1931/2 Silver Prince (we think?)

[mrcardigan]

Hi All,

Having attended the UK's antiques roadshow valuation day, they pointed out that the knackered cracked watch at the back of the box we had taken was an old Rolex, inscription to wife's grandfather dated 1942. We think from the hallmarks inside it was actually made in 1931/2, and is a silver prince brancard. Anyone concur/disagree? Anyone have an idea on value/desirability, or how much restoration would cost and whether it's worth doing?

Thanks,

Andy








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[mrcardigan]

AMENDMENT TO ORIGINAL POST (sorry, first post, missed guideline)

Hi All,

Interesting true story...Having attended the UK's antiques roadshow valuation day with an old box given to my wife by her grandfather, the BBC experts pointed out that they thought the knackered watch at the back of the box we had taken was an old Rolex, inscription to wife's grandfather dated 1942. (he got really excited about it, actually running across the paddock at Tewkesbury Abbey to find the watch expert - sadly not filmed as had already filled their filming quota for the day, grrr!)

Having now done a bit of research ourselves, we think from the hallmarks inside it was actually made in 1931/2, and is a silver prince brancard. Anyone concur/disagree?

Anyone have an idea on desirability, or how much restoration would cost and whether it's worth doing?

MODERATORS...Reading your forum guideline notes, as I am a new member, I would like to point out that we have no interest in selling at all, and want to keep it as a family heirloom, simply would love to find out more about it, and have reached our limit fir what we can find out. This is not a commercial enquiry, but a genuine request for information. I think we'd probably better insure it at well, rather than just jamming it back in the wardrobe where it has been for 20 years.

Thanks,

Andy

[watch-guy.com]

Pics are really blurry but on initial examination , I would agree,
Needs a good cleaning, the crystal may improve with a good rub of Brasso
Needs second hand but I think you have lovely heirloom

Thanks for showing

Julian

[Mike Wood]

Hi Andy,

The watch appears to be a sterling silver Rolex Prince "wide" Brancard ref. 971, in original "barn find" condition.

The watch can be sympathetically restored by an independent expert watchmaker to make it shine.

I'm a bit of a way from you, but if your travels bring you up to the north-west, I'd be very happy to examine the watch and advise you further.

Mike Wood