Cal 1530 is the base movement for all 1500 movements and was introduced 1957. The 1530 comes with balance assembly rolex p/n 7855 with Breguet hairspring running at 18000 bph.
It is a chronometer grade movement.
The 1520 was introduced in 1963 with balance assembly rolex p/n 8055 with a flat hairspring. It comes in 17 and 26 jewel versions running at 19800 bph.
Cal 1525 is the same thing with date.
They are not considered to be chronometer grade movements although most will keep excellent time.
The 1560 was introduced in 1965* and has rolex p/n 7980 balance assembly with a Breguet hs running at 18000 bph.
Cal 1565 is the same thing with date.
Cal 1565 GMT has date and 24h hand.
All are chronometer grade movements.
Introduced in 1965 The 1570 had free hung Breguet hairspring and a new balance cock.
Cal 1575 date.
Cal 1575 GMT has date and 24h hand.
Cal 1580 antimagnetic (Milgaus)
All are chronometer grade movements.
Rolex calibre 1570 series.
- Manufactured approximately -1957-1959-1965-1989
- Made in Switzerland
- Power reserve 48hours
- 18000 B/A-19800 B/H
- 17-26 Jewels
- Lift angle 52°
- Dm 28.3mm-28.5mm
- H 5.75mm
The movement bridges are finely finished with various perlage finish and angled edges. Centre seconds construction involves overlaying wheel driving a pinion. To avoid a stuttering second hand the pinion is tensioned by a spring. Not an ideal solution, but does the job. Very fine finish on screws.
Surface finish on top side of the plate and bridges: 7 Points
Surface finish on screws: 10 Points
Surface finish on crown and ratchet wheel: 6 Points
Movement Jeweling: 5-8* points
The movement is designed to be an automatic and is very robust.
Movement design innovation (for ca 1957): 8 points
The Rolex base plate dial side has a decent perlage finish on both the dial side and gear train side. Winding mechanisms are well made with a fine finish. The date change is a very clever design that is instant and has little effect on amplitude.
Base plate finish: 7 Points
Setting and winding mechanism: 8 Points
Date change snappiness 10 Points
Gear-train finish: 9 Points
Movement durability: 9 Points
A quality feature that I always appreciate is a guard plate, to protect the bridge surface from the ratchet wheel. This adds to movement durability.
1575 GMT adds: 5 bonus points *
1520-1570-80 upgrade to 18900 BPH + 2 points in innovation*
The boot regulator: 3 Bonus points*
The beat error is regulated on the balance cock with a locking screw.
5 extra bonus points*
Later models do also feature hacking lever
4 Extra bonus points*
The 1580 antimagnetic*
5 extra bonus points
Autowinder mechanism winds in both directions and is very smooth.
8 points
These movements are always very accurate when in good condition. And usually keep within COSC specifications.
Accuracy 8 points
+ 2 point for chronometer*
Power reserve 48 hours is very good for an automatic of this time period.
9 points
Rolex 1570-75-80 points summary:
Surface finish on bridges and top side of base plate: 7
Surface finish screws: 10
Surface finish on ratchet and ratchet wheel: 6
Movement Jeweling: 5-8*
Movement innovative design: 8
Total bonus points: 0-15*
Base plate finish: 7
Setting and winding mechanism: 8
Date change snappiness: 10*
Gear-train finish: 9
Movement durability: 9
Autowinder mechanism: 8 points
Accuracy: 8-10*
Power reserve: 9
Grand total: 94-124*
*Bonus points or higher rating.
Weak points are barrel bridge can get worn (not jewelled) Autowinder wheels can get worn. Rolex does not supply parts to independent watchmakers.