Identification Help for Vintage 'Rolex'?

[hammyish]

Can anyone help me identify this watch I received from my grandmother? Is it legitimate?

http://imgur.com/a/2r4sJ

She got it from an antique dealer in Oregon, US years ago.

Thanks :)

[offrdmania]

Please post a picture, most will not click on a link from someone who only has 1 post

[triethylborane]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

Please post a picture, most will not click on a link from someone who only has 1 post

Here is the picture

[Old Expat Beast]

It's probably from late 1930s to mid 1940s. If you take the caseback off, these "oyster" only watches either say Oyster Watch Company or Tudor inside. Here's an advert showing Oyster and Tudor watches sold by a Rolex AD in Singapore in 1937.

Here's a link to one of mine, with more background info... https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=477498

[offrdmania]

I think this one may be late 40s, maybe even early 50s since it has the second hand on the center shaft

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

I think this one may be late 40s, maybe even early 50s since it has the second hand on the center shaft

Dowling & Hess date this one to around late 1930s.

[hammyish]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Dowling & Hess date this one to around late 1930s.

That's really interesting, thanks for the information!

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by hammyish

That's really interesting, thanks for the information!

You're welcome. Are there any numbers on the back of the case?

[hammyish]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

You're welcome. Are there any numbers on the back of the case?

It has 238204 on the case. Haven't opened up the case back yet out of fear of messing it up!

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by hammyish

It has 238204 on the case. Haven't opened up the case back yet out of fear of messing it up!

That's the serial number, which, if we use old Rolex charts, would date it to around 1942-43. The one in the pic I showed you is numbered 161118, a couple of years earlier.

The model number would be on the inside of the caseback.

[hammyish]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

That's the serial number, which, if we use old Rolex charts, would date it to around 1942-43. The one in the pic I showed you is numbered 161118, a couple of years earlier.

The model number would be on the inside of the caseback.

That's cool! Do you have any tips on opening the case back? I assume it's a pressure one and I have the knife but am struggling to find the knotch to lever it open.

[swish77]

Originally Posted by hammyish

That's cool! Do you have any tips on opening the case back? I assume it's a pressure one and I have the knife but am struggling to find the knotch to lever it open.

Much better idea would be to take it to a watchmaker. A knife and a case back can be a dangerous combination.

[hammyish]

Originally Posted by swish77

Much better idea would be to take it to a watchmaker. A knife and a case back can be a dangerous combination.

Will do, thanks for the advice!

[Old Expat Beast]

Yes, it needs a special tool, don't try and do it yourself. It unscrews.

[jeff hess]

it is legit and terrific condition.

congrats

[R.W.T.]

Ref. 3478 most likely. Gold filled. Tudor Calibre 65 most likely.

Crown has been changed to modern 530 type.

Nice dial. Hopefully damage at 7:00 is on the crystal.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by R.W.T.

Ref. 3478 most likely. Gold filled. Tudor Calibre 65 most likely.

Crown has been changed to modern 530 type.

Nice dial. Hopefully damage at 7:00 is on the crystal.

Not Calibre 59?

[hammyish]

Originally Posted by R.W.T.

Ref. 3478 most likely. Gold filled. Tudor Calibre 65 most likely.

Crown has been changed to modern 530 type.

Nice dial. Hopefully damage at 7:00 is on the crystal.

Thanks for the information! Yeah, it is just a buff on the crystal, the face itself is in really good condition!

[R.W.T.]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Not Calibre 59?

59 and 65 are basically the same thing.

Both are FF30's

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by R.W.T.

59 and 65 are basically the same thing.

Both are FF30's

Thanks