Rolex Oyster Precision 50m = 165ft "BREVET+" 1952?

[Myrsnipern]

I just recently bought this old unpolished Rolex Oyster Precision from a man born in 1922 in Norway. If he remember correctly, he bought ot in Norway in 1952 for 2500 NOK. (Approximately 300$ at todays exchange rate.) He wore it everyday from 1952 untill 1972, when he recieved a gold Rolex for his 50th birthday. He is now writing his and his watch's story on a document for me.

Why I think the watch is special is not the obvious that it is a regular 33,5mm steel Oyster Precision. It used to have a steel bracelet, but it was worn to it broke and thrown away. The serial number is 122xxx which dates it to 1952ish. The interesting thing is the writing on the original untouched dial, 50m = 165 ft gives reference to diving and underwater usage. There is neither a reference number written between the lugs, but the word and symbol: "BREVET+", a derivate from a french word meaning patent. Is this a pre-sub diving watch from Rolex? On the back there is a small marking of 50644A, probably from a service. If I should guess, the crown has been changed durring years, but not confirmed by the seller. The seller will try to remember this when he is writing a document of the history.

My question to you guys are:
- What model is this?
- Is it rare?
- What could it be worth?
- Any other cool things I should know about this watch?

[motoikkyu]

Great dial! Is this manual wind or automatic? Have you looked at the movement?

[subx]

Originally Posted by motoikkyu

Great dial! Is this manual wind or automatic? Have you looked at the movement?

from the caseback it is safe to say it's a manual movement, as confirmed by 'precision' on the dial too ;)

[adam78]

It just looks like the case reference # was worn away by the bracelet ends over the years. The ref. probably will be engraved on the inner case back, along with the production year/quarter.

There's quite a bit of crud between the lugs, and under the bezel, which should be cleaned up. Best to take it to a watchmaker to open the case back and see what's what.

[Myrsnipern]

Thanks guys. I am taking it to my watchmaker on monday to have a look at the movement. Will update with pictures and info. I want him to clean the case and movement, make sure the movement is oiled and not broken and hoping he will give me more info.

[offrdmania]

What is the diameter of the watch? 34mm?

[Myrsnipern]

33,5mm

[GeoGio Greece]

Its a manual wind.

Automatics are marked as "Perpetual".

And YES, the crown+the crown tube are newer.

But still, its a nice piece.

[janice&fred]

any oyster older than the first sub cold probably be referred to as a "pre-sub diving watch".

that in itself doesn't mean it's rare as rolex made a gazillion manual wind precisions during that time period and up until the mid '80's. your dial does look interesting tho with it's depth rating but i wouldn't expect the watch to be considered rare or particularly valuable. however, on the up-side those early oysters as well as datejusts are my favorite rolexes and others here are very enthusiastic about them as well. slap that baby on an old oyster, rivet like original or a later folded, and that thing will really pop on your wrist! as mentioned by our Greek member, the crown and tube are newer and looks like the crystal as well and that's no biggie but take very good care that whoever you choose to lube up the mvt doesn't screw up the original hands and dial during the process. that can happen in the blink of an eye and great care needs to be taken when the watch is that old.

[Myrsnipern]

Thanks for your input guys! I think the crown has been changed durring the years. I guess that is normal and needed for manual movement used every day. Looking at the crystal, it looks good in some angles and lightning, but it is really worn. Wouldn't change it though. I do not expect a Oyster Precision to be very valuable. For me the story from the owner and the story og the model/dial is mote valuable. Since it could be part of Rolex's story of underwater watches. For me it is collectable and something I would wear. I prefer it on a cognac ostrich strap with Rolex steel buckle.

[alexkarbo]

Great watch! Here is my 'minty' 6422 with 50m/165ft dial. It still has the original +crown. This one is a no lume model which probably helped keep the dial so crisp.

[BEGNAT64]

Nice and rare ROLEX!!!!!

[htbilgic]

Very cool watch!

[Gold Crown]

Mine has been re done except for the case. Vintage 1952 This watch was a real mess when I got it.

[alexkarbo]

Originally Posted by Gold Crown

Mine has been re done except for the case. Vintage 1952 This watch was a real mess when I got it.

What model is that?

Thanks!