Legit check Rolex Military Chronograph ref.2508(?)

[eliasnilfgaard]

Hey gents!

I'm considering buying this lovely Rolex chronograph (2508?) from 30s but still have some doubts. I've made some mistakes in the past and reeeeeally don't want to make one now. Could you help me to look at this watch with a fresh uncomplicated look? Or maybe there are some Rolex/Valjoux experts that can something more precise.



My main concern here is the balance bridge. It is Valjoux 22 which means that almost every part can be easily replaced with non-original (e.g. from doxa or any other piece). Could it be possible that it was replaced with non-rolex-valjoux 22 bridge? The seller was kind enough to let me take photos and videos (obviously for LC purposes) but respectfully declined offer to take it to an independent watchmaker. It is a watch boutique so it doesn't looks weird in this case.





case back:


the movement comparison


Also, to me the hands do not look original as well but I saw one model (with same 2508 ref) with the same hands as on the photos. I know that technically, the bridge with Rolex mark (also fab.suisse and swiss made) may be laser engraved and engraving here looks too clear for 90 yrs old watch. However, the case and the dial looks legit to me.

[DarknerImperator]

Case not original Rolex,
Movement not original Rolex
Dial & hands not original Rolex

[eliasnilfgaard]

Ouch!! Something specific in mind?

[GreatScott]

Originally Posted by DarknerImperator

Case not original Rolex,

Movement not original Rolex

Dial & hands not original Rolex

I think you forgot to mention the strap...

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

[eliasnilfgaard]

Originally Posted by DarknerImperator

Case not original Rolex,
Movement not original Rolex
Dial & hands not original Rolex

Hey I hope some of you can clarify this since I am really keen to know how one can spot a fake dial or case. For me everything except the movement looks completely legit.

[Mike Wood]

Originally Posted by eliasnilfgaard

Hey I hope some of you can clarify this since I am really keen to know how one can spot a fake dial or case. For me everything except the movement looks completely legit.

Hello Elias, Francesco has a lot of experience acquired over many years of inspecting and handling vintage Rolex watches. Sometimes it is almost instinct which makes you reject a watch, and it is not easy to explain.

Non-Oyster chronographs are a complete minefield...the vast majority are not correct. If you want to see some good ones, follow Francesco on IG and benefit from his experience.

MW

;-)

[DarknerImperator]

Originally Posted by eliasnilfgaard

Hey I hope some of you can clarify this since I am really keen to know how one can spot a fake dial or case. For me everything except the movement looks completely legit.

The case has a different shape than the original....
The punch is missing....
The Ref 2508 and Serial number are different...
The dial has a pad print...
Original is Galvanic print...

[DarknerImperator]

Originally Posted by Mike Wood

Hello Elias, Francesco has a lot of experience acquired over many years of inspecting and handling vintage Rolex watches. Sometimes it is almost instinct which makes you reject a watch, and it is not easy to explain.

Non-Oyster chronographs are a complete minefield...the vast majority are not correct. If you want to see some good ones, follow Francesco on IG and benefit from his experience.

MW

;-)

Thanks you so much for the feedback

[eliasnilfgaard]

Thanks a lot Francesco, really appreciated!

To be honest, to me it isn't a fake of low quality at all! I even sent these photos to a guy who works on high-end watches (PP/Vacheron etc) who actually confirmed that the watch is legit even tho he raised concern about the movt. From now on I'll be as careful as possible. Thanks again!

[Paulie 50]

[QUOTE=eliasnilfgaard;10386576]Hey I hope some of you can clarify this since I am really keen to know how one can spot a fake dial or case. For me everyting except the movement looks completely legit. It's a minefield if you don't do your homework.