6202 - Turn-o-graph (TOG) Thoughts?

[SpiritofSenna]

Hi fellow Rolex friends and aficionados,

Happy New Year. I came across this 6202 (albeit only single picture available at this moment) - this is a reference that I quite like and follow and wanted to seek your experts' thoughts on condition, originality, etc.

Based on my rather novice study, it seems as though the bezel is non-original (font looks off) and dial may have been refinished, and not sure what would cause such strong discoloration (or to some, patina) - possibly water damage?

And most importantly, what number would you put on this watch (as a general range)? Or would you caution me to hold off on the chase?

Thanks in advance for the participation and sharing of knowledge.

[offrdmania]

If a seller has only a single pic for a valuable watch, I would run. I would request very clear pics at many different angles and to have the seller set the time to an exact time in one of the pics to verify that the watch is actually in their possession.
As the old saying goes, if its too good to be true.....

[Dan S]

Maybe check back when you have more photos.

[TuRo]

6202 and Milgauss are both a fave of mine, more than a sub / exp tbh.

Some photos needed (b.t.w you know what visible number stamp unique to 6202 to expect on the back of lugs presumably - The No. '18' ;-).

The initial early days thoughts are though the dropped lower 2 I look for of the bezel is ✓(but its very fresh they are usually scruffy) , pencil hands and dial initially look good and dial blotchiness is along the lines of what I'd expect ✓

Also Caseback inner engravings - needed as a pukka semi-b-b 6202 caseback is a lot of money c £5000 and service one is just meh imho...Essential you get end link engravings incl BREVET + if early one.

[Pete_mcC]

Wearing mine today. Love the size and subtly of these compared to their brash younger brother Subs. I can’t offer much regards yours, I’ll leave that to the experts.

Mines a Q3 ‘53 with ‘53 gay freres bracelet, chocolatey brown glossy early ‘60s service dial and hands. The case back on mine is beautifully marked with numerous services, gives a nice history to this obviously cherished watch

[TuRo]

Originally Posted by Pete_mcC

Wearing mine today. Love the size and subtly of these compared to their brash younger brother Subs. I can’t offer much regards yours, I’ll leave that to the experts.

Mines a Q3 ‘53 with ‘53 gay freres bracelet, chocolatey brown glossy early ‘60s service dial and hands. The case back on mine is beautifully marked with numerous services, gives a nice history to this obviously cherished watch

That's a beauty - the original bezel inserts (as yours is, bottom of the 2 disappearing I mentioned above) turn dark green on these ..yours appears to be starting to too...

[SpiritofSenna]

Thanks all for the comments and interest. Much appreciated. I was able to get some more pics:
-I guess crown must be service/replacement given no "+"?
-bracelet seems period correct?
-I thought the bezel looked off but interesting comment about the disappearing "2" (Thanks @TuRo for the details!)

Any further insights would be most appreciated.

@offrdmania - Yes indeed! Definitely a run if no cooperation beyond single picture.

@Dan S - Checking back here ;)

@Pete_mcC - That is beautiful! Completely agree - love the subtlety of these compared to subs :)

[SpiritofSenna]

Oh and the caseback seems to be missing the "18"...which is odd; most 6202 casebacks seemed to have "18" inscribed on lower quarter in line with TuRo's comments!

[Pete_mcC]

They are such nice watches and there is such variety in such a short production span-white dials, black dials, honeycomb/waffle dials…Don’t think I’ve ever seen two that look the same!

Again no expert, but the fact that the crown is a twin lock suggests it’s been serviced (as do all the caseback markings), and I thought Rolex replaced radium dials as often as they could when performing a standard service, so you would expect the -T<25 dial unless it’s always been serviced independently using correct parts.

The bracelet is period correct give or take a few years, but it may not be the original judging by the end link wear marks on the lug that doesn’t marry with the one on there.

Again, not an expert, just a fan. I would rely on the others on this thread more than my ramblings!

Oh, and mine has the 18 on both the caseback interior and the midcase on a lug:

[TuRo]

Yes 18 on case back sometimes - Thinking more though of back of lugs like photos 11 and 12 here

https://www.chrono24.co.uk/rolex/rol...id23868269.htm

[Pete_mcC]

Originally Posted by TuRo

That's a beauty - the original bezel inserts (as yours is, bottom of the 2 disappearing I mentioned above) turn dark green on these ..yours appears to be starting to too...

Thanks so much. There are just so many colours, dependent on the light. In bright sun the glossy dial glows with brown, the bezel looks like gun blue in some light and petrol green in others. It’s a joy to wear, except for the hair plucking bracelet, but that’s the price you pay..

[SpiritofSenna]

Interesting. What’s the story behind this “18” and what are the implications if it’s missing from the lug or caseback?

[TuRo]

Originally Posted by SpiritofSenna

Interesting. What’s the story behind this “18” and what are the implications if it’s missing from the lug or caseback?

It’s the Nickel content I think I’m right in saying. Im not entirely sure it’s on every case made but all the ones I’ve handled / had have had it.

[1675-David]

18 is a number that is often associated with stainless steel 18/10, 18/8 for example. The 18 is the chromium content and second number the nickel. 18/10 is 18% chromium 10% nickel. 18 only could mean 18/0 indicating nickel free stainless as nickel can cause skin irritation which isn’t something you want on a watch

[77T]

You may have a little bit of a project - or have potential moisture issue?

The inner midcase has mild pitting in several areas. One area I’ve boxed more than mild.



But if this TOG is tugging at you then I understand - no 70+ y.o. watch case is going to be perfect.


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[1675-David]

Just did a bit of Googleing (I’m on the train) nickel does’t seem to be an allergy concern when used in stainless steel.