model identification help

[J@VIER]

Assumming the autenticity of the dial, I was suggesting the possibility that these Perpetual (non oyster) dials where somehow associated by rolex to non rolex cage watches or custom made cages specially done by 3rd parties for rolex. I wonder if R.W.T was referring to this possibility when talked that it might be packaged in France in post #2.

Otherwise, i believe we should at least know how an original Rolex Perpetual (non Oyster) cage looks like.

[winst]

That is a stunning watch!

[J@VIER]

Finaly it seems to be a Franch cased rolex during WW2.
These rolex watches were cased in french cases due to the France’s rule of not allowing any finished gold cases to entr the country. So these cases were made in France. They are rare because this periot of time was relatively short.
See another quasi identical one at:

https://watchestobuy.com/shop/rolexfrenchcase9353-htm/
Regards

[offrdmania]

The case may be from the WWII era but that dial is most definitely from the 1950s. The case may be from the 40s but I think the dial and movement were added later.

[J@VIER]

Thanks a lot! Its dificult for me to know the exact dating of each component.

[Nickn]

The bracelet has French 18ct gold marks

[J@VIER]

It may be a dial made in the fifties, in fact, when googling " rolex waffle dial" many results are for 50's watches...But notice the design similarities between this waffle dial and a 40's white dial (according to watchestobuy.com) , for a similar french cased model..."Fab suisse" and "swiss made" details at their bottom are also strange coincidences.

dials.jpg

[oysterfisher]

In my eyes its calles honeycomb dial and surely exist in 40's watches as well!

Regards

[J@VIER]

Would a Rolex dealer accept these kinds of French cased Rolex for Service?

Despite they a part of Rolex History i've been told that some times Rolex dealers are not well trained in vintage watch nuances, and some of them are -unfairly- rejected.

Whats your opinion?

(Remember gold import/export prohibition issued by french government from 1939 to past 50's that forced swiss watchmakers to make the gold cases in France, exporting only dials and movements)

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by J@VIER

Would a Rolex dealer accept these kinds of French cased Rolex for Service?

Despite they a part of Rolex History i've been told that some times Rolex dealers are not well trained in vintage watch nuances, and some of them are -unfairly- rejected.

Whats your opinion?

(Remember gold import/export prohibition issued by french government from 1939 to past 50's that forced swiss watchmakers to make the gold cases in France, exporting only dials and movements)

A 'Rolex Dealer' or Rolex Service Centre would probably decline to service this watch based on its age, and even if they did, they would want to replace many parts, and keep them. Just find a good watchmaker / repairer in your area and ask if they can do it.

[J@VIER]

On the other hand, the legal issue may be something important to consider when requesting service to Rolex for these watches.

Perhaps the manufacturer is not interested in taking these watches because they could compromise him from a legal point of view.

Something similar happens with other swiss brands that use to follow the same practique. It seems that the manufacturer does not provide records for those watches (even if they are fully identified with the original invoices and papers and legal marks) while it does for Swiss watches from the same era.

See:

https://forum.chronomania.net/board_...7#.YexRkv7MJPb

[J@VIER]

Just wanted to share some Rolex vintage commercial brochures where perpetual french cased watch is announced.

E85B41D7-4B4A-4FC4-8271-A037DD6A92C4.jpeg

4A446457-1653-467C-A6C3-3178377D4F3F.jpeg

[J@VIER]

Some details of the unit disassembled

[J@VIER]

Some more

[77T]

Glad you’re able to get it serviced.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[J@VIER]

Yes, a retired watchmaker who also was a rolex service dealer… Will see whats going on there in a few days…

[J@VIER]

during restoration process.

[offrdmania]

Lookin good! Cant wait to see it back on that beautiful bracelet

[J@VIER]

For my personal taste the gold bracelet is quite ostentatious... Maybe with a simple leather strap like the one in the example the watch looks more... what is your opinion?

[TimeLord2]

Great looking watch but have to agree on the bracelet—a bit much. I do like it on the leather. That said, would love to see the refurbed watch on the original bracelet to complete the whole package.

[offrdmania]

The bracelet is so unique that I personally would show it off but having leather as an option is also a plus