Inherited rolex oyster perpetual

[britincali]

Hi all, I inherited my grandfathers watch a few years back and am now in a financial position to where I am able to get it restored to its former glory.

Its currently not running and has a rattle inside, Ive been told over the phone the main axle is broken.

I have no idea what it is apart from some research online that dates it from 50s to 60s.

I would love to get it running and get her a new bracelet, I am leary about sending it off through some unknown jewelry shop tho.

Heres some pics ...







Even though it looks gold its most definatly stainless.

The numbers on the case are 725678 and 6098

What kind of band is it supposed to have? Where should I send it to be fixed and serviced? What year is it?

Sorry for all the questions from reading today it seems this place is packed with pros!!!!

[Lol-x]

Cool

[Andad]

Hot

Welcome to the Forum.

[britincali]

Its weird how the lighting made the case look gold.

[Rolex116520]

Congratulations ,
Judging by the serial the watch is early 1950's . You can either put a leather strap on the watch or try and source a riveted oyster bracelet . An original in good condition may be a little hard to find .

Try contacting Stan " tudorman 8276 " here on TRF

[britincali]

I tried a search for tudorman 8276 on here and came up with invalid user name???

After looking at some of the strap pics on here im really digging the brown leather strap look, I just need to get her fixed first. The rattle is very concerning :(

[britincali]

After doing a ton of searching on here and google today I also came up with anywhere between 50 and 52, it seems every different number reference site has a different year.

[Rolex116520]

Ok , it will be attached " tudorman8276 "
http://www.rolexforums.com/member.php?u=12201

[jdc]

Looks like an early fifties watch. A good local watchmaker should be able to have a look at it or send it to Bob Ridley on this forum.

Looks like any early fifties watch depending on what calibre the movement is will indicate how an easy fix it is, cannot see it being a problem though.

Once the watch maker has the case back off they will be able to date watch as it is marked inside with roman numerals indicating the quarter it was made and the year.

I would not trust an old bracelet with the watch but new bracelets can be had from Rolex for some of the older models, I got one myself. Rolex can advise. It would look good on leather/croc

[Alcan]

Originally Posted by britincali

Ive been told over the phone the main axle is broken.

I have no idea what it is

Here you go, the axle is the pivot that the winding rotor spins on. Shown are well used and new.

[enbro]

How can someone tell what's wrong over the phone? It's just a guess. It's a nice looking watch, don't let anyone replace the dial or hands or try to modernize it...the value and charm is in it's originality, IMHO. I had my 1964 Oysterdate serviced and they polished it all up and stripped it of it's patina and character, I was so upset and won't let that happen again.

[britincali]

Originally Posted by Rolex116520

Ok , it will be attached " tudorman8276 "
http://www.rolexforums.com/member.php?u=12201

I PMed him with a link to this thread

[britincali]

Originally Posted by enbro

How can someone tell what's wrong over the phone? It's just a guess. It's a nice looking watch, don't let anyone replace the dial or hands or try to modernize it...the value and charm is in it's originality,

I definatly want to keep the patina, If anything just replace the acrylic crystal and get her working again.

[joeyza]

Two words - Bob Ridley. With such and important family heirloom, you might want to send it the best in the business for vintage Rolex.

A quick forum search will give you the info you need on how to contact Bob.

Good luck and post pics when she comes back from the spa.

[britincali]

I got a hold of a really nice lady at www.watchmakers.com (bob ridley's site) and from that conversation im going to send it his way :)

[harry in montreal]

get it cleaned and repaired. should be about $400 if the part can be found. you may wait a bit to source the broken parts of the movement. you may need to replace the mainspring to get it to keep reasonable time. dont change anything on the dial and hands. nice watch ! worth spending say 500 on repairs. if its more, come back to this board and discuss why. harry in montreal

[adam78]

I also applaud your decision to send it to Bob Ridley.

By the way, this model is one of the "big bubblebacks". I would chose a nice padded calf or shell cordovan (19mm) strap. But you would never go wrong with a croco strap.

[britincali]

So its definatly 19mm between the lugs then? I don't have a set of calipers and everything Ive found online has said 17mm.

[tudorman8276]

...as already stated, do not allow anyone to do anything to the dial or hands.

...Bob Ridley is the "go to guy" for vintage stuff.

...my hands and eyes are not what they used to be 30 years ago.

...PM sent.

[Michael M.]

Nice watch!

[britincali]

She went out to bob ridley on thus, should be in his hands by monday :)

[Tools]

Originally Posted by britincali

She went out to bob ridley on thus, should be in his hands by monday :)

Good choice.. He will not do anything to take away it's value or originality...

[HL65]

Very nice! Congrats!! Bob is the right person to take it to!!

[enbro]

I'm looking toward to following your results.