old model - help

[yossarian]

Hello everyone,
first post!
I know it's not very nice to start with a "I inherited a Rolex, can you help...", but... I inherited a Rolex and I am not very expert on the subject

I don't care how much is worth, I am just curious to understand what I have on hand (and if there is any chance to repair it). I know I should look for the serial number, but I can't find one, there is only a number in the back, 3923. I think it was purchased in the '20s or '30s, in Europe.
Thanks in advance for the help!

[offrdmania]

It is a Rolex 3923 with one broken off lug. I am going to guess from the early 1950s

[R.W.T.]

Calibre 700 10.5 H

Have to see the movement to give you a year.

Dial is refinished.

Yes a lug can be made to fix it.

It's hard to say when it was made until you see the inside.

I would say 40's 50's more than likely.

Is it running at all? If it's not...then it's likely early 40's and has a broken balance staff.

If it is...it's probably (though not necessarily) later and has shock resistance and the staff survived.

It wouldn't be an inexpensive fix but it is a nice watch and could be made whole.

[yossarian]

Wow, thank you both for the info!
It does work, which surprises me, considering that it has not been wind for decades.
Not sure if the dial is refinished, I can't imagine the original owner spending time or money to restore it

thanks again

[R.W.T.]

The dial is definitely refinished.

This was not an expensive proposition years ago and because of the non waterproof case...dials easily became discolored or unsightly and it was not considered at all abnormal to send the dial to a refinisher during service. Only with recent collector interest has the refinished dial become a taboo.