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Old 18 September 2017, 11:46 AM   #1
Ati0001
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14k or 18k Rolex 17013: Which One?

Hello everyone,
I recently purchased a 1980's Rolex 17013, Box and Papers, never polished, beautiful looking watch.

The problem I have is that it was advertised as an 18k and when it arrived, there was a 14 stamped in the clasp leading me to believe it is a 14k strap and possible 14k bezel as well. Dealer had it listed for $4,00 on his website, I paid $3,500.

It is an early 17013 which I like, but was wanting the 18k version. Do I call and ask for some money$$$ back since it was advertised as an 18k and is only a 14k? If so, how much do I ask back?
I don't WANT to return it, but have 10 days to do so as well.

Also, is the early 14k band better than the 18k band as far as collectability?
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 17013 Clasp 14.jpg (115.7 KB, 325 views)
File Type: jpg 17013 Face, Box, Papers.jpg (50.6 KB, 324 views)
File Type: jpg 17013 Face.jpg (28.4 KB, 325 views)
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Old 21 September 2017, 09:33 AM   #2
daveo5
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I have three different OQ models; 17013, 17014 and 19019. The 17013 is collectable, mine is an 18 k bezel and 18 k and stainless bracelet and dates from mid 1990 to mid 1991. Just looking at the dial on yours shows it was a 1979 model pre-non-COSC tested. Rolex and this is a guess, probably unsure at start of production as to sales used 14 k to keep cost down. After 1979, all OQs were sent for COSC testing and so COSC was added to the dial. Yours is a keeper regardless of gold content. Hang onto the papers and box. Paper date merely indicates when it was finally sold, NOT date manufactured. Check the serial number on the outside of case back and check it against Rolex serial numbers by year. Great find!
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Old 21 September 2017, 01:06 PM   #3
rad87gn
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Nice watch! Enjoy!
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Old 21 September 2017, 01:09 PM   #4
powerfunk
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VD 14 doesn't mean "14kt" it means 1979 I believe. Also, if I'm not mistaken any gold assay marks will always be stamped in the gold part.
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Old 21 September 2017, 01:18 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by powerfunk View Post
VD 14 doesn't mean "14kt" it means 1979 I believe. Also, if I'm not mistaken any gold assay marks will always be stamped in the gold part.
Correct, it mean May 1979

Rolex only make with 18kt gold, and minimum 3 assay marks should be on back lugs if its 18Kt
BUT your watch is two tone, ie SS and 18kt gold
The bracelet code is irrelevant.
Adam
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Old 21 September 2017, 01:33 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GLADIATOR View Post
Rolex only make with 18kt gold
Indeed, they do now.

I had a Root Beer two-tone from the mid-1970's made with 14kt gold, but I believe by late 1970's it was almost all 18kt. They did make some later 14kt models, though. Any 5-digit model ending in "7" is 14kt (like 15007) too.
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Old 21 September 2017, 01:35 PM   #7
GLADIATOR
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Quote:
Originally Posted by powerfunk View Post
Indeed, they do now.

I had a Root Beer two-tone from the mid-1970's made with 14kt gold, but I believe by late 1970's it was almost all 18kt. They did make some later 14kt models, though. Any 5-digit model ending in "7" is 14kt (like 15007) too.
Thanks
OPs watch is 80s - by then 18kt gold
His watch is fine
A
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Old 21 September 2017, 02:26 PM   #8
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It's a MKI dial, and if original to the watch, the serial number under the case should be around 5.2 to 5.6 million, possibly a bit higher for two tone. That's around 1977 production.
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Old 26 September 2017, 09:14 AM   #9
Ati0001
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5,97*,*** is the serial number which puts it in 1979 year roughly
Thanks for all the good feedback!
Love the watch, decided to keep it!
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Old 12 October 2017, 05:36 PM   #10
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Thanks guys.

Excellent information.
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Old 13 October 2017, 12:35 AM   #11
GTS Dean
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I'm not an expert, but have 2 17013B's and a 19018. When my first OQ was purchased for me in 1983, it was by a close relative traveling in Switzerland. I was led to believe that around and prior to that point, the 14K bracelets and bezels were standard on US market watches. 18K were standard on Euro-spec models.

My original hinge/clasp was damaged and was replaced with a generic dealer-stock assembly which does not indicate specific model. My '84 17013B does indicate 18K where yours shows 14. Furthermore, there is no indication of hallmark on any of the gold bracelet links of my steel & gold Rolex watches.
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Old 18 October 2017, 12:39 AM   #12
GTS Dean
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Update - 18k band clasp: (912xxxx S/N)
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File Type: jpg OQ 17013 clasp.jpg (151.4 KB, 145 views)
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Old 18 November 2017, 03:59 AM   #13
wm82
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Your watch is 14k. You can tell from the hue of the gold, which is lighter and more greenish than the red dark hue of 18k.

The clasp code also indicates 14k, but clasps get replaced every now and then during service, and often times the dealer will take whatever clasp he has in stock, not necessarily with the right code.

Some bracelets have hallmarks in the gold, but not all. This is because in some countries it was required to hallmark, in others not.

In a sense the 14k is stronger and rarer, so I would keep it if I were you. Its not possible to buy 14k parts from Rolex anymore so take care of it :)
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