Need help identifying inherited Rolex...

[Moesin]

Hi All,

I inhereted my dad's Rolex but don't know much at all about it except for the approximate year he bought it (1968), that it is supposed to be 18k gold and stainless steel, and that he rarely wore it. I believe he had it serviced by Rolex in the late 80s or early 90s but I found no paperwork related to the watch... just the original box. I went to a local watch dealer today for an insurance (and potential sale) appraisal and she told me it had some special features and was in such good condition that determining value was over her head, and that I should seek advise from a specialist. You gotta love honest people. Anyway, I was wondering what info/advise you kind folks might be able to provide. I am afraid to handle or mess with it so I have not found the serial number, since it isn't readily visible. If someone can tell me how to safely find it I will try if it is necessary (I assume it is!).

The text on the face says:
Oyster Perpetual
DateJust

Superlative Chronometer
Officially Certified

Swiss (along botton of face in tiny letters)

Here are a few photos:

TIA for any responses!

[Moesin]

PS Apparently it is a self winding model (?) as I noticed it is running right now even though I have never wound it. Sorry if this is an inane point (maybe all Rolexes are self winding for all I know!).

Also, the box bottom says " Montres Rolex S.A. Geneve"

[glocati]

Appears to me to be a a model 1601 Tutone with a champagne pie pan dial. It should have a 1570 movement which is a real workhorse. The jubilee bracelet, dial etc, all appear to jibe with the ~ 1968 purchase date. If you remove the bracelet, you will see the serial number bewteen the lugs on the 6 o clock/bottom of the case - top should read model number. they should be stamped between the lugs. I have never seen a box like that....check this out for a bit more info on serial numbers, etc. http://www.qualitytyme.net/pages/numbers.html

[Moesin]

Many thanks for the info and the link. I will get the serial/model numbers tomorrow and post the findings.

Also, I was wondering, my dad always raved about how silky/loose the bracelet was, but I saw elswhere on the site that some people prefer stiff bracelets, and even pay to have them stiffened (?). Is a "stiff" bracelet just another type, or is this a sign of wear? I couldn't imagine it being a wear issue, since my dad barely ever wore it! (In gun collector terms, it was a "safe queen").

Thanks again!

[timebroker]

Sign of wear, you can have em "re-stiffed" though.
Not even 2 days ago I had the same watch in my hands, should get you a bit more than couple of 1000 $, especially with the box.

[jac67]

Looks good. :thumbsup:

Agree with above.

Also, it appears to be Rose Gold TT, not Yellow Gold. :thumbsup:

I love that box. :cheers:


John.

[glocati]

Many thanks for the info and the link. I will get the serial/model numbers tomorrow and post the findings.

Also, I was wondering, my dad always raved about how silky/loose the bracelet was, but I saw elswhere on the site that some people prefer stiff bracelets, and even pay to have them stiffened (?). Is a "stiff" bracelet just another type, or is this a sign of wear? I couldn't imagine it being a wear issue, since my dad barely ever wore it! (In gun collector terms, it was a "safe queen").

Thanks again!

IMHO- The early rolled jubilee bracelets are very light and comfortable. Loose/stretched or not they wear very nicely.

[mailman]

That's a beautiful watch :thumbsup: I love the crystal on it :cheers:

[gmt 16750]

Nice, vintage Rolex with a cracking crystal (no pun intended!) but that box........:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup: - never seen one like it before. :cheers:

[explodingtaco]

Sorry, Next time I will use that college education to read :dummy:

[Tools]

Why is this in the fake section? Is it a fake?

This is not a fake section.....We do not have one of those.

This is a real/fake identification section, and we have helped identify this watch and provide assistance, as requested..

Read the sticky...:cheers:

[explodingtaco]

Post edited

[Moesin]

Many thanks for all the info and compliments! It's funny... when I was waiting at the watch shop the other day to see if they could appraise it a female customer kept raving about the box. I mean, she loved the watch, but "that box." Guess she has a good eye.

I planned on removing the bracelet tonight to check and photograph the s/n and model info, but I wimped out. I just couldn't bring myself to shove a metal pin in there, nor do I have a wooden dowell of sufficient diameter. Can someone tell me what can be used to push the pins in without scratching the pin top or the surrounding surface? Should I just let the kind lady at the watch shop do it?

Until I can have that done, here are some more detailed picts of the box, which appears to be wood construction, covered in leather on top and sides and some sort of velvet (?) on the bottom, with a metal filligree design on top that is pressed over what appears to be black felt (I am color blind, mind you!). There is no "mount" or original interior structure/packing material (that survived the years, anyway... too bad) so my dad padded the inside with tissue and placed the watch on top.

[Moesin]

I forgot to ask, if I have the watch shop remove the bracelet so I can photograph serial and model #s, should I go ahead and have them remove the back plate to photograph the inner workings? Whatever will be necessary to document the watch for insurance and potential future sale (which would be two different prices, no?) Thanks again.

[Moesin]

Sorry to pester but does anyone have any suggestions re. my above question about how to remove the pins safely for photographing thee serial and model #s? TIA for any response/s!

[Tools]

M,

That's not really a question we can answer...It's up to you what you photograph....any reasonable buyer would verify it before purchase..

You are in luck though as you have an older model with pin holes in the case....

Just push a toothpick into the pin holes to compress the bracelet spring pin and the bracelet should slip right off....

:cheers:

[Moesin]

Thanks Tools. I will definitely remove the bracelet to photograph the s/n and m/n, but I had seen photos of watches with the rear plate removed so I was thinking that might be a good idea as well. Is that generally safe to do? I assume one doesn't "try this stunt at home"?

[glocati]

Thanks Tools. I will definitely remove the bracelet to photograph the s/n and m/n, but I had seen photos of watches with the rear plate removed so I was thinking that might be a good idea as well. Is that generally safe to do? I assume one doesn't "try this stunt at home"?

Moesin, If you can get a picture of the movement, i think that would help. If you plan to sell via the internet - it seems to me a photo of the movement helps ease people's minds as to authenticity. Plus the 1570 movement is pretty cool looking IMO. The more pics, the better for most folks. The case back has to be removed with a specific tool which your watchmaker should have. With the case back opener, it's a very routine move that should not phase them at all. Bring your camera and/or ask if you or they can snap a picture for you.

The risk you run in removing the case back is that the rubber water seal gasket could get compromised or be old enough they may want to replace it, but once again a good watchmaker should be able do that step ( if necessary) with no problems.

Good luck on it. That is a nice vintage piece. I wish i would have kept my SS 1601...:dummy:

[Moesin]

Thanks for the info Glocati. I will take it tomorrow to my local watch shop and snap all the picts needed. I'm just going to leave the band removal to them too. Should the rubber gasket be worn when she removes the back, is it OK to allow her to replace it with a gasket of her seleection, or should it be a "genuine Rolex" part? To my knowledge the watch has only been touched/serviced by an AD (I'm learning the lingo ;) so I don't want to start messing with its originality.

And on that note, will Rolex have the service information history on file somewhere? If so, is it possible to pay to have copies of it if you go into an AD and have the watch verified/inspected?

Thanks again!