The Rolex Caliber 1565 is a self-winding mechanical movement introduced in the early 1960s and forms part of Rolex’s celebrated 1500-series of automatic calibers. Specifically designed to include a date function, the 1565 is the calendar-equipped evolution of the base Caliber 1560. It represents Rolex’s move toward practical functionality, combining reliable timekeeping with an added complication for everyday convenience.

Often overshadowed by the more widely produced Caliber 1575, the 1565 holds a special place in Rolex history as an important transitional movement and was used in several highly collectible references.

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Technical Specifications

• Type: Automatic (self-winding)

• Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds, date

• Jewels: 26

• Frequency: 18,000 vibrations per hour (vph)

• Power Reserve: Approximately 42 hours

• Chronometer Certified: Yes (COSC-certified)

• Hacking Seconds: No

• Quickset Date: No

The Caliber 1565 lacks modern features like hacking seconds (which would allow the seconds hand to stop when setting the time) or a quickset date function (which allows the date to be adjusted without moving the hands). Nevertheless, it was an extremely robust and reliable movement for its time.

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Movement Features

Mechanically, the 1565 is very similar to the 1560 but includes an additional date wheel and calendar geartrain. Like other 1500-series movements, it includes:

• A bidirectional winding rotor

• A free-sprung balance wheel with Microstella screws for fine adjustment

• A full balance bridge, offering excellent shock resistance

• KIF shock protection system

• A slow date changeover mechanism that gradually advances the date around midnight

The movement is finished to Rolex's high standards, with rhodium-plated components and a durable design built for long-term performance.

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Watches Powered by Caliber 1565

The Caliber 1565 was used in several Rolex models produced during the early-to-mid 1960s, including:

• Rolex Datejust Ref. 1603 / 1601 – Featuring classic fluted bezels and pie-pan dials

• Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Ref. 1500 – A more understated and compact model

• Early GMT-Master Ref. 1675 – As the base for the GMT version (Caliber 1565 GMT)

These watches are now considered vintage classics, especially when featuring original dials, tritium lume, and early case details.

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Comparison with Other Rolex Calibers

The 1565 fits between the earlier 1535 and the later 1575 in Rolex’s movement timeline:

The 1575 eventually replaced the 1565 around the late 1960s, bringing a higher frequency and hacking functionality, but not a quickset date (that came with the later Caliber 3035 in the late 1970s).

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Service and Longevity

The Caliber 1565 is well-regarded among watchmakers for its:

• Strong modular design

• Ease of servicing due to parts interchangeability with the 1560 and other 1500-series calibers

• Proven reliability, even decades after production

Parts remain accessible, and well-maintained examples can still meet chronometer standards today.

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Collectibility and Legacy

Watches powered by the 1565 are increasingly valued for their:

• Historical significance as Rolex transitioned from early automatics to modern standards

• Pie-pan dials and classic vintage aesthetics

• Mechanical simplicity and durability

Although not as feature-rich as later calibers, the 1565 offers the pure mechanical charm and craftsmanship that many vintage Rolex collectors seek.

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Final Thoughts

The Rolex Caliber 1565 is a dependable and significant movement in the brand’s mechanical lineage. It combined Rolex’s high-precision engineering with the practicality of a date function, making it ideal for everyday wearers in the 1960s and beyond. Today, it remains a collector’s favorite for its historical context, mechanical reliability, and role in powering some of Rolex’s most iconic early models.

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