ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
17 August 2019, 09:53 AM | #1 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: California
Posts: 12
|
Explorer Experts Needed! My Great Grandpa's Explorer & Bracelet (Early 1950's)
I was recently going through my family's watch collection with my father and was hoping some expert eyes might be able to shine some more light on this watch than google!
We no longer have box and papers however this is what we know: He bought the watch new in the early 50's that came with the bracelet that is currently shown in the pictures. The watch is all original and has never been refurbished. The bracelet has a stamp on it of 4-52. We believe that's referring to 4th Quarter 1952 when the bracelet was made. I believe the bracelet itself may be rare as well. In regards to the watch, one side of the lugs says Brevet 6298 and on the other is the serial number: 929XXX. 6298 is the watch's reference number however it has been difficult to find an exact comparable on the internet, it seems like there were a lot of different 6298's - all with different hands, dials, and any combination of those. Some have the 12 at the top, some have the Rolex Crown, some have 12, 3, 6 & 9, all stating to be 6298's. I haven't been able to find one like mine with the 12 at the top with straight hands. Also, I haven't seen ANY with this bracelet. We believe the serial number puts the watch around 1953 - this was a time when the Explorer was first being branded as the Explorer. Stamped on the inside of the back cover is 4-53. Is this one of the earlier 6298's showing Explorer on the dial? Which bracelet or strap was standard on this watch new? Why is it so difficult to find the dial/hand combination? Thoughts, expert advice, link to comparables all extremely appreciated! Thanks! (Also, what the hell is up with the 293.4kb max file size? How can I post higher res photos?) |
18 August 2019, 02:58 AM | #2 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: California
Posts: 12
|
Bump!
|
18 August 2019, 09:35 AM | #3 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Real Name: Aaron
Location: CT/NYC
Watch: ing the time!
Posts: 6,791
|
Yes, you need to post bigger photographs of the watch to get meaningful responses.
The file size is different than the physical size of the photos. You can size them up to 1250 pixels on the long size, which is about 8 inches with resolution at 150, as long as the overall file size is less than 300KB. |
18 August 2019, 11:37 AM | #4 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: NY
Posts: 620
|
On the bracelet, check this Hodinkee link
regarding the history of the oyster bracelet should be helpful to you...
https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/ro...l-perspectives |
18 August 2019, 11:50 AM | #5 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: NY
Posts: 620
|
And try these links regarding the watch
|
18 August 2019, 02:17 PM | #6 |
2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 X2 Pledge Member
Join Date: May 2008
Real Name: Matt
Location: Wine Country, Ca
Posts: 5,846
|
OP, your watch is a Canadian market "Explorer" and has nothing to do with a 3 6 9 dial, Mercedes hand Explorer sport watch that we know of today.
__________________
TRF Member 11738 |
19 August 2019, 12:10 AM | #7 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: US
Posts: 422
|
Here are larger versions of Calefornia's watch.
|
19 August 2019, 12:48 AM | #8 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Texas
Posts: 532
|
I like it. When I think of ‘vintage’, these are the Rolex watches that I think of. Didn’t know this reference existed. Don’t know if this one is real. But, for the OP’s sake, I hope it is.
There’s a certain point, maybe in the late 60s, or early 70s, where Rolex watches became mass produced. I have a hard time thinking of the watches post 1970 as vintage. They’re just not. On the other hand, this one is, and it looks good. |
19 August 2019, 12:05 PM | #9 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: New Orleans
Posts: 1,153
|
Really great find!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
19 August 2019, 12:25 PM | #10 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Real Name: Roger
Location: WHITE ROCK BC
Watch: 89 16610, 57 7914,
Posts: 897
|
Very nice watch! It has been serviced as crown was replaced at one point which is no big deal. Now that is vintage
R |
20 August 2019, 06:28 AM | #11 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: California
Posts: 12
|
[QUOTE=Overwound;9908323]Here are larger versions of Calefornia's watch.
Thank you very much! |
20 August 2019, 06:34 AM | #12 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: California
Posts: 12
|
Quote:
And thanks all for the complements on it. I cant believe how good of shape its in compared to others I've seen from that long ago! |
|
20 August 2019, 07:05 AM | #13 | |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: California
Posts: 12
|
Quote:
Does anyone have any tips or contact info for the best way to reach out to Rolex with photos and serial number to hopefully get some more answers? Very much appreciated! |
|
20 August 2019, 01:29 PM | #14 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: California
Posts: 12
|
Apologies, not sure why the first post didn't show at first.
|
20 August 2019, 03:54 PM | #15 |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: 33139/95460
Posts: 1,292
|
Image search for Rolex 6298 found this ... Not the same?
. . |
21 August 2019, 12:49 AM | #16 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: California
Posts: 12
|
|
21 August 2019, 04:11 AM | #17 | |
2024 Pledge Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: 33139/95460
Posts: 1,292
|
Quote:
Below is a Rolex ad with yet another hand style. The Canadian/Commonwealth model 6298 was smaller, what is your case size without lugs? Either way, it is an uncommon and likely a desirable watch. If I found it, I think I would contact Andrew Shear in NYC or Eric Ku of 10pastten.com and VRF. Good luck! |
|
22 August 2019, 03:04 AM | #18 |
"TRF" Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: California
Posts: 12
|
I assumed it was 36mm however I will measure it and report back!
Additionally, we found a slides from my Great Grandfathers trip to Vancouver in the early 50's! I'll post any photos that include a new watch purchase. Excited to look through them! |
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests) | |
|
|
*Banners
Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.