Advice needed

[Michael_B]

My partner really wants a white gold Rolex.

I have seen one but need advice as the Rolex dial does not have a coronet on it?

Is this ever the case with ladies watches

[Ascari_2]

Pictures would be helpful.

[Michael_B]

Sorry couldn't post a link

[Tools]

Look inside and see if there is a Rolex movement there.

If it is Rolex, the band will be solid gold and properly hallmarked, as well as have other trademarks both inside and out.

It is unusual to not have the dial badged, but Rolex did make quite a few watches in the early days specifically for other business to add their own dial markings.

[Michael_B]

Thank you -

I have not looked at movement myself but the vendor says it is Calibre 1400, 17 Jewel, hand-wound move with Rolex stamped on inside. The catch has the Rolex crown.

It is 14ct white gold and from the 1980s. From what you say possibly made by Rolex but not a "true" Rolex?

[zapokee]

I wouldn't get that one. It's an obscure model with limited value, even if it's real, and the dial is toast. Looks like water damage.

Depending on how much you like the missus, I'd get a white gold 180x Rolex Day-Date on a President bracelet. The case is 36 mm in diameter, which is perfect for either a lady or a gentleman. Which means you can steal it if she's not wearing it.

Probably 12 - 18k GBP depending on condition.

Like this 18039:
https://tropicalwatch.com/watches/evy0

Or this 1803:
https://tropicalwatch.com/watches/hhrc

Be sure to post pics here for advice before any potential purchase. We've already done the donkey work for you.

[Rolexguy$]

Besides not seeing a Rolex trademark there, the dial isn't nice at all. I won't support making this purchase for your partner.
Just my opinion though, please don't let it sway your decision.

[Michael_B]

Apparently it's an aventurine dial which maybe just looks like damage in the screenshot.

The day-date looks like a good option. She wants something from 1970s or early 80s.

Will be sure to share pics for further options.

Thanks for the great advice.

[FrenchBigCrown]

Hi Michael,

I see you are in London... these guys are worth checking out. Totally trustworthy and nice people.

https://www.watches.co.uk/watches/c/ladies/vintage/

https://www.watches.co.uk/watches/c/...dress-watches/

https://www.watches.co.uk/watches/c/ladies/sports/

Good luck, whatever you decide.

[Michael_B]

Yes I'm in London. Will get the missus to have a look through these!

Thanks.

[MILGAUSS88]

Originally Posted by zapokee

I wouldn't get that one. It's an obscure model with limited value, even if it's real, and the dial is toast. Looks like water damage.

It is a real Stone lapis lazuli dial.
It is supposed to look like that, a blue field with gold specks in it.
Original Stone Rolex dials are quite desirable.
In my opinion that added benefit would make this a very sellable watch.
Typically the '60s and 70s dress watches are not that sellable.

[Michael_B]

Originally Posted by MILGAUSS88

It is a real Stone lapis lazuli dial.
It is supposed to look like that, a blue field with gold specks in it.
Original Stone Rolex dials are quite desirable.
In my opinion that added benefit would make this a very sellable watch.
Typically the '60s and 70s dress watches are not that sellable.

Thanks for this information. I wondered about the lack of Rolex coronet still on the watch face? Don't know if you had any insights on that?

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by MILGAUSS88

Typically the '60s and 70s dress watches are not that sellable.

I guess you're referring to the very small "cocktail watch" style presented by the OP, in which case you're absolutely right.

Meanwhile, a 1960s/1970s Day-Date 1803 is a standard hot vintage watch with ultimate sellability. Throw in white gold and it's among the most desirable of all time.

If you want to go God level without going through all the learning steps, just go straight for a white gold vintage Patek, like a 570. But then you don't get the enjoyment of the journey...

[MrChamfers]

Originally Posted by Michael_B

Yes I'm in London. Will get the missus to have a look through these!

Thanks.

Since you're looking for a watch for the missus and not to resale, who cares what is hot?
The first watch looks like a nice ladies dress watch, it might be a better choice than a day date mens watch.

[MILGAUSS88]

It looks like it belongs, but what concerns me is the lack of "Swiss" down at the bottom.

[MILGAUSS88]

The seller has other watches that he lists as having redone dials, so I think he tries to represent them correctly.

But he does not know enough to tell the difference between Aventurine and Lapis Lazuli.

The other thing that bothers me is that I thought that after 1968 Rolex dress watches were all made under the Cellini line. I may be wrong on that.

Stone dials are supposed to have started in the 70's which would mean that this would have had to be a Cellini.

The seller states that the watch is from 1985, and that it comes with original box.
The box that is with the watch was not made in 1985. I could see it being pre 1968.
That would solve the Cellini problem.
I think the seller used the date codes for oyster cases, which does not work with the dress watches.

That still leaves the problem of the dial still lacking the Swiss print.

The only chance I see to explain that would be if this was one of there earliest stone dials and they outsourced it. I don't know anyone that could answer that for certain.

There are examples of Opal Mosaic dials that appear to be from the same age that are not signed "Swiss" but, the do have the coronet on the dial.

[Michael_B]

Wow - really appreciate sharing your knowledge and views.

MILGAUSS88 - that's really helpful and will see what the seller says.

zapokee and MrChamfers both great points.

Now the missus wonders about a dress watch and a day-date next.....

[FrenchBigCrown]

Originally Posted by Michael_B

Now the missus wonders about a dress watch and a day-date next.....