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eton97 · 6 September 2020, 09:49 PM

Dropped the kids over to the grandparents and was shown this by my stepfather. This was given to his father when he turned 13, in 1921.
It’s stopped working and we know nothing about it.
Any info plus advice on where to take it in London for an overhaul would be super appreciated.

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vintagewatch · 7 September 2020, 02:06 AM

The markings on the case back provide some information:
1. W& D = Hans Wilsdorf and Davis (Wilsdorf's brother in law). The founders of Rolex
2. .925 = 92.5% Silver case material
3. "u" inside shield = London Date Mark (year 1915, not sure)

The number 635278 I would think is the serial number, however it's too long to be a Rolex case number for it's age, so may be tied to the actual case maker.

The dial on the watch was likely re-finished or replaced due to the "to new" appearance.

As far as servicing the watch in the UK, no particular recommendation. The movement was likely made by the company Aegler which produced movements for a number of watch companies, so a competent AW21 watchmaker should be able to provide service.

Good Luck!

Speedbird-1 · 7 September 2020, 02:48 AM

The other inverted 'U' mark denotes that its imported silver.
I agree, that it looks like a London date mark for 1915.

Lovely piece.

eton97 · 7 September 2020, 03:49 AM

Thank you all. Really helpful.
Shame about the dial. Must have been changed a long time ago as he’s sure nothing has been touched in the last 40yrs or so as it sat doing nothing in the safe.
Appreciate the reply’s

Patton250 · 7 September 2020, 03:53 AM

Really cool. I hope you get it working.

eton97 · 7 September 2020, 03:53 AM

Is there any way to Find out for sure if the dial is replaced/repainted? Or it it safe to assume a 100yr old dial will not look this clean?

Old Expat Beast · 7 September 2020, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eton97

Is there any way to Find out for sure if the dial is replaced/repainted? Or it it safe to assume a 100yr old dial will not look this clean?

Well the watch was presumably sold in December 1921, and I don't think Rolex used the crown logo till around 1925. The coronet and Rolex font styles also look quite a bit more recent than that. Very nice watch all the same

6 September 2020, 09:49 PM	#1
eton97 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: London, UK Watch: DRSD, 1675, 5167a Posts: 243	Question on a vintage Rolex pocket watch Dropped the kids over to the grandparents and was shown this by my stepfather. This was given to his father when he turned 13, in 1921. It’s stopped working and we know nothing about it. Any info plus advice on where to take it in London for an overhaul would be super appreciated. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

7 September 2020, 03:53 AM	#5
Patton250 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Real Name: Brett Location: Florida Watch: 5205R Posts: 5,158	Really cool. I hope you get it working. __________________ Morality does not derive from consensus. It only comes from one place. Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall. Often times unbelief is disguised as wisdom Instagram - patton250

7 September 2020, 02:06 AM	#2
vintagewatch "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Real Name: David Location: Colorado, USA Watch: Sport 4digit ref# Posts: 295	The markings on the case back provide some information: 1. W& D = Hans Wilsdorf and Davis (Wilsdorf's brother in law). The founders of Rolex 2. .925 = 92.5% Silver case material 3. "u" inside shield = London Date Mark (year 1915, not sure) The number 635278 I would think is the serial number, however it's too long to be a Rolex case number for it's age, so may be tied to the actual case maker. The dial on the watch was likely re-finished or replaced due to the "to new" appearance. As far as servicing the watch in the UK, no particular recommendation. The movement was likely made by the company Aegler which produced movements for a number of watch companies, so a competent AW21 watchmaker should be able to provide service. Good Luck!

7 September 2020, 03:49 AM	#4
eton97 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: London, UK Watch: DRSD, 1675, 5167a Posts: 243	Thank you all. Really helpful. Shame about the dial. Must have been changed a long time ago as he’s sure nothing has been touched in the last 40yrs or so as it sat doing nothing in the safe. Appreciate the reply’s

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