To wind or not to wind ?

[andypandy]

I seek information.My friend's wife has a 1972 6917 Oyster Perpetual Date. It has had a very hard life . Knowing that I am an expert on all things Rolex ( Ahum ? ), she has asked for my advice on bringing her watch up to scratch. That's where my fellow forum members come to my help. Three simple questions... (1) Does this model wind by hand as well as being automatic , (2) Did it originally have the two-tone steel and gold
bracelet (3) what are the correct end-pieces for the 6251 D bracelet it is
currently coupled with , but not attached to. I would appreciate any help
that you can give me.

[Jagatai]

Wind once when it's stopped then wear and move that's what the perpetual is for!
Pics!

[andypandy]

Thanks for your quick reply , well now i know the winder ain't winding...1 down , 2 to go. I'll have a cup of tea , then see if I can make some pictures....it's not a pretty sight !

[andypandy]

Well you asked for them , I included a shot of the the two slightly stretched bracelets
that come with this fine piece.

[Tools]

the 6917 Ladies Date is a two tone model.. It did come as an 18k model, but that would be a 6917/8..

The Date was offered on an Oyster bracelet. It's bigger sister, the Datejust came on the Jubilee bracelet..

Back in the 70's though, Dealers had more latitude to swap and order optional bracelets and accessories, although I believe that that Jubilee with straight ends predates this watch by a decade or two..

[MonBK]

What do you mean "slightly stretched"?

Both of them will last at least another week or two.

[financeman]

That watch has had a very hard life. Lol

[Jagatai]

Wow I like it!!!!!!

[tkc324]

The scratches add character!! LOL

[CdnWatchDoc]

This is indeed a character watch-lots of stories to tell! But the dial looks fantastic! IMHO, a new crystal and bracelet will bring it to life again.

[vintagewaferthin]

All that old girl needs is a new crystal and a nice new two tone jubilee and shell be as good as new. That dial does indeed look very good.

[andypandy]

I am obliged for all the comments. I fear this vintage beauty needs a wee bit more attention , than you would think. It does not wind by hand , the crown and stem have
a pronounced wobble , all of which leads me to think that she would have to have serious money spent on restoring her to her former glory. A good replacement from the sales forum could be a viable option. Thank you , gentlefolk , for your kind replies.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by andypandy

I am obliged for all the comments. I fear this vintage beauty needs a wee bit more attention , than you would think. It does not wind by hand , the crown and stem have
a pronounced wobble , all of which leads me to think that she would have to have serious money spent on restoring her to her former glory. A good replacement from the sales forum could be a viable option. Thank you , gentlefolk , for your kind replies.

At a Rolex Service Center, the cost to overhaul the watch head would be less than a "replacement" from the sales forum.. It would be returned as good as new.. Worn on a nice leather strap and it would last for a lifetime..

[Czechman]

Originally Posted by Tools

At a Rolex Service Center, the cost to overhaul the watch head would be less than a "replacement" from the sales forum.. It would be returned as good as new.. Worn on a nice leather strap and it would last for a lifetime..

+1

[andypandy]

Thanks Larry , good advice... I'll pass it on to the ' Proud Owner ' . I 'll keep y'all
posted.

[andypandy]

Common sense has prevailed . The 6917 is going home...to Rolex . Thanks again for all advice...and the humour . But seriously folks , did you really think the bracelets
showed serious stretch ? Just joking !