The Rolex Caliber 1215 is a manual-winding mechanical movement produced in the 1960s and 1970s, and it is the date-equipped counterpart to the Caliber 1210. As part of Rolex’s compact 12xx series of hand-wound movements, the 1215 was engineered specifically for ladies' Rolex watches that required a slim, reliable, and elegant movement with a date function. It reflects Rolex’s continued focus on quality across all product sizes, ensuring even its smallest models offered durability and precise timekeeping.

Technical Specifications

• Type: Manual-wind

• Functions: Hours, minutes, date (at 3 o’clock)

• Jewels: 17

• Frequency: 21,600 vibrations per hour (vph)

• Power Reserve: Approximately 42 hours

• Shock Protection: KIF or Incabloc

• Chronometer Certified: No (typically found in “Precision”-marked models)

• Hacking Seconds: No

• Quickset Date: No (date is changed by rotating the hands past midnight)

The Caliber 1215 was built for compact Oyster and non-Oyster watches, usually measuring 24 mm to 28 mm in diameter.

Movement Features

The 1215 shares its architecture with the Caliber 1210, but adds a calendar mechanism:

• Three-bridge manual-wind layout

• Rhodium-plated movement components for corrosion resistance

• Smooth date wheel operation, with gradual changeover near midnight

• Higher beat rate (21,600 vph) than older hand-wound movements, providing better timekeeping

• Manual crown winding, without automatic rotor or quickset date

• Compact size, maintaining slim case profiles for elegant wrist presence

Watches Powered by Caliber 1215

The Rolex Caliber 1215 powered a variety of ladies’ Rolex watches in the mid-to-late 20th century, particularly:

• Rolex Oysterdate Precision (manual-wind models)

• Slim Rolex Geneve watches with date windows

• Oyster-cased models with acrylic crystals and Cyclops magnifiers

• Some Tudor watches, as Rolex occasionally shared movement architecture with Tudor in this period

Key features of these watches often include:

• Dials marked “Precision” and date aperture at 3 o’clock

• Domed acrylic crystals (often with Cyclops)

• Gold, steel, or two-tone cases

• Slim leather straps or Jubilee-style bracelets

Service and Reliability

The 1215 is appreciated for its:

• Long-term reliability when serviced regularly

• Straightforward serviceability, with parts shared among the 12xx series

• Mechanically simple yet durable date mechanism

• Recommended maintenance interval: every 4–6 years

When properly maintained, the 1215 remains a highly dependable movement even decades after production.

Collectibility and Appeal

While not a high-profile movement, the 1215 offers strong appeal among:

• Collectors of vintage ladies’ Rolex watches

• Enthusiasts looking for manual-wind Rolexes with added functionality

• Those who appreciate vintage mechanical watches over quartz

• Buyers seeking a classic Rolex aesthetic in a more compact and affordable format

Original examples with matching date wheels, unpolished cases, and original bracelets are becoming more desirable as appreciation for mid-century Rolex design continues to grow.

Final Thoughts

The Rolex Caliber 1215 is a compact, practical, and reliable movement that powered some of the brand’s most elegant vintage watches for women. With its manual-wind design and integrated date function, it brought a touch of utility to refined, slim-profile cases. Today, the 1215 remains a mechanical gem for vintage enthusiasts, offering timeless Rolex quality in a discreet and beautifully designed form.