Thoughts on this vintage Oyster Perpetual?

[G-Web]

Hi Everyone,

Today a coworker brought in his great grandfather's Oyster Perpetual, and asked if I could help get a sense of its value.

The case is steel, and the engine turned bezel and crown are gold. Dial looks to be a discolored salmon, with baton markers, dauphine hands. The second hand appears blue in the right light, and the depth rating is in red.

The winding is a bit gritty, so I've been ginger with it, but the watch does run and appears to be keeping time.

I don't have a springbar tool at the office, but I was able to get the 6 o'clock springbar off with a push pin. There are 5 digits engraved on the case, which I'm almost certain to be 84299. Based on some of the serial # charts out there, this indicates a roughly 1936/37 production year.

I can't get the 12 o'clock springbar off, but I can see that Brevet + is engraved on the top of the case. I can't yet make out if anything else is engraved on this side of the case. I'll bring a springbar tool in tomorrow for a closer look.

In the meantime I'd love to get your thoughts on reference, rarity, value etc.

Thanks folks,
-GW

[R.W.T.]

Watch is a 656x reference.

1955.

I would say likely it's a white dial with moisture/sun/radium patina.

Don't wind it except very very slowly. Don't put ANY undue pressure on the crown.

The reversers are dry and gummy and stiff.

The extra pressure on the crown wheel will break the teeth. They are extremely expensive in the wild new. Obsoleted decades ago. It's a very brittle part from the factory and kind of difficult to source.

Calibre 1030.

[G-Web]

Thank you Tommy!
I have a feeling I'll be in touch if my friend decides to have it serviced.

-Grant

[R.W.T.]

Hey Grant! Sure glad to help if you need!

[adam78]

Anyway, it's sort of collectible, with the red depth rating and all...!

And rather neat.