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tarponfly · 6 August 2021, 12:33 AM

So this watch has been passed down to me from my grandfather who was given this watch from his crew aboard his submarine (WWII Submarine Captain). It has clearly been worked on and the watch face appears to have slightly shifted to the right (6/12 o'clock are a bit off). The watch seems to function properly and keeps time. The crystal is also cracked and I do not have the original bracelet. I will obviously take this in to a dealer to get their opinion as well; however the knowledge on this board runs deep and would appreciate your feedback, both good and bad. Thanks in advance.

CTech · 6 August 2021, 02:35 PM

Depending on the age, this could be a model 6494 from about 1954 to 1959.

The watch seems to be a manual wind Oysterdate with a roulette date wheel so there aren't too many options of models to choose from.

If the engravings between the lugs are worn away and illegible, get a watchmaker to remove the case back and look for the four figure model number. If it is a 1950s watch, there should also be a date code there showing the quarter and year the case back was made. This will help with approximate dating if the serial number between the lugs cannot be read.

77T · 6 August 2021, 09:45 PM

The dauphine hands say 6094 to me - could be 6294 if that cyclops crystal is original. But it could have had several parts replaced over the years.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

tarponfly · 6 August 2021, 10:59 PM

Thank you both, I agree that it is either 6494 or 6294. I do not see a serial number between the lugs, but I will look more closely. Hope to get it to an AD soon to get more information. Will likely send to RSC and they'll certainly let me know what is original and what was "added". Hope to sell and put funds towards a GMT batman.

southtexas · 6 August 2021, 11:32 PM

Cool old watch with great family history.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

pk552502 · 7 August 2021, 11:10 PM

I don't think these watches bring big money. Have you considered keeping the watch since it has family history? Maybe I'm too sentimental but If I had my grandfather's watch that his crew gave him in WWII, then I wouldn't even consider selling it. I might not wear it much, but I would hang on to it.

Also, there are differing opinions on this, but you should consider sending the watch to an independent watchmaker specializing in rolex and/or vintage watches. The rolex service center may not be the best place for a vintage watch. But if the dial and hands have already been replaced, then it might not matter.

jatco · 8 August 2021, 04:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pk552502

I don't think these watches bring big money. Have you considered keeping the watch since it has family history? Maybe I'm too sentimental but If I had my grandfather's watch that his crew gave him in WWII, then I wouldn't even consider selling it. I might not wear it much, but I would hang on to it.

Also, there are differing opinions on this, but you should consider sending the watch to an independent watchmaker specializing in rolex and/or vintage watches. The rolex service center may not be the best place for a vintage watch. But if the dial and hands have already been replaced, then it might not matter.

X2 on this.
I'm sentimental. A keeper for me.

tarponfly · 8 August 2021, 09:03 PM

Thank you both, I admit I am torn as whether or not to keep. The watch has spent the past 20 years in a box, in a drawer. I suppose the best path forward is finding a vintage Rolex specialist to clearly define what is authentic and what is not as well as get a professional opinion of value.

Old Expat Beast · 8 August 2021, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pk552502

I don't think these watches bring big money. Have you considered keeping the watch since it has family history? Maybe I'm too sentimental but If I had my grandfather's watch that his crew gave him in WWII, then I wouldn't even consider selling it. I might not wear it much, but I would hang on to it.

Also, there are differing opinions on this, but you should consider sending the watch to an independent watchmaker specializing in rolex and/or vintage watches. The rolex service center may not be the best place for a vintage watch. But if the dial and hands have already been replaced, then it might not matter.

x2. I would treasure that watch.

douglasf13 · 9 August 2021, 01:46 AM

Wonderful. None of my business, but can’t imagine selling that for a modern Rolex, or anything, really, unless you were in a financial bind.

tarponfly · 9 August 2021, 01:49 AM

No financial bind here, just was thinking about getting something I would wear as this watch is small and just doesn't work for me in terms of wear. On the other hand, very cool history and will likely keep and pass down to my son.

douglasf13 · 9 August 2021, 03:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tarponfly

No financial bind here, just was thinking about getting something I would wear as this watch is small and just doesn't work for me in terms of wear. On the other hand, very cool history and will likely keep and pass down to my son.

Yeah, I guess it just depends on your age, size and style. Ryan Gosling dailies a 34mm Air King:

pk552502 · 9 August 2021, 03:50 AM

Yes just keep it and cherish it as a special remembrance of your grandfather. Something to show your kids and talk about your grandfather when he's gone. Then your son will know how important it is too and keep the tradition alive. That would be ideal.

tarponfly · 13 August 2021, 05:08 AM

UPDATE- Took the watch to my AD today and having it sent to RSC. It is a model 6466. The number is barely legible. I look forward to learning if it is all original. The watch was produced in either 1939 or 1954.

CTech · 13 August 2021, 03:09 PM

If this really is a model 6466 then it is a 31mm diameter case, what was known for a long time as a mid-size or boy's watch.

It definitely isn't from 1939, so I'm guessing whoever gave you the two dates was looking at serial number charts and trying to find when watches with serial numbers around 70,000 were made.

1954 seems more likely, but it's earlier than I thought 6466 watches were introduced. Maybe the serial number is incomplete and it is a decade later.

If the RSC rejects the watch as too old for them to service, get it back untouched and take it to a good independent watchmaker so that he can deduce more accurately what the serial number is and give you an assessment of what parts are original and what has been changed during previous services.

The serial number charts that are available are not completely accurate but they do give an indication of the age within a year or two.

Getting the date code from the inside of the case back would have been of great help also in dating the watch, assuming it is the original case back.

tarponfly · 13 August 2021, 07:13 PM

1954 would make sense given my understanding. This watch was given to my grandfather by his crew aboard the USS Tautog, the submarine he captained during WWII. The AD provided this information after revealing the serial number. I chose to send to RSC so I can try to confirm if the watch is comprised of original parts. It functions fine. If original I will try to get it cleaned up as much as possible, hopefully realigning the face and replacing the crystal (acrylic). He believes they will have to send to Switzerland to do so.

R.W.T. · 16 August 2021, 03:45 PM

RSC won't work on it anyway.

tarponfly · 16 August 2021, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by R.W.T.

RSC won't work on it anyway.

Not that I do not believe you as I am new to this, I only sent at the suggestion of my AD. Will they at least confirm what is original on the watch?

tarponfly · 26 September 2021, 08:18 AM

I have sent this watch (ref 6466) to Bob Ridley (Watchmaker's International in Texas) for a full service. It is all original with a repainted dial. He will be sourcing an original dial, replacing the damaged crystal, as well as full service and leather strap. So far my experience with Bob and his business manager Jana have been amazing. He anticipates about a 4 month turnaround (sourcing the dial can take time). I'll post before and after shots when I get the watch back.

TimeLord2 · 26 September 2021, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tarponfly

I have sent this watch (ref 6466) to Bob Ridley (Watchmaker's International in Texas) for a full service. It is all original with a repainted dial. He will be sourcing an original dial, replacing the damaged crystal, as well as full service and leather strap. So far my experience with Bob and his business manager Jana have been amazing. He anticipates about a 4 month turnaround (sourcing the dial can take time). I'll post before and after shots when I get the watch back.

Well Done.

6 August 2021, 09:45 PM	#3
77T 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: PaulG Location: Georgia Posts: 40,725	The dauphine hands say 6094 to me - could be 6294 if that cyclops crystal is original. But it could have had several parts replaced over the years. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro __________________ Does anyone really know what time it is?

6 August 2021, 11:32 PM	#5
southtexas 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Great State of TX Posts: 5,684	Cool old watch with great family history. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ Forty six & 2 are just ahead of me. Follow me on Instagram @ccrolex

6 August 2021, 02:35 PM	#2
CTech "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: USA Posts: 415	Depending on the age, this could be a model 6494 from about 1954 to 1959. The watch seems to be a manual wind Oysterdate with a roulette date wheel so there aren't too many options of models to choose from. If the engravings between the lugs are worn away and illegible, get a watchmaker to remove the case back and look for the four figure model number. If it is a 1950s watch, there should also be a date code there showing the quarter and year the case back was made. This will help with approximate dating if the serial number between the lugs cannot be read.

6 August 2021, 10:59 PM	#4
tarponfly "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: USA Watch: Sub Posts: 45	Thank you both, I agree that it is either 6494 or 6294. I do not see a serial number between the lugs, but I will look more closely. Hope to get it to an AD soon to get more information. Will likely send to RSC and they'll certainly let me know what is original and what was "added". Hope to sell and put funds towards a GMT batman.

7 August 2021, 11:10 PM	#6
pk552502 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2021 Real Name: Paul Location: ohio Watch: 16570 black Posts: 441	I don't think these watches bring big money. Have you considered keeping the watch since it has family history? Maybe I'm too sentimental but If I had my grandfather's watch that his crew gave him in WWII, then I wouldn't even consider selling it. I might not wear it much, but I would hang on to it. Also, there are differing opinions on this, but you should consider sending the watch to an independent watchmaker specializing in rolex and/or vintage watches. The rolex service center may not be the best place for a vintage watch. But if the dial and hands have already been replaced, then it might not matter.

8 August 2021, 09:03 PM	#8
tarponfly "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: USA Watch: Sub Posts: 45	Thank you both, I admit I am torn as whether or not to keep. The watch has spent the past 20 years in a box, in a drawer. I suppose the best path forward is finding a vintage Rolex specialist to clearly define what is authentic and what is not as well as get a professional opinion of value.

9 August 2021, 01:46 AM	#10
douglasf13 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: USA Posts: 5,615	Wonderful. None of my business, but can’t imagine selling that for a modern Rolex, or anything, really, unless you were in a financial bind.

9 August 2021, 01:49 AM	#11
tarponfly "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: USA Watch: Sub Posts: 45	No financial bind here, just was thinking about getting something I would wear as this watch is small and just doesn't work for me in terms of wear. On the other hand, very cool history and will likely keep and pass down to my son.

9 August 2021, 03:50 AM	#13
pk552502 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2021 Real Name: Paul Location: ohio Watch: 16570 black Posts: 441	Yes just keep it and cherish it as a special remembrance of your grandfather. Something to show your kids and talk about your grandfather when he's gone. Then your son will know how important it is too and keep the tradition alive. That would be ideal.

13 August 2021, 05:08 AM	#14
tarponfly "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: USA Watch: Sub Posts: 45	UPDATE- Took the watch to my AD today and having it sent to RSC. It is a model 6466. The number is barely legible. I look forward to learning if it is all original. The watch was produced in either 1939 or 1954.

13 August 2021, 03:09 PM	#15
CTech "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: USA Posts: 415	If this really is a model 6466 then it is a 31mm diameter case, what was known for a long time as a mid-size or boy's watch. It definitely isn't from 1939, so I'm guessing whoever gave you the two dates was looking at serial number charts and trying to find when watches with serial numbers around 70,000 were made. 1954 seems more likely, but it's earlier than I thought 6466 watches were introduced. Maybe the serial number is incomplete and it is a decade later. If the RSC rejects the watch as too old for them to service, get it back untouched and take it to a good independent watchmaker so that he can deduce more accurately what the serial number is and give you an assessment of what parts are original and what has been changed during previous services. The serial number charts that are available are not completely accurate but they do give an indication of the age within a year or two. Getting the date code from the inside of the case back would have been of great help also in dating the watch, assuming it is the original case back.

13 August 2021, 07:13 PM	#16
tarponfly "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: USA Watch: Sub Posts: 45	1954 would make sense given my understanding. This watch was given to my grandfather by his crew aboard the USS Tautog, the submarine he captained during WWII. The AD provided this information after revealing the serial number. I chose to send to RSC so I can try to confirm if the watch is comprised of original parts. It functions fine. If original I will try to get it cleaned up as much as possible, hopefully realigning the face and replacing the crystal (acrylic). He believes they will have to send to Switzerland to do so.

16 August 2021, 03:45 PM	#17
R.W.T. "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Central Texas Posts: 1,973	RSC won't work on it anyway.

26 September 2021, 08:18 AM	#19
tarponfly "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: USA Watch: Sub Posts: 45	I have sent this watch (ref 6466) to Bob Ridley (Watchmaker's International in Texas) for a full service. It is all original with a repainted dial. He will be sourcing an original dial, replacing the damaged crystal, as well as full service and leather strap. So far my experience with Bob and his business manager Jana have been amazing. He anticipates about a 4 month turnaround (sourcing the dial can take time). I'll post before and after shots when I get the watch back.

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