lot 216 18k gold Coca-Cola, ref. 1003/1005, case 5,426,177, circa 1977 CHF 37,500
Jul 2011 Artcurial Monte-Carlo, Fine Watches, lot 406 14k yellow gold, Diesel Power Company service dial, case 531,734, c.1966 EUR 4,335
Dec 2007 Bonhams New York, Fine Watches and Wristwatches, lot 125 9k gold, cal 1560 with butterfly rotor, case 512,833, c.1960 USD 1,440
Oct 2007 Antiquorum Geneva, Important Collectors' Watches, lot 486 yellow gold Coca-Cola, ref. 1003/1005, case 3,044,042, 1972 CHF 12,980
May 2006 Antiquorum Geneva, The Mondani Collection, lot 111 18k yellow gold Coca-Cola, case 5,426,177, 1977 CHF 11,800
Mar 2004 Antiquorum New York, lot 118 18k gold Coca-Cola, ref. 1003/1002; case number unreported; catalogue says produced late 1970s and previously sold January 1980 USD 4,140

Related references

See also the Oyster Perpetual family index, movement reference, bracelet & clasp guide, and serial numbers by year.


  • Whole-watch view, steel 1003
    Whole-watch view, steel 1003
  • Watch Club’s dealer-listed 14ct gold 1003, dated 1961
    Watch Club’s dealer-listed 14ct gold 1003, dated 1961
  • Air-King character dial in a 1003-marked case
    Air-King character dial in a 1003-marked case
  • Coca-Cola service dial on 18k case 5,426,177, catalogued circa 1977
    Coca-Cola service dial on 18k case 5,426,177, catalogued circa 1977
  • Blue Air-King dial in a 1003/1002 catalogue example
    Blue Air-King dial in a 1003/1002 catalogue example
  • British-market 9K case and dial detail
    British-market 9K case and dial detail
  • Coca-Cola service engraving on the caseback, dated 1 September 1961
    Coca-Cola service engraving on the caseback, dated 1 September 1961

Sources

Retrieved from "https://rolexopedia.net/index.php?title=Reference:1003&oldid=11901"