1575 Oyster Date movement equivalent

[Horus Ra]

Hi everyone,

I am a new member but long time Rolex owner and collector. I am looking to replace the movement of an Oyster Date 1501 Circa 1970. Where can I find an equivalent ETA automatic movement or any other Make that would accept the original hands diameter and other specs? Is the 3135 an exact fit for the case and hands? Thanks a lot.

[AJMarcus]

You say You’re a Rolex collector. Why would you even consider putting an aftermarket movement in a Rolex

[Horus Ra]

Ok, then I am a watch aficionado, amateur horologist and mechanical engineer and I thought that making this watch re-live is going to be my next project. I’ve looked for this 1575 movement and cannot find any so I’m going to put a heart into that Rolex casing, no matter what. Can anybody help me find a 1575 or equivalent?

[Tools]

The 1570 movement was made by the millions and so there are likely some of them out there. The problem, as you note, is that over the years they have become somewhat obsolete and most extra movements are being used for parts since Rolex no longer makes parts for that movement. Your case likely became a donor movement for a more popular model.

Not sure what else would fit. You could try some of the popular rep/homage sites who spend their waking hours trying to build the perfect imitation Rolex. I'm pretty sure that there are actual movements made for what you want.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by Tools

The 1570 movement was made by the millions and so there are likely some of them out there.

I see at least 6 for sale on eBay. Not cheap though.

[Woody]

Rolex can do amazing work to bring a movement back to life - your best (and possibly cheapest) option might be to send it to them for an appraisal/service. I personally would see little point in sourcing a non-Rolex movement for the watch.....but each to their own. Good luck.

[shiftf7]

The 3135 won’t fit in a 1500 case. The 1570 movement is flatter than the 3135.
It’s possible to put an Eta movement in a 1500 case, but you need to do some modifications like a movement ring, date wheel overlay, and you need other hands and reposition the dial feet.
I’m not really a fan of doing this because the watch is essentially no longer a Rolex but just looks like it.

[offrdmania]

No ETA will drop right in without major modifications

[Horus Ra]

Alright, thanks guys for the support! I guess this will be a bigger project then expected (and costly too!)

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Horus Ra

Alright, thanks guys for the support! I guess this will be a bigger project then expected (and costly too!)

Apparently 1570 movements are still available in the EU, to you might be able to find a drop-in example.

As you say, it isn't going to be cheap, but Rolex parts are never cheap. Nothing wrong with rescuing an older Rolex though. If you don't, who will?

There is some value in doing a good job yourself and enjoying the results.