Lady's Rolex(?) authentification

[wes001]

Hi all,
I'm new here and have a question about a watch my Mother had in her jewelry box when she passed away years ago. I've posted a photo of the watch. I have no idea when or where she acquired it. My Father was in the US Air Force, so I assume it was purchased by him, possibly in the 1940s or early 1950s. I've tested the stones with an electronic diamond tester and they don't register as real diamonds. I'm assuming that they are crystals. So, my question is: Is this a real Rolex or a fake?
Thanks for any help.
Rolex1.jpg

[wes001]

Well, since this has gotten zero responses here, I mailed off a letter and photo to Rolex in Geneva asking about this watch. If they reply I'll post the info.

[MonBK]

If the stones aren't diamonds it's most likely a fake.

[Mark020]

Well: what about an aftermarket conversion? I'd like to see pics of the movement first before I would dare to say it is fake

[wes001]

Thanks for the replies.
When I said the stones didn't register as real diamonds, they didn't register on the (fairly cheap) electronic tester I used. I'm not sure how good my tester is, as I don't have a proven diamond to test it on. Under the light they sure seem to sparkle a lot though. As for the movement, I wouldn't dare to try to open it. I'll see what, if anything, Rolex Geneva has to say before I try to find a local Rolex professional to examine it internally. It's not running in its present condition.
Thanks again.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by wes001

Well, since this has gotten zero responses here, I mailed off a letter and photo to Rolex in Geneva asking about this watch. If they reply I'll post the info.

Nobody answered your question because it is almost impossible to know. Ladies fashion watches were put together by many Luxury Jewelers of the day. Even if the basic movement was Rolex made, the settings may not be..

Looking forward to what Rolex has to say.

[Alcan]

Originally Posted by wes001

As for the movement, I wouldn't dare to try to open it.

That watch has a simple snap back case. Look around the perimeter of the case back any you should see a slightly flared area on the lip. Put a butter knife or equivalent thin blade in the raised area, twist, and presto the case back will pop off. Nothing to it.

If its a Rolex (and to me it looks as if it might be), it'll probably have the 17 or 18 jewel 1400/1401 movement like the one in the pic below. That'd date it to the 1960's. There may also be hallmarks inside the case back which would indicate the year of case manufacture.