Help to identify my Dad's 1940s Rolex watch

[Hal Dude]

Greetings:
I have a 1940s Rolex Oyster Perpetual wristwatch which my dad obtained near the end of WWII in France. He wore it for many years and then put it away. In the 1980s he took the watch to a repairman and the dial was either completely redone or just the markers were reapplied. I believe it to be approximately 30mm in size. It will run. It also has the Rolex + Qyster crown on it as well. When I received the watch from him many years ago he had a Spidel twist O flex band on it. The leather band had long since worn out. It was manufactured around 1943. Any idea on value not a quote but trying to decide what to do with it. Thanks for any assistance that you can render. Photos to follow.

[Dan S]

This is known as a bubble-back, 2940 is the reference number. These can sell for about $2k-$2.5k, although the relumed dial and hands might hold it back a bit.

[Proto3]

(I don’t consider myself an expert on these)

Looks like a 30mm bubbleback. Worth around ~$2000 considering the condition. Dial and hands do look like work has been done like you said. And that’s all I got…

[Razorsedge1]

Cool watch!

[Hal Dude]

Thanks for the information.
Any $ idea on having it restored?
Thanks agin

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by Hal Dude

Thanks for the information.
Any $ idea on having it restored?
Thanks agin

What type of restoration does it need?

[Hal Dude]

I would say dial restore/replaced to look original, serviced, cleaned, adjusted, outside buff-polished???
Thanks.

[Dan S]

First off, if you are thinking that having that sort of work done will increase the value, that's not going to be the case. It's never going to be a really valuable collectible. If you're going to sell it, your best option is to sell it as-is without putting any more into it ... no question about it.

If you plan to keep it, refinishing the dial is not likely to make it look any better TBH. I don't think the dial is too bad. Polishing is definitely not recommended because it degrades the shape of the case. If you plan to wear the watch regularly, you should have it serviced. But that's not cheap, and it's quite a small watch, do you really think you will wear it? The watch is running, so maybe just leave it as it is and enjoy your heirloom from time to time.

[Hal Dude]

Hi Dan:
Thank you very much for the insight!
Hal

[Jeffreylucky1]

California dials are cool! Thanks for sharing!
You should keep it and wear it!
If my father left me that watch, it would be priceless to me.