How do I restore a 1964 Oyster to original?

[Meathead]

My grandfather was given an Oyster in 1964 for 35 years of service to the Alabama Power Company. He passed it down to my father who passed it down to me. While my dad had it, he swapped out the face and the band. I believe the watch originally had a white face (it now has a painted blue face) and a leather band (it now has a non-Rolex two-tone jubilee band). To the untrained eye, the watch looks authentic, and it is, but to someone who knows about Rolex watches, the face & band would make them think it is fake.

I have two questions:

1. How would I go about finding out exactly what the original setup of the watch was, meaning face, band, etc? Does Rolex track this by serial number?
2. What is the best way to restore the watch to its original design with genuine parts? Does Rolex offer this service or do I need to go through an AD for parts?

The watch works fine and actually runs better than my GMT II right now (GMT is overdue for service), so this is more of a desire than a priority. I'm just curious if this is a shot in the dark, and if not, if it is a pricey endeavor.

[speedolex]

Originally Posted by Meathead

My grandfather was given an Oyster in 1964 for 35 years of service to the Alabama Power Company. He passed it down to my father who passed it down to me. While my dad had it, he swapped out the face and the band. I believe the watch originally had a white face (it now has a painted blue face) and a leather band (it now has a non-Rolex two-tone jubilee band). To the untrained eye, the watch looks authentic, and it is, but to someone who knows about Rolex watches, the face & band would make them think it is fake.

I have two questions:

1. How would I go about finding out exactly what the original setup of the watch was, meaning face, band, etc? Does Rolex track this by serial number?
2. What is the best way to restore the watch to its original design with genuine parts? Does Rolex offer this service or do I need to go through an AD for parts?

The watch works fine and actually runs better than my GMT II right now (GMT is overdue for service), so this is more of a desire than a priority. I'm just curious if this is a shot in the dark, and if not, if it is a pricey endeavor.

Can you post a photo? Is this a Speed King, Date, Datejust?

[Meathead]

[motoikkyu]

To find authentic and unpainted dials, you need to know the model number, this is found between the lugs, so you need to remove the bracelet. It's certainly vintage and not unattractive as-is, but if you want the real dial, you need to narrow your search.

[Meathead]

Originally Posted by motoikkyu

To find authentic and unpainted dials, you need to know the model number, this is found between the lugs, so you need to remove the bracelet. It's certainly vintage and not unattractive as-is, but if you want the real dial, you need to narrow your search.

I figured I'd have to take the band off & get the model/serial number to get the real nitty gritty on the watch. I was just curious how deep the Rolex database goes. If they tracked details about how each watch was built and shipped, that would be ideal, but if they simply say "that watch had a XYZ face and a leather band" without saying exactly what the colors were, that would still be helpful.

Does Rolex carry vintage faces? If I was to send the watch in for service, would they have genuine faces they could put on it?

[speedolex]

Originally Posted by Meathead

I figured I'd have to take the band off & get the model/serial number to get the real nitty gritty on the watch. I was just curious how deep the Rolex database goes. If they tracked details about how each watch was built and shipped, that would be ideal, but if they simply say "that watch had a XYZ face and a leather band" without saying exactly what the colors were, that would still be helpful.

Does Rolex carry vintage faces? If I was to send the watch in for service, would they have genuine faces they could put on it?

No serial number database to that degree, these aren't like VIN's on cars.

For a vintage watch, you need to seek out a vintage watch dealer for vintage dials.

I'd advise you go through old family photos or 8mm movies or wedding albums or speak to an uncle who might recall the specifics on the color/style of your grandfather's watch.