Help on this vintage chrono

[JParm]

Can anyone tell me more about this watch? Does the dial and movement look authentic? Also, what would you value the piece at?

I know nothing about these types of chronos, so any information is appreciated!

[JnmEaton]

INTERESTING. Very cool.

[dbhak22]

No idea what that is but very intrigued...

[MILGAUSS88]

Poor photos, so too difficult to tell much for sure, but...
The bridge is a different colour than the rest of the movement, which doesn't make much sense unless it
was replaced.
The Rolex signature on the back of the case doesn't look stamped so may have been added, or could be photo.
Appears to have ref 2508 on the back, but does not look like a ref 2508.
So unless there are better photos that contradict that, I would stay away.

[JParm]

Originally Posted by MILGAUSS88

Poor photos, so too difficult to tell much for sure, but...
The bridge is a different colour than the rest of the movement, which doesn't make much sense unless it
was replaced.
The Rolex signature on the back of the case doesn't look stamped so may have been added, or could be photo.
Appears to have ref 2508 on the back, but does not look like a ref 2508.
So unless there are better photos that contradict that, I would stay away.

Thanks for the valuable insight - that's why I come to this forum! Will definitely stay away.

[snowflake]

Originally Posted by jpeezy14@hotmail.com

Can anyone tell me more about this watch? Does the dial and movement look authentic? Also, what would you value the piece at?

I know nothing about these types of chronos, so any information is appreciated!

The movement is a Valjoux 22 and that's all I can tell. It's my understanding that both V22 and 23 were used for the Rolex bicompax chronographs prior to those V72 based models in the 50s. Looks very nice!

[MorningTundra]

The V23 was used in the mid sized Chronos in the 1930s and 40s. At this age they’re going to have service replaced parts. Unless carefully stored, original dial and hands will clearly show the passing of 8 decades as these are pre-oyster and not water resistant or air tight.

The V23 is a column wheel chronograph. This movement has its own ardent following.

Examples that are 100% original are rare museum pieces and go at auction for crazy money.

Less than 100% can be had for modest money and make for fun and wearable pieces.


Sent from my cracked, broken hand wound phone. IG @morning_tundra

[snowflake]

Isn't this V22? It doesn't look like V23 to me ...

The bridge shape is definitely that of V22, not the one from V23s. Also, the coupling wheel arm goes around near the center which is te case in the V22 (V23 it's opposite, just like Valjoux 72s).

Unlike the V72X used in the vintage daytonas where Rolex modified the base V72s by replacing the shock system and the hair-sping, those older V22 based Rolex chronographs used unmodified V22s. Hence, it is very difficult to tell its authenticity (or replacing parts with genuine Valjoux 22 parts is legit IMO). Still, the bridge should have ROLEX engraving (but, hard to confirm n this pic unfortunately).

[DarknerImperator]

Any better pics of the movement?

Not Original Rolex to me ....

[MILGAUSS88]

Originally Posted by snowflake

Still, the bridge should have ROLEX engraving (but, hard to confirm n this pic unfortunately).

You can buy fake signed Rolex bridges and put them on any V22. They are available.

That's why the discoloured bridge is a red flag to me.
I would speculate that someone tried to make it older than it really is. It is the only thing signed Rolex on the movement and it looks nothing like the rest of the movement.

I could be wrong but the first thing I look for is anything that is out of place.

[snowflake]

Originally Posted by MILGAUSS88

You can buy fake signed Rolex bridges and put them on any V22. They are available.

That's why the discoloured bridge is a red flag to me.
I would speculate that someone tried to make it older than it really is. It is the only thing signed Rolex on the movement and it looks nothing like the rest of the movement.

I could be wrong but the first thing I look for is anything that is out of place.

Yep, you can buy an engraved "ROLEX" V22 bridge for $300 on the bay at the moment (seller at lest honestly say it's fake)

As I said, unlike the V72 based Rolex models, these older models used pretty much standard V22s and thus, it's almost impossible to judge its authenticity. This means that even if this watch is legit, no-one can prove it. This is the sad part of very old models.

[Mike Wood]

This watch is a fake...it is NOT a Rolex. Caseback engravings are faked, movement is modified, and dial is printed up with fake Rolex markings.

MW

[offrdmania]

Originally Posted by Mike Wood

This watch is a fake...it is NOT a Rolex. Caseback engravings are faked, movement is modified, and dial is printed up with fake Rolex markings.

MW

Exactly, look at the case back. It looks laser etched and isnt even straight

[Styles Bitchley]

The dial reminds me of the one worn by one of the guys from the Great Escape.

https://www.express.co.uk/news/histo...-Jack-Williams