Need help identifying vintage Rolex

[golfer]

I just received this Rolex as a gift. It is a manual wind, 9kt gold, smooth bezel. Can anyone provide additional information? Thanks.

[BarkMaster]

NICE gift!!!

[Newportkrieger]

It appears to be a UK originated Rolex. I think the casemakers stamp (RWC Ltd.) and the 9kt gold content are the clues.

Was 9kt gold popular here in the US? I think it was very common in the UK when everyone was on the gold standard.

[golfer]

The watch was said to belong to a man from England, so your reference to the UK is consistent with that. Would you have any idea of the year of this model?

[Newportkrieger]

It appears to be identical to a watch sold by Christies, 18 February 1998
London, South Kensington. Price sold for was $754.00. Described as:

"Rolex, a gentleman's 9ct. gold wristwatch, Ref:4651, circa 1950,
silvered dial signed Rolex Precision, raised gilt lozenge shaped markers, subsidiary seconds, signed 17-jewel movement with patented superbalance, case with signed snap on back, diameter 31mm."

All I did was google the caseback reference number of 4651.

[golfer]

Nice detective work on google.

I have only had the watch for a few days, but it seems to be in fine working condition and is keeping good time. Is there anything I need to be aware of regarding servicing and/or cleaning of a vintage watch like this one? Thanks.

[Newportkrieger]

Originally Posted by golfer

Nice detective work on google.

I have only had the watch for a few days, but it seems to be in fine working condition and is keeping good time. Is there anything I need to be aware of regarding servicing and/or cleaning of a vintage watch like this one? Thanks.

It would not hurt to take it to a respected local watchmaker to be inspected, cleaned and oiled since you probably do not know the service history of the watch. he can give you any appropriate advice on its care and usage.

[Tylden Reed]

Hi Golfer.
You have a nice dress watch there.
Going by the mark stamped inside the case it is Swiss not British. If it were British it would have an English or Scots Hallmark or makers mark. If it were imported into the UK for re-sale it would have had an import H/mark. The movement is Rolex Cal: 700, The dial has been restored, I suggest that when you have the watch serviced you have it restored again this time more sympathetically. The case screws are odd, perhaps they could be replace with a pair of original screws. The crown ought to be replaced with a Rolled Gold - Gold Clad - Rolex crown. Again, well done.
Tylden.

[golfer]

Tylden-

Thanks for the information. I am including a crisper picture of the dial so you will get a better look at its imperfections. For a vintage watch, do these imperfections provide character, or do most people prefer to clean them up to restore the dial to original condition?

[Tylden Reed]

Originally Posted by golfer

Tylden-

Thanks for the information. I am including a crisper picture of the dial so you will get a better look at its imperfections. For a vintage watch, do these imperfections provide character, or do most people prefer to clean them up to restore the dial to original condition?

Hi. It is not so much the tarnish that lets it down but the poor printing.
The seconds sub dial is too small in diameter and with poor numbering - clumsy - as is the 'Crown' and 'Rolex'.
As the dial has been restored at least once it would only improve the watch and its value if the dial were restored properly when you have the movement serviced etc. Regards, Tylden.

[gmtking]

it's an older precision. I have seen similar watches also with "dennison" engravings inside. But, as far as I can see, the dial is redone