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Old 5 November 2019, 02:05 PM   #61
Verdi
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Movement appears genuine, case doesn't. Also, dial seems messed with.

What I would do?
I would want to make it good to wear and enjoy. That would mean full service and replacing the non-genuine parts with service parts.


If you take it to RSC or an authorized service they ll inspect the watch and tell you exactly what the deal is.
They can also provide you an estimate of what it costs to service and make it all with genuine parts.
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Old 5 November 2019, 02:08 PM   #62
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Movement appears genuine, case doesn't. Also, dial seems messed with.

What I would do?
I would want to make it good to wear and enjoy. That would mean full service and replacing the non-genuine parts with service parts.


If you take it to RSC or an authorized service they ll inspect the watch and tell you exactly what the deal is.
They can also provide you an estimate of what it costs to service and make it all with genuine parts.
Will RSC service something this old? I was under impression that most watches with pre 15xx calibers weren't accepted at RSC's anymore.
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Old 5 November 2019, 02:10 PM   #63
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Send it to Philip Ridley and let him analyze it. He can give an honest determination of what is genuine and what is questionable. He can also service it correctly so that it will run for years to come.
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Old 5 November 2019, 07:37 PM   #64
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Case is probably fine. It is just re-engraved. Serial looks to be 398xxx which is perfect to begin with. My guess is that it has been serviced by someone independant that have taken the parts they had, re-engraved the case and refinished the dial. Something not uncommon at all for a watch in the 60’s.
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Old 5 November 2019, 07:54 PM   #65
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Some of it is clearly newer than 1962, so you'll probably never be able to determine the whole history, and because of the replacement parts, the sentimental value to you far exceeds the value to anyone else.

I say just enjoy the heck out of it and don't go down the rabbit hole. Don't try to figure out when and where the parts were added, and don't even think about value.
100% agreement on this, just enjoy the memories wearing it in good health and don't overthink it.
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Old 5 November 2019, 11:36 PM   #66
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Wondering if this is not a replacement case from a independent watch maker.

You can see the remains of the original serial number on the case which does not correspond to the serial number of this watch that is hand scribed in.

Quite certain this is a replacement case just not a new replacement case from official Rolex repair.

Every replacement case I have ever seen has had the serial number scribed in the case back. This watch has the serial number scribed in the case back.


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Old 6 November 2019, 12:19 AM   #67
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100% agreement on this, just enjoy the memories wearing it in good health and don't overthink it.

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Old 6 November 2019, 12:39 AM   #68
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These ‘I just got a free Rolex and is it authentic?’ threads are a train wreck. Who knows what’s the real story. This is the internet for goodness sakes. The land of make-believe.

If the OP is serious about determining if his watch is real or not, all he has to do is send it to RSC for an service estimate. He will get back a quote that details what’s required, what’s not required, and if it’s fake or not. It’s a free estimate, and it doesn’t require him to get the work done.

And yes, for those of us that hate RSC, then he should send it to an AD or an independant. But, anything other than posting photos on the internet and asking strangers.
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Old 6 November 2019, 12:56 AM   #69
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This thread is a fun rollercoaster ride and I like how it evolves. The OP clearly proves himself to be the real deal, just looking for some clarity on his dad’s watch. Some of the history is blurry but that’s totally normal for a watch if this age. Today we’re obsessed with papers and when something was serviced and with what parts, but this was so not the case back when you had a watch and you wanted the darn thing to work. I think the mystery of these things is fun to piece together and it tells some of the story of the OP’s father’s life. I’m glad that it has triggered an interest from him in these magical old watches and maybe he will become a new fellow enthusiast. That’s a good thing from my perspective.

I’m curious about the service in Switzerland in the 60s. Shipping a watch to Geneva for a service has never been routine as far as I know. Some more clarity on that part of the history might shed some light.

If I were in your position, OP, I’d take it to RSC and have them put service parts on anything that may not be genuine and wear the heck out of it. Trying to source original parts would be way too expensive and the watch would then be worth so much that you probably wouldn’t even wear it much.

Congratulations on your heirloom.
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Old 6 November 2019, 01:27 AM   #70
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But, anything other than posting photos on the internet and asking strangers.
Isn't that the whole point and framework of this, or any, internet forum? I get what you're saying in terms of definitively resolving a question or concern by sending it of to RSC, if one chooses. But short of that, I can't see the harm is seeking some insight and advice on a forum like this. I mean, you, yourself, offered some great advice! How would he even know sending it RSC was a valid option without first reaching out by starting a thread here and getting a reply like yours?

And, to be fair, some of these "strangers" know a hell of a lot about they're talking about.
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Old 6 November 2019, 03:36 AM   #71
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Isn't that the whole point and framework of this, or any, internet forum? I get what you're saying in terms of definitively resolving a question or concern by sending it of to RSC, if one chooses. But short of that, I can't see the harm is seeking some insight and advice on a forum like this. I mean, you, yourself, offered some great advice! How would he even know sending it RSC was a valid option without first reaching out by starting a thread here and getting a reply like yours?

And, to be fair, some of these "strangers" know a hell of a lot about they're talking about.
Agree with what your saying. But, assuming this is a legitimate post (he really did get it from a relative and is just looking for insight as to what he has), well-intended internet comments will only go so far.

Disclaimer: when I came into my 1979 18038 DD this year, I took it to RSC NY. They worked up an estimate and told me everything about the watch: service issues; aftermarket parts, costs, recommended service items, real parts that couldn’t be serviced, everything I wanted to know. My one and only thread details this experience. But, yes, for me that approach was best for me.
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Old 6 November 2019, 07:33 AM   #72
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Agree with what your saying. But, assuming this is a legitimate post (he really did get it from a relative and is just looking for insight as to what he has), well-intended internet comments will only go so far.

Disclaimer: when I came into my 1979 18038 DD this year, I took it to RSC NY. They worked up an estimate and told me everything about the watch: service issues; aftermarket parts, costs, recommended service items, real parts that couldn’t be serviced, everything I wanted to know. My one and only thread details this experience. But, yes, for me that approach was best for me.
Yup, thats all I was looking for is some opinions and advice. I think my next step is to contact a RSC and get it looked at and serviced. Unfortunately I have to send it since Im in Colorado. There is a local vintage watch dealer/service that works on Rolex watches but after reading some of the posts here Im a little nervous to bring it to whomever.
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Old 6 November 2019, 07:43 AM   #73
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Yup, thats all I was looking for is some opinions and advice. I think my next step is to contact a RSC and get it looked at and serviced. Unfortunately I have to send it since Im in Colorado. There is a local vintage watch dealer/service that works on Rolex watches but after reading some of the posts here Im a little nervous to bring it to whomever.
Rolex will just tell you to get a new case, new dial, new hands and do a normal service. Be lucky if it stops at let’s say 3k.




Your picture of the re-engraved serial shows a proper stamp which is worn off and then redone with some odd number. It is most likely authentic as the font of the serial looks ok. You also know the history so why would it be fake? The dial is refinished and the hands and insert is later. What else do you want to know? Value is hard as the watch is just odd parts not belonging together. Selling it would not be my first decision as it probably means more to you than it will bring money.

My suggestion is that you keep and enjoy as is. It’s a nice memory of your father.
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Old 6 November 2019, 07:53 AM   #74
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Rolex will just tell you to get a bew case, new dial, new hands and do a normal service. Be lucky if it stops at let’s say 3k.



Your picture of the re-engraved serial shows a proper stamp which is worn off and then redone with some odd number. It is most likely authentic as the font of the serial looks ok. You also know the history so why would it be fake? The dial is refinished and the hands and insert is later. What else do you want to know? Value is hard as the watch is just odd parts not belonging together. Selling it would not be my first decision as it probably means more to you than it will bring money.

My suggestion is that you keep and enjoy as is. It’s a nice memory of your father.
Great advice and thanks!!!
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Old 10 November 2019, 08:53 AM   #75
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More pics...

Looks like a serial number above the etched numbers but it is too worn to make out. I tried various angles.
Found this interesting

Rolex preowned vintage 1954 ref B 1055 automatic movement for Rolex antiques Models vintages watches : #6510, 6511, 6611, 6612, 6613...

Cal. 1055 / BPH: 18000 / Year: 1954.

Collectible, discontinued!
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File Type: jpg IMG_20191109_12764.jpg (77.6 KB, 167 views)
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Old 12 November 2019, 08:58 AM   #76
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Took the watch in to a vintage watch shop to get serviced today. Will cost 2k. Case is authentic, dial is ROLEX refinished along with a few other parts. Said its still worth about 15k give or take. Im going to keep it and wear the heck out of it and hopefully hand it down to my kids.
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Old 12 November 2019, 09:01 AM   #77
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Took the watch in to a vintage watch shop to get serviced today. Will cost 2k. Case is authentic, dial is ROLEX refinished along with a few other parts. Said its still worth about 15k give or take. Im going to keep it and wear the heck out of it and hopefully hand it down to my kids.
Is it an independent watch maker? Do they have a Rolex account? You dont want them putting aftermarket parts in the watch
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Old 12 November 2019, 09:03 AM   #78
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Is it an independent watch maker? Do they have a Rolex account? You dont want them putting aftermarket parts in the watch
Yes they have a ROLEX account. He only deals with vintage watches and said he has original parts to the watch on hand
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Old 12 November 2019, 09:07 AM   #79
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Is it an independent watch maker? Do they have a Rolex account? You dont want them putting aftermarket parts in the watch
https://knightwatchonline.com/
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Old 12 November 2019, 09:17 AM   #80
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He has an original gilt dial? I would like to see that
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Old 12 November 2019, 09:26 AM   #81
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He has an original gilt dial? I would like to see that


I’m sure as usual, original and genuine is being used interchangeably...


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Old 12 November 2019, 09:27 AM   #82
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Yes they have a ROLEX account. He only deals with vintage watches and said he has original parts to the watch on hand
Are you entirely sure?

"It is my understanding that the current owner, Michael Knight, is not a Rolex certified technician as he has claimed, instead claiming his father's certifications as his own.

It is also my understanding that Michael Knight has been cautioned by Rolex SA against making unsubstantiated claims about his training and service certification."

"https://www.yelp.com/biz/knight-watch-and-jewelry-colorado-springs"
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Old 12 November 2019, 09:31 AM   #83
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Are you entirely sure?

"It is my understanding that the current owner, Michael Knight, is not a Rolex certified technician as he has claimed, instead claiming his father's certifications as his own.

It is also my understanding that Michael Knight has been cautioned by Rolex SA against making unsubstantiated claims about his training and service certification."

"https://www.yelp.com/biz/knight-watch-and-jewelry-colorado-springs"
Hmm, now Im a little worried. Ill have to talk to him.
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Old 12 November 2019, 10:17 AM   #84
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Send it to Philip Ridley and then you will know it is absolutely getting 100% authentic parts and the best service care for such an important watch.
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Old 12 November 2019, 11:09 AM   #85
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Funny enough, I just spoke with Rolex (BH, CA) today regarding my old-ass TT 1675 watch (1972 or 1973). Very similar story to yours BTW, got it from Dad minus the Navy service (Army!). Rolex will not sell anything to me or service the watch until it has been sent to their Pennsylvania workshop where it will be evaluated for authenticity. That will cost me $260 for them to identify their own product. During the evaluation, they will make recommendations on what needs to be replaced. They will recommend replacing everything— I will surely refuse. That said, if I wanted to have it serviced or purchase a bracelet or new insert or whatever, the evaluation is required. The evaluation will confirm originality of parts used and whether it came in it's current configuration. Of course, authentic and original are two entirely different things.
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Old 12 November 2019, 01:05 PM   #86
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Send it to Philip Ridley and then you will know it is absolutely getting 100% authentic parts and the best service care for such an important watch.


This! Stick with someone that has a well documented reputation, IMO. Cheers.
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Old 12 November 2019, 01:46 PM   #87
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No expert. I know some on 5 digits, just wondering if it has or should have an open 6 and 9 on date wheel...

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