Speedking - What kind of crown?

[summerpurchase]

So I recently picked this up off the bay and had a few questions.

The crown is obviously not original - what kind of crown would it have originally had?

Some basic research on my end seemed to suggest the Super Oyster? Is that true?

Secondly does it seem otherwise original to you guys?

Thanks!!

[R.W.T.]

Yes Super oyster.

Easy swap.

Watch is good. Everything looks original and correct.

[summerpurchase]

Originally Posted by R.W.T.

Yes Super oyster.

Easy swap.

Watch is good. Everything looks original and correct.

Thank you!

[R.W.T.]

BTW Super Oyster...one size fits all. There is only one size. 2 printed varieties that I know of but it's all the same. Same tap same diameter same everything.

[adam78]

Here is my 6020...SN 750,XXX. I suspect yours is a bit earlier, as mine only says "SWISS"?

[summerpurchase]

Adam, yes! I've seen the pictures of yours before, beautiful. It was definitely a reference point I used for this one.
I noticed on mine - the movement didnt have the ROW import code and says "chronometer" on one of the bridges - which was consistent with some other "Swiss Made" signed dials Ive seen. Maybe this one wasn't imported? not sure.

[R.W.T.]

Sorry your movement photo is not that good of resolution and I didn't notice the barrel bridge. It is not correct. Your watch is not a chronometer I would bet banks.

The barrel bridge likely wore and was replaced with a donor.

That would be my guess.

Speedking is pretty much always a 2 position watch.

It doesn't say chronometer on the dial.

The train bridge says 2 positions.

If there is an E and that serial number on the barrel bridge around the ratchet wheel, it is far earlier than your shock resisting watch.

All of the bridges are serial numbered with the 4 digit movement number on the main plate scrawled on the under side. A quick check of that bridge will show no alterations and the same number as the main plate or a different number from the original watch, or one removed and one added.

It could be just another Rolex anomaly...but I'm thinking something is not a match.

[R.W.T.]

The hands may have also been relumed but they don't scream it.

The "fish" hands are notorious for lume falling out.

They may have been backed with cement to keep them from disincorporating.

[summerpurchase]

Originally Posted by R.W.T.

All of the bridges are serial numbered with the 4 digit movement number on the main plate scrawled on the under side. A quick check of that bridge will show no alterations and the same number as the main plate or a different number from the original watch, or one removed and one added.
.

OK so you're saying I should see what on the barrel bridge?
Barrel bridge may have been replaced?

[R.W.T.]

You would have to see the watch apart.

On the underside of the bridges each is scrawled with the serial number of the movement. 4 digits. The serial number of the movement is located on the dial side. This is because they were hand fitted. The parts go together. Your barrel bridge that says chronometer has an additional serial number around the ratchet wheel at the bottom on the visible side, that is stamped not scrawled...you see it...it probably starts with E. It would ALSO have the 4 digit movement number scrawled on the back side that would match the 4 digit number stamped on the main plate on the dial side. I would bet the number scrawled on the bottom of that bridge does not match your movement. It would be completely anomalous for a watch clearly marked 2 positions...to also be marked chronometer. Chronometer was SIX positions when your watch was made and 2 temperatures, or 8 ways.

The 10.5 h chronometer movements that are marked as your barrel bridge is marked generally emanate from the late 1930's and very early 1940's. They are pre shock resisting. Someone may have inadvertently changed your bridge...or the bushing for the barrel arbor may have become too worn due to lack of lubrication for a good run...someone could have broken the click screw off and not wanted to take the time to remove it...any number of things might have happened to have the bridge replaced. These were not Corvettes in 1960. They were watches. It cost less than 25.00 to have it serviced and mainly it was important that it keep time.

I think the barrel bridge has been replaced for the reasons above. The patina also seems different to me than the rest of the plates, pictures being what they are. It's not a deal breaker. However...IF it were mine I wouldn't want that bridge on it. I'd rather have a non chronometer bridge that had the wrong number on the bottom...at least it would look like nothing was awry. I'll GIVE you a proper bridge.

Email me.

RolexWatchTime@att.net

[summerpurchase]

Email sent - thanks so much