Rolex Chronograph (Pre-Daytona), Ref. 6234, 1961

[cobby]

My mom and dad bought this in 1961 in Alabama, and my dad wore it throughout his military service and until his death in 2010. I'm now trying to figure out what to do with it. It appears to have been refaced in the 1990s by an independent watchmaker. Hands also look like they were replaced. It has a band from 1977. Lovely vintage watch that has been all over the world. Any advice appreciated.

Picture 1 - current
Picture 2 - my dad wearing watch in military, circa 1962-63
Picture 3 - close up of original watch face and band, circa 1965

[indianmachine]

beautiful watch. I'd get it serviced and wear it as your dad did.

[HMHM]

Amazing! It's a dream to own the very inception of the Rolex chronograph line-up!

[dhknola]

Sadly dial is refinished, but with the personal connection, I would not care.

[KY..]

I would say it depends on what you want at the end of the day.
If you want a nice family heirloom that will be passed down the your offspring and hopefully cherished, then you could leave it as is and do a service.
If you want a timepiece that has significant resale value down the road and your budget permits, then find an original factory dial and bring it back to as purchased condition by your parents.
If it is me, I would find the correct dial first and try to make it right.
Good luck…

[Crown & Shield]

Nice watch. Whatever you do, just don’t send it to Rolex.

[Mark020]

Originally Posted by KY..

If it is me, I would find the correct dial first and try to make it right.
Good luck…

Don't know whether I would advice anybody into that venture to be honest...

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by dhknola

Sadly dial is refinished, but with the personal connection, I would not care.

Exactly. More importantly, the refinished dial was part of the OP's dad's story for the last nearly-20 years of his life. As an heirloom, that alone should be taken into account.

[cobby]

Mark020. I think it would be financially risky to try to restore the watch, and I don't have the expertise to do it correctly, if it can be done correctly. But could you elaborate on why you think this would be a bad idea? Thanks.

[Mark020]

I don't say it is a bad idea but sourcing the correct dial may be a very risky adventure. They are as rare as hens teeth and will cost you a (small) fortune (potentially USD 10k+). And then there is the minefield of evaluating a potential dial....

Just as an example: https://www.tswisst.de/daytona-plexi...dial-for-6234/ Well known seller btw but I can't tell you whether this a correct one

[brandrea]

Welcome to the forum

I’d have it serviced and enjoy wearing it for what it is

[dustin.owens]

Lovely watch. I'm rocking an early chronograph myself today. (1963 6239) Get it serviced and wear it in good health.

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