A Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust in stainless steel. To all intents and purposes this is a classic, and early example of the Rolex staple, iconic time piece. The one element that differentiates this example from most others is the tiny writing on the dial beneath the 'Oyster Perpetual' part. And these types of detail fascinate and excite collectors of these early watches. The words "SERPICO Y LAINO". This was added to the dial in the Rolex factory as part of an order to be fulfilled for re-sale at the luxury company of Serpcio Y Laino, Venezuela. Two Italian immigrants, Leopoldo Serpico & Vincente Laino, moved form Italy in the early part of the 20th Century with the hope of starting new lives. In the 1930's they started their business relationship. A visit by Snr. Laino and negotiated sole rights to distribute Rolex watches in Venezuela, which was experiencing a rising demand for its quality time pieces. This led to a very successful and lucrative business that lasted until 1966, when the climate in Venezuela changed dramatically making it unsafe to carry on the business.
The watch is powered by the Rolex workhorse automatic movement; caliber 1560. This movement powered most of the iconic Rolex sports watches of the time, such as the 5512 Submariner. The watch is in original condition with light wear to the case. It features an unusual Rolex bezel, that was found on some of these earlier models. The silvered pie pan dial is also untouched, and in excellent condition featuring all lume plots in tact. It is set with slim white gold markers set on each hour, and double width markers at the 6 and 9 o'clock positions. The hands are early dagger style complete with original lume. The case holds strong, legible model number 1601, and serial number 701xxx, dating it to circa 1961. Most importantly the case back still has the " S & L ACERO" engraved into the outside of the case back. The inside of the case back is also date stamped and marked 1601, and has 1961 III for the third quarter of that year. It is not unusual that these years do not match exactly, as they were finally assembled often at different times of production. The watch comes in a Foundwell presentation box, certificate of authenticity from Foundwell, as well as a year warranty against mechanical failure.
