Hello! Help me with my Day-Date

[apurplehaze08]

Greetings Rolex Forum!

Long time lurker...allow me to introduce myself; I joined the forum in 2008 when I was a freshman in college...big dreams and big goals I guess! I've been proudly wearing my Seiko dive watches for the past 8 years, great value for a young man.

Recent family events have presented me with the opportunity to purchase my grandfather's Rolex Day-Date. Needless to say I took that opportunity to provide some money for my grandparents care, as well as secure this family heirloom. My mother had taken the watch to a gold and jewelry type of place to get it looked at and to get a purchase quote. They said they would pay her $3,500. I said shoot, I'll just buy it! My mom is happy its staying in the family and they are happy to have the money to help with their situation.

I have learned a lot over the last week from this forum but still have some questions. Mainly about the bracelet which seems to be aftermarket. (It does have an 18kt-750 stamp)

What I do know;
Model: 1803
Serial: 5256094
Year: ? Sales receipt says 12/31/79, not sure if that is the same year the watch was made.

I have the original box, certificate, sales receipt, etc. No service records. No spare parts/replaced parts.

I figure I'll just post the pictures and you guys can tell me what you see! We can go from there.

[apurplehaze08]

It seems to be running pretty well, FWIW. I haven't measured it closely yet.

On the topic of the bracelt, can anyone tell me how to take some links out? I see the links with screws in them, but there's only 3 of those, giving me only 2 links possible to remove. I can't find any info on removing the links without the screws.

[goldfixer21]

Originally Posted by apurplehaze08

It seems to be running pretty well, FWIW. I haven't measured it closely yet.

On the topic of the bracelt, can anyone tell me how to take some links out? I see the links with screws in them, but there's only 3 of those, giving me only 2 links possible to remove. I can't find any info on removing the links without the screws.

The only way to remove links that have no screws is to drill out the pin. A competent jeweler can do this, I've done many of them. That band has a considerable amount of stretch from wear, that's why it's so long.

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by goldfixer21

The only way to remove links that have no screws is to drill out the pin. A competent jeweler can do this, I've done many of them.

I've never done it on a presidential bracelet, but the permanent oyster links can be pulled apart with two pliers. It ruins the link of course.

[Ghould]

Originally Posted by apurplehaze08

It seems to be running pretty well, FWIW. I haven't measured it closely yet.

On the topic of the bracelt, can anyone tell me how to take some links out? I see the links with screws in them, but there's only 3 of those, giving me only 2 links possible to remove. I can't find any info on removing the links without the screws.

The bracelet may not be aftermarket, it looks like the coronet was just polished down, although I'm definitely no expert on the matter. If it turns out to be authentic, I would restore the band rather than remove links as both will have the same effect of shortening it but you'll likely be much happier with the former.

[crowncollection]

Bracelet looks aftermarket. You have to drill our the pin to remove permanent links


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[offrdmania]

The magnification looks really low too or maybe its just the angle of the picture.

[apurplehaze08]

Thanks for the input guys.

I'm going to look into options for selling the bracelet. Since its not original and is very worn out, selling it makes sense. A nice leather strap will suit it nicely.

The crystal is acrylic I believe and is very scratched up. I think I'll have that replaced.

[lsettle]

I would hold onto the bracelet for what little money you would get for it and polish the crystal, if it is acrylic. Those scratches can be polished out. If you start removing and replacing parts, you will slowly lose your grandfathers watch.

Lawrence