Anyone ever seen this type of Rolex?

[gainesvilleprof]

Hi all,

It's my first time on the forum, and I'm a total novice in the antique Rolex world. A friend of mine bought this watch at a Sotheby's auction about 15 years ago, and gave it to me as a gift for graduation. She claimed it was a 1934 Rolex. The serial number printed on the back is 052755. I would love to hear from anyone about whether they've seen a Rolex like this, and what type it is, etc. I'm really curious as to whether the watch was honestly represented by the seller when she bought it (i.e., is this really an original Rolex?).

Thanks so much for any feedback!

Best, Todd

[offrdmania]

It may very well be a real Rolex but that dial looks refinished, im quite sure it should be a raised coronet like the roman numerals. Also, the crown looks like it is a generic replacement, it should have a coronet on it. Pop off the case back and the movement should give us a better picture of authenticity. The inside of the case back will have a reference number stamped on it most likely too.

[gainesvilleprof]

Ok, will do... at work now, but hope to have pics for you by this evening. Thanks so much!

[R.W.T.]

I agree refinished. The crown logo would be printed. Before stressing over finding an original make sure it really is a chronometer grade movement.

[adam78]

I've seen far worse dial refinishing...

[jban5]

Is that an out the front case? I can't see a notch on it or any evidence of previous openings.

[gainesvilleprof]

Hmm... so I am home now, but can't figure out how to get into the case (and would hate to damage it). What sort of tool is typically used to open the watch?

[R.W.T.]

Originally Posted by adam78

I've seen far worse dial refinishing...

Agreed

[R.W.T.]

Originally Posted by jban5

Is that an out the front case? I can't see a notch on it or any evidence of previous openings.

Yes I believe so. The bezel separates and the moment and dial come out the front.

[MILGAUSS88]

Based on the style, from the 1950's, not 30's as you were told.

[offrdmania]

Originally Posted by MILGAUSS88

Based on the style, from the 1950's, not 30's as you were told.

I would say late 40s to early 50s in design

[gainesvilleprof]

Hi all,

Thanks so much for the feedback thus far; I popped open the bezel as suggested, and this is what it looks like inside. Impressions?

Best, Todd

[vintagewaferthin]

Real

[jban5]

Wow, that is a pleasant surprise. I was beginning to doubt that it was going to be real. I'd never seen a Rolex in that style of case.

[vintagewaferthin]

Originally Posted by jban5

Wow, that is a pleasant surprise. I was beginning to doubt that it was going to be real. I'd never seen a Rolex in that style of case.

Looks real to me that is. Nothing stands out as fake. The watch does have a refinished dial though. The only Rolex I own is a '80 5500, so I don't profess to be an expert on watches of this vintage by any stretch of the imagination.

[actionkwj]

Is this one of those occasions when even the redial is vintage too?

[MILGAUSS88]

Originally Posted by actionkwj

Is this one of those occasions when even the redial is vintage too?

I doubt that, because of the "Swiss" printed on the bottom of the dial.
I don't see early redone dials with that repainted.

[MILGAUSS88]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

I would say late 40s to early 50s in design

I was just too lazy to include 2 decades. But I agree.

[offrdmania]

I think the outer ring of your dial is original. Its the center section that looks redone. Most likely someone cleaned the center and rubbed off the letters. It may have been redone anytime in its life, who knows when.. Rest of the watch looks ok.

[fmc000]

I'm not sure that it is a chronometer grade movement.

[offrdmania]

Originally Posted by fmc000

I'm not sure that it is a chronometer grade movement.

I don't think it is either, but that looks like it was a part of the redial work. All it needed to say was PRECISION only

[gainesvilleprof]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

I don't think it is either, but that looks like it was a part of the redial work. All it needed to say was PRECISION only

Wow, thanks for all the help guys--what a fantastic forum! I really appreciate the feedback everyone has chimed in. So it seems that the consensus is that the deal was re-finished, along with a replacement crown. I'm a little less clear about what is meant by the movement being But that the outer dial and the rest of the watch is likely original. I'm a little less clear about what offrdmania meant by the movement being "part of the redial work". Does that mean that the movement is *not* rolex, or something else?

Again, I'm super grateful for the time you good people have taken to help me understand this time piece!

[offrdmania]

What I'm saying is that the movement is genuine Rolex but it is not an Officially certified chronometer like the dial says.