1964 Oyster Date 6694 No date Magnifier:/

[Vintage_6694]

Dear Members,

I got my Grand Father's Rolex today. It is a Oyster Date Ref:6694 it has the 64' date written on case back. My question is:

This watch does not have a Date Magnifier. Does this mean the glass has been changed or are there models without the date magnifier?

Thank You for reading.

[offrdmania]

Not a factory option for the 6694. At some point someone replaced the crystal. Is the crystal domed? Sometimes a crystal without the magnifier is an added bonus, especially if domed. It just comes down to personal preference. If you dont like it, correct crystals are easily obtainable.

[Lamone]

Welcome to the forum.

Your grandfather watch has a Rolex Tropic 12 or T12 (without the magnifier). Its Cyclops (with magnifier) equivalent is the 108. If you ever wanted to chance the crystal to a Cyclops, you would need Rolex crystal number 108.

[Vintage_6694]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

Not a factory option for the 6694. At some point someone replaced the crystal. Is the crystal domed? Sometimes a crystal without the magnifier is an added bonus, especially if domed. It just comes down to personal preference. If you dont like it, correct crystals are easily obtainable.

Thank You for your reply! Yes it is domed. But has some deep scratches so probably needs changing.

[Vintage_6694]

Originally Posted by Lamone

Welcome to the forum.

Your grandfather watch has a Rolex Tropic 12 or T12 (without the magnifier). Its Cyclops (with magnifier) equivalent is the 108. If you ever wanted to chance the crystal to a Cyclops, you would need Rolex crystal number 108.

Thanks for the information. I think i will just get a new T12 then looks good on it.

[swish77]

Can you post some photos of the watch?

[Vintage_6694]

Sure! Here are a few images.

I am pretty sure the bracelet is not the original that accompanied the watch, But the movement, case back dial, hands etc seem authentic and it works near perfectly even after so many years.

It did gain about 4 minutes over night. Should i get it serviced? and what is the best way to get rid of the scratches on the case, they're not that deep. I plan on getting a nice leather strap to go with it. Any idea where to get a good vintage looking strap?

Thank You!

[mui.richard]

That's a beautiful piece. That said I think that crystal is cracked at 12 and the movement looks like it can use a good cleaning. And gaining 4 minutes overnight is WAY off spec.

Here's my '84 6694, just serviced by RSC a couple months ago and gains 3 sec a day. Crystal, along with crown/tube, gaskets were all replaced to guarantee WR.

Maybe it's just me but I think the Oysterdate looks better with the signature Cyclops...







a watch is meant to be worn

[swish77]

Originally Posted by Vintage_6694

Sure! Here are a few images.

I am pretty sure the bracelet is not the original that accompanied the watch, But the movement, case back dial, hands etc seem authentic and it works near perfectly even after so many years.

It did gain about 4 minutes over night. Should i get it serviced? and what is the best way to get rid of the scratches on the case, they're not that deep. I plan on getting a nice leather strap to go with it. Any idea where to get a good vintage looking strap?

Thank You!

Beautiful, original Oysterdate! (Bracelet is definitely aftermarket.) I'd have the watch serviced, replace the crystal and slap a nice black or brown leather or gator strap on it. I'd leave everything else alone and would not polish the case at all. (I'd maybe polish the bezel if the scratches really bug you, but I wouldn't touch the case.)

If you're looking for a vintage-style strap you could check out the accessories section on the sales forum here. There are some nice options. Good luck!

[Vintage_6694]

Originally Posted by swish77

Beautiful, original Oysterdate! (Bracelet is definitely aftermarket.) I'd have the watch serviced, replace the crystal and slap a nice black or brown leather or gator strap on it. I'd leave everything else alone and would not polish the case at all. (I'd maybe polish the bezel if the scratches really bug you, but I wouldn't touch the case.)

If you're looking for a vintage-style strap you could check out the accessories section on the sales forum here. There are some nice options. Good luck!

Thank You for the advice! I was thinking along the same lines. Will definitely post some pictures after I am done with it.

[nobbylon]

Originally Posted by mui.richard

That's a beautiful piece. That said I think that crystal is cracked at 12 and the movement looks like it can use a good cleaning. And gaining 4 minutes overnight is WAY off spec.

Here's my '84 6694, just serviced by RSC a couple months ago and gains 3 sec a day. Crystal, along with crown/tube, gaskets were all replaced to guarantee WR.

Maybe it's just me but I think the Oysterdate looks better with the signature Cyclops...







a watch is meant to be worn

timeless classic, very nice

[mui.richard]

Originally Posted by nobbylon

timeless classic, very nice

Thanks mate

a watch is meant to be worn

[Douglas9700]

Congratulations on your 6694-I am sure your Grandfather takes pride in knowing you value it. I have one too (wish it had come from a family member) and they are spectacular watches - enjoy!

[Vintage_6694]

Originally Posted by Douglas9700

Congratulations on your 6694-I am sure your Grandfather takes pride in knowing you value it. I have one too (wish it had come from a family member) and they are spectacular watches - enjoy!

That is a beautiful piece. I love that strap with those links, I am looking for something similar.

[Douglas9700]

Thank you, the strap is just an `istrap` from amazon, really inexpensive. I have them on several watches and they wear great and look like a lot more. The leather strap endlinks I found on ebay. It's really hard to find endlinks for these models and they were a perfect fit/very reasonable. pm me if you need anymore info-happy to help. Having one of these watches from your Grandfather is a treasure!