2 Rolex inheritance - Any advice?

[Keith_P]

Hi Forum members,
I recently received 2 Rolex watches that used to belong to my grandfather. Very little is known in the family about them (my grandfather didn't wear them often) and nobody really knows why he bought 2 of them...

Both watches were purchased in the early 1960's, probably in an airport store somewhere in Europe. The left one has been serviced (according to the stories) once in NYC around 1985. Both say 1500 inside the caseback, but as you can see there are several differences between them. One has a leather strap, and one has the original bracelet.

Any additional details you could provide about the model (or the model variations between the two) would be super useful and interesting. Also, as these have immense sentimental value I would also like to insure them, so any estimate on how much you estimate they're worth would also be great.

Happy to answer any questions about them, or send High-Res photos (can't upload due to filesize limits).

Cheers,
Keith

[Keith_P]

ping?

[Cubdrick]

I’m far from an expert. Google ”Rolex 1500” and you should stay busy for a while reading history. Also visit chrono24.com to get an idea of asking prices for insurance purposes. Not sure where you reside, but there’s plenty of places that specialize in keeping vintage watches running...LA Watchworks being one of the popular recommendations.

Give it a few more days and more opinions will follow. Quite a neat inheritance; hoping to do the same for my kids!

[Cubdrick]

https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-serial-numbers

Use this website to determine approximate age of watch using serial number located on watch case.

[joe100]

Originally Posted by Cubdrick

https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-serial-numbers

Use this website to determine approximate age of watch using serial number located on watch case.

Or he can use the one that’s here...

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=54362

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Between the lugs on the watches there is a 4 digit code, what are these numbers? The big long numbers are serials, don’t give us the whole thing, just the first 3 will do.

[Vlad]

The dates are actually indicated on the case backs. I would guess that the one on the left is from late 60s, the one on the right is from early 60s. One movement is cal 1570, the other one (with butterfly rotor) is probably cal 1560. The hands on the early one have been replaced. The dial on the newer one seems off to me (could be just the photo).

[Tools]

You insure watches for the cost of replacement.. Simply look up the current price of a new watch.

For any other insurance values you will need a professional appraisal.