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SLRdude · 16 May 2014, 08:37 AM

A fellow watering hole regular gave me this today to get serviced.

It belonged to his dad (now passed away) and it has never been serviced.

This is probably the oldest Rolex I've ever been in contact with, and while beat up and rusty, there is something cool about it.

It's a tiny 34mm but I like it.

Odd thing... The clasp is stamped Rolex USA. Would that date it to early 70s?

The weird logo on the clasp makes me think it was an employee gift.

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springer · 16 May 2014, 09:29 AM

Looks like you have a nice, vintage Rolex Date. The case appears well preserved, much more so than the oval-link, USA Jubilee bracelet. My guess would be that the watch is from the mid-1960s, maybe later. Many of the Date watches came on leather straps and dealers would add the two tone bracelet later. The solid, stainless steel bracelet would normally be found on stainless steel heads, not 14K/SS models.

cop414 · 16 May 2014, 09:33 AM

Wow, that looks sweet and I would think that it'd clean up real nice, that bracelet on the other hand might require the services of Mr Young! Post some "after" pics if you're able once it's done.

SLRdude · 16 May 2014, 10:22 AM

I'll make sure to post some after pics, of course. My guess is that the bracelet will probably stay as stretched as it is today but it will be nice to see the head all cleaned up.

40 years old and no service, it deserves a trip to the spa.

The damn thing still works! A testing to the movement build quality.

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bluemartinifan · 16 May 2014, 10:55 AM

Hey Chip, PM me if you need a referral for a local vintage Rolex watchmaker. That watch will look very nice cleaned up, I would try it on a vintage leather strap.
Russ

SLRdude · 16 May 2014, 11:14 AM

Thanks Russ.

It's going to Mannie at Chamosa tomorrow morning.

I agree with the strap. A vintage or a brown alligator with end links would look great.

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springer · 16 May 2014, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLRdude

Thanks Russ.

It's going to Mannie at Chamosa tomorrow morning.

I agree with the strap. A vintage or a brown alligator with end links would look great.

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Good choice. Give me a call tomorrow if you still have my number.

16 May 2014, 08:37 AM	#1
SLRdude "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Real Name: Chip Location: Dallas TX Posts: 6,194	An oldie A fellow watering hole regular gave me this today to get serviced. It belonged to his dad (now passed away) and it has never been serviced. This is probably the oldest Rolex I've ever been in contact with, and while beat up and rusty, there is something cool about it. It's a tiny 34mm but I like it. Odd thing... The clasp is stamped Rolex USA. Would that date it to early 70s? The weird logo on the clasp makes me think it was an employee gift. Sent from my iPhone 5s using Tapatalk Pro Sent from my iPhone 5s using Tapatalk Pro __________________ Try not. Do... or do not. There is no try. Yoda, Jedi Master CHIP Member # 87

16 May 2014, 09:29 AM	#2
springer 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: jP Location: Texas Watch: GMT-MASTER Posts: 17,217	Looks like you have a nice, vintage Rolex Date. The case appears well preserved, much more so than the oval-link, USA Jubilee bracelet. My guess would be that the watch is from the mid-1960s, maybe later. Many of the Date watches came on leather straps and dealers would add the two tone bracelet later. The solid, stainless steel bracelet would normally be found on stainless steel heads, not 14K/SS models. __________________ Member of NAWCC since 1990. INSTAGRAM USER NAME: SPRINGERJFP Visit my Instagram page to view some of the finest vintage GMTs anywhere - as well as other vintage classics.

16 May 2014, 09:33 AM	#3
cop414 TRF Moderator & 2024 DATE-JUST41 Patron Join Date: Apr 2012 Real Name: Tim Location: Pennsylvania Watch: 14060M Posts: 71,845	Wow, that looks sweet and I would think that it'd clean up real nice, that bracelet on the other hand might require the services of Mr Young! Post some "after" pics if you're able once it's done. __________________ Rolex Submariner 14060M Omega Seamaster 2254.50 DOXA Professional 1200T Card carrying member of TRF's Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons TRF's "After Dark" Bar & NightClub Patron P Club Member #17 2 FA ENABLED

16 May 2014, 10:22 AM	#4
SLRdude "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Real Name: Chip Location: Dallas TX Posts: 6,194	I'll make sure to post some after pics, of course. My guess is that the bracelet will probably stay as stretched as it is today but it will be nice to see the head all cleaned up. 40 years old and no service, it deserves a trip to the spa. The damn thing still works! A testing to the movement build quality. Sent from my iPhone 5s using Tapatalk Pro __________________ Try not. Do... or do not. There is no try. Yoda, Jedi Master CHIP Member # 87

16 May 2014, 11:14 AM	#6
SLRdude "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Real Name: Chip Location: Dallas TX Posts: 6,194	Thanks Russ. It's going to Mannie at Chamosa tomorrow morning. I agree with the strap. A vintage or a brown alligator with end links would look great. Sent from my iPhone 5s using Tapatalk Pro __________________ Try not. Do... or do not. There is no try. Yoda, Jedi Master CHIP Member # 87

16 May 2014, 10:55 AM	#5
bluemartinifan "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Real Name: Russ Location: Dallas Texas Watch: 5513 Posts: 2,124	Hey Chip, PM me if you need a referral for a local vintage Rolex watchmaker. That watch will look very nice cleaned up, I would try it on a vintage leather strap. Russ

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