Restored vintage dials

[Alcan]

For vintage Rolex collectors, does a restored dial such as the one below have a significant impact on the value of the watch?

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Looks nicely restored, so I don't think it would have any negative effect on the value.

[Alcan]

Originally Posted by SPACE-DWELLER

Looks nicely restored, so I don't think it would have any negative effect on the value.

Hi Bo, I guess most collectors would agree that it's usually considered inadvisable to replace hands and refinish dials on vintage Rolex sports watches, just wondering whether the same would apply to something like this Marconi from the 30's.

As an aside, we eventually decided not to have the Toronto RSC send the dial of Nancy's vintage Rolex out to be refinished when it was there for an overhaul recently.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Exactly! Since it's no sport's Rolex with Tritium markers and hands that you would want to keep untouched, and since the dial of the Marconi seems to be very nicely restored (sharp edges of the numerals, crisp indices), I guess it could even made it worth more than before restoration.

[padi56]

Most collectors would prefer watches as original as possible,but if the dial was in a bad state then restoration is ok.And yes it will have small affect on value of watch,thats a very nice watch indeed,not many of those around now.The Marconi very similar to the Unicorn,and Rolco name used in the 1920-30s, normally for the slighly lower grade 15 jewel movement watches.

[mike]

Originally Posted by padi56

Most collectors would prefer watches as original as possible,but if the dial was in a bad state then restoration is ok.And yes it will have small affect on value of watch,thats a very nice watch indeed,not many of those around now.The Marconi very similar to the Unicorn and Rolco name used in the 1920-30s, normally for the slighly lower grade 15 jewel movement watches.

Yep. Nuff said.

[Alcan]

Thanks for the input, guys. One more question, is the double branding Rolex and Marconi correct for a late 30's watch? I've seen photos of examples with and without Rolex and read differing opinions on the 'net.

[Spark]

Originally Posted by Alcan

Thanks for the input, guys. One more question, is the double branding Rolex and Marconi correct for a late 30's watch? I've seen photos of examples with and without Rolex and read differing opinions on the 'net.

Hi Al,
I don't think Rolex ever double branded their watches.
The reason they gave them brand names other than Rolex was to sell them in a lower price range and different market, so they didn't put Rolex on the dial too, as it would have cheapened the Rolex brand, when they just wanted a bigger piece of the pie by selling more watches in a lower grade/price range.
The only time you usually see another name on a Rolex dial is that of a fine retailer when they used to allow this.
The double branding is usually done now by people when they have a dial redone to make perspective buyer aware of the Rolex link, like the many ''Rolex Tudors'' which have appeared on eBay and the like over the last few years.
Cheers,

Mark.

[Alcan]

Originally Posted by Spark

The double branding is usually done now by people when they have a dial redone to make perspective buyer aware of the Rolex link, like the many ''Rolex Tudors'' which have appeared on eBay and the like over the last few years.

Hi Mark. I've seen this too, especially with the so called California dial Tudors. Net hunting for vintages has been inconclusive. Some Marconis have been single branded, others with very original and old appearing dials have been double branded.

I have about 7 hours to mull this over...........

[Alex Stylianou]

Marconi , WOW !