New "Owner"

[jonbull]

Good Morning Guys and Girls,

I had absolutely no interest in watches other than for telling the time accurately, right up to a couple of weeks ago. My Mom passed away after a long illness and in sorting out her affairs, we have come across a watch, which originaly belonged to me Grandfather. It is, obviously, a Rolex, otherwise I wouldnt be posting on here..and I am somewhat taken by it. However I do need to fully identify it and value it for probate first. I have had a mooch round and its a 1961/62 Oyster Perpetual with original box/paperwork, so it should be easy, right? Wrong. I cannot find one with the same dial/face (sorry, I will no doubt get the hang of the terminology). Could someone point me in the right direction please? All the best, Jon

[Old Expat Beast]

Oyster Perpetual 1002. Does it say February 1962 on the chronometer certificate?

[jonbull]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Oyster Perpetual 1002. Does it say February 1962 on the chronometer certificate?

That was quick ! Yes cert says Feb '62. Thanks.

I've just "googled" images and something is puzzling me. The Rolex Crest is in a different position to any image I can find. Should this worry me?

[Old Expat Beast]

That's when it's from, then, though the serial number at the top right (686743), if it is the watch's serial number, puts it about ten years earlier. Do a google search for rolex oyster 1002 and you will find a load of photos with many different dials online. The model number 1002 and the serial number should also be on the sides of the case if you remove the strap.

[jonbull]

Once again, many thanks for your help and sorry to be a nuisance, but this is fascinating to me.

The serial number is as you say, 686743, but the Cert definitely says Feb '62. Daft question, if the watch is a '51 could the cert just be from when my Grandfather took it to be calibrated, or re-calibrated? Would that explain the anomaly?
Cheers, J

[offrdmania]

OP, the watch looks ok to me. Just need to verify what is engraved between the lugs and make sure it jives with the paperwork. The dial is called an Arabic dial and the markers and hands look late 50s to early 60s in style.

[jonbull]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

OP, the watch looks ok to me. Just need to verify what is engraved between the lugs and make sure it jives with the paperwork. The dial is called an Arabic dial and the markers and hands look late 50s to early 60s in style.

Ah..thank you. Searching for "Arabic" dial reveals pictures of dials with the crest in the same place. Also delving into the serial number (Which is on the watch and the paperwork) shows that the serial number was issued twice. Once in the early 50's then again in 61/62, when, according to my browsing, Rolex merely reset the counter when it reached 999,999....this ties in with the '62 on the certificate.

Fascinating stuff, I can see why people get hooked on these things.

Would I be right in estimating value at around £2,000/£2,500 for inheritance tax/probate form?

Cheers, J

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by jonbull

Once again, many thanks for your help and sorry to be a nuisance, but this is fascinating to me.

The serial number is as you say, 686743, but the Cert definitely says Feb '62. Daft question, if the watch is a '51 could the cert just be from when my Grandfather took it to be calibrated, or re-calibrated? Would that explain the anomaly?
Cheers, J

Watch is 1962, and chrono certificate came with the watch when purchased.

[jonbull]

Apologies guys and gals, I hadn't read the rules on "valuation", but now have in another thread. I can't delete that part of my post. Sorry, no offence intended.