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Old 20 October 2018, 03:47 AM   #1
altos
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Old Rolex, what to do with it.

While cleaning out an old cabinet I found a watch my father owned 65 years ago. As far as I can tell, it's real. But... isn't there always a "but"... the serial numbers have been filed off. All other Rolex attributes are there. The watch runs very well and could, obviously, use a clean up. Regardless, the question is "what to do with it" considering the serial number situation. It had... past tense... serial numbers but they have obviously been removed. Insights/ideas appreciated.

Thank you,
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Old 20 October 2018, 07:24 AM   #2
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Personally, I'd take it to an RSC for a full service and refresh. I'm not a fan of patina and much prefer shiny new. If it's not legit, they'll tell you. Better to know for sure than to wonder.
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Old 20 October 2018, 07:25 AM   #3
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Why would he remove the numbers?

Also..and I could be wrong...but that watch doesn't look 65 years old.
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Old 20 October 2018, 07:39 AM   #4
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Have you removed the bracelet?
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Old 20 October 2018, 07:39 AM   #5
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It's not 65 years old.

Does the watch hold any sentimental value to you? If you got it serviced would you wear it?
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Old 20 October 2018, 07:40 AM   #6
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wear or sell
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Old 20 October 2018, 07:48 AM   #7
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Can we see a photo of the area between the lugs on the 6 o'clock side? The numbers are often badly worn because of the bracelet end-link, but I doubt anyone would have deliberately filed off the serial numbers. As mentioned above, the watch is not 65 years old, but it's hard to tell from that photo if it is a ref 1601 or 16014 (although the dial looks flat, so I'm leaning towards the latter). The reference number will be between the lugs on the 12 o'clock side, and will give us a better idea of age.
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Old 20 October 2018, 08:05 AM   #8
altos
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More photos

Welllll... age wise, don't know what to tell you. He was wearing it when he died in 1963. Added are some additional photos of both ends of the case as well as a back with a green label of some sort. No real sentimental value. I guess.... selling it is better than letting it sit in some box for a couple more decades. If anyone has any insights it would be greatly appreciated.
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Old 20 October 2018, 08:13 AM   #9
Speed
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You are showing the 12 o'clock side. Serial should be on the other side.

You will likely have to spend over $500 to have it serviced mechanically...more for refinishing.

The label was on the watch when it was new. Looks like your dad or prior owner left it on. They get funky but sometimes fall off on their own.

Hard to get much for the watch in current condition.

You sure you wouldn't wear it?
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Old 20 October 2018, 08:21 AM   #10
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Speed, the middle photo that does not show the face is the 6 o'clock side. It's time to figure out if I would ever wear it. I doubt it but it's something to consider. Thanks for the input !
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Old 20 October 2018, 08:24 AM   #11
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In the history of life there as never been a genuine or legitimate reason to file of a serial number. It's like grinding off a VIN on a car....anybody buy it???
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Old 20 October 2018, 08:30 AM   #12
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I don't think those solid link bracelets were available in 1963. The timeline isn't quite right. I'd still appreciate a closeup of the dial to see if it is flat, or if there is a ridge around the outside (i.e. "pie-pan" shape).
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Old 20 October 2018, 08:51 AM   #13
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Old 20 October 2018, 09:12 AM   #14
Speed
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dan S View Post
I don't think those solid link bracelets were available in 1963. The timeline isn't quite right. I'd still appreciate a closeup of the dial to see if it is flat, or if there is a ridge around the outside (i.e. "pie-pan" shape).
Those look like hollow end links to me.
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Old 20 October 2018, 09:16 AM   #15
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Rolex

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Old 20 October 2018, 09:17 AM   #16
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Speed, the middle photo that does not show the face is the 6 o'clock side. It's time to figure out if I would ever wear it. I doubt it but it's something to consider. Thanks for the input !
Got it. Well, I can't explain it. Do you think your Dad bought it new?

Tough call. If you have someone in the family who is a watch guy / might want to spend 500-1000 to get it in shape, maybe it's a gift. It does not sound like you'd want to spend much on it.

It looks legit - save for the missing #s - but if you're looking for a project, you've got one.

FYI, the two tone DateJust is one of the most common Rolex models out there. Some call it an "old man's" watch... I still like the style myself.

My Dad died about a year ago and left me his 34mm Oyster Perpetual. It was given to him by a friend. It's 14Kt gold.. I am not a Yellow Gold guy but I cannot get rid of it. Not a real market for it. My Dad and I were not close...but gosh, I think I will have to keep it.
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Old 20 October 2018, 09:23 AM   #17
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Um...

Closed nine on the (Eta looking) date wheel and gold plate rubbed off center bracelet links has me questioning this big time...

Edit- just saw dial text:

Oyster perpetual date
Datejust

I don’t know of a “date Datejust “
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Old 20 October 2018, 09:25 AM   #18
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Date window looks off and second line of text says ‘oyster perpetual date’. Shouldn’t it just read ‘oyster perpetual’?
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Old 20 October 2018, 09:26 AM   #19
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Quote:
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Um...

Closed nine on the (Eta looking) date wheel and gold plate rubbed off center bracelet links has me questioning this big time...

Edit- just saw dial text:

Oyster perpetual date
Datejust

I don’t know of a “date Datejust “
Hmm. Did not notice the gold coming off... Perhaps the bracelet is aftermarket? The dial looks really matte in the last pics.
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Old 20 October 2018, 09:29 AM   #20
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Quote:
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More photos of the ???? mystery...
Are you sure it's legit. DJ dials don't usually say OYSTER PERPETUAL DATE and DATEJUST.

Usually the second line of printing just says OYSTER PERPETUAL, and then DATEJUST below it.

[Edit: I see that others have noticed the same issue as I was typing.]
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Old 20 October 2018, 09:31 AM   #21
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I think and it’s just my opinion and my apologies if I’m off I think however that watch is definitely a fake based off dw and dial crown and the bracelet. If the bracelet was aftermarket it could be plated. What I think we are dealing with is a fake and a new user trying to get someone to make an offer. Orrrrr it’s real with aftermarket bracelet and I’m completely wrong.
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Old 20 October 2018, 09:34 AM   #22
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Watch is fake and there's no way it existed in 1963.
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Old 20 October 2018, 09:36 AM   #23
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Open the back and all will be revealed
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Old 20 October 2018, 09:36 AM   #24
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the caseback has concerns too.
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Old 20 October 2018, 09:38 AM   #25
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Old 20 October 2018, 09:42 AM   #26
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Some things look off to me...
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Old 20 October 2018, 05:32 PM   #27
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It’s not authentic


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Old 20 October 2018, 09:09 PM   #28
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The serial number was never on it to begin with ....
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Old 20 October 2018, 09:36 PM   #29
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No one is disturbed by the OP spelling the alphabet while you guys are posting???
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Old 20 October 2018, 10:29 PM   #30
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No one is disturbed by the OP spelling the alphabet while you guys are posting???
No. He was banned 12 hours ago.
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