Rolex 6238 advice

[TX10_4]

Hey everyone - I recently inherited my grandfather’s watch, and wanted to get some advice. A little info first. My grandpa wore this every day for over 50 years. I believe it’s on its third band from him wearing so much. The dial has some darkening at the edge around 3 o’clock. The crystal has some dings and scratches, and the crown easily pulls off. Finally, I wound it for the first time in a year or so last weekend, and it did lose a couple of minutes over two days.

I took it to a local place and they told me it’d be worth around 20-25k. Is that legit? At this point, I want to get it as clean and functional as possible without destroying the value and removing all traces of his history with it. I don’t want to sell it.

I don’t really want to mail it off somewhere, but can take it to Chicago if there’s somewhere reputable there. If this were your watch - what would you do?

[TimeLord2]

That is an interesting chronometer. The experts will be along shortly and ask for better pics. Pics of the model number and serial number (obscure the last 3 digits...) between the lugs, you will have to remove the bracelet to see it. That's a beauty, and don't take it to Rolex for service. Take it to a vintage specialist. Do not have it polished. You have already indicated the bracelet has been replaced, has anything else has been replaced would be the next question. Do you have the box, papers, whatever... Good luck and welcome to the forum!

[TX10_4]

Thanks. The jeweler did take the band off and said it was 6238, but I didn’t get the serial number. If it’s mission critical at some point I certainly can though. I’m really not sure if anything else has been replaced. My grandma said maybe the crystal once. He had it serviced periodically but I don’t believe it was by Rolex. Still looking for the box and paperwork, but those may have been destroyed in a flood years ago.

[Mark020]

Pricey watch. Don't sell too early :-)

[TX10_4]

Thanks to those that sent PMs. I appreciate the help and insight, and I was able to get it sent off to a watchmaker for service. It’s not for sale, nor will it be, but if anyone has any insight into the history of this model I’d love to learn more. I originally thought it was a 6234 because of the dial, and was surprised to learn otherwise. One other question- are bracelets original to this model possible to obtain still?

[Juhuatai]

Yeah you would need a 19mm rivet I think. I have an extra one, PM me if you're interested.