Rolex Bubbleback How Frankenstein is it?

[alexkarbo]

Hi,

I was wondering what exactly is wrong with this watch…I know the writing on the dial is totally off.

Is it still the dial that came with this model? and what about the hands?. I really like the look of it even if it's a bit of an odd ball but still I would really appreciate any possible info on it.

Thank you very much

Alex

[adam78]

Poorly refinished dial, that's why it looks odd. I would avoid all bubblebacks with refinished dials, which severely impact the value and usually the ability to resell at anything but a loss.

This particular model is a ref. 3372, otherwise it doesn't look bad. A shame.

Here is mine with original luminous dial and hands:

[alexkarbo]

Thanks for getting back to me. So if I understand, the only thing (major thing) wrong would be the dial writings? Is there anything that can be done to fix the problem?
Your watch looks spectacular! I love those hands.

[R.W.T.]

Find an original dial of the correct vintage. Your watch is late 40's it needs to have a dial which reads Officially Certified Chronometer.

It is too late for a Certified Chronometer or Chronometer dial unless the autowind is changed. What is the case serial number. I'm guess 500k to 600k range.

[R.W.T.]

also missing the locking screw on the rotor weight screw. there is only supposed to be one. There are 2 holes..but only one is used depending on where it lines up.

[alexkarbo]

Originally Posted by R.W.T.

also missing the locking screw on the rotor weight screw. there is only supposed to be one. There are 2 holes..but only one is used depending on where it lines up.

Yes I can see that on pictures that there is one screw normally…But what is the purpose of that screw? Doesn't seem to hold anything…the watch runs fine without it.

Thanks

[R.W.T.]

It keeps the rotor screw from backing out.

The holes in the rotor screw are threaded. The little screw screws into that hole and protrudes down into holes drilled in the rotor weight. It locks the screw and the rotor weight together so to speak to keep it from backing out.