Can Anyone identify this vintage Rolex please?

[Gadget Man]

Hi Guys,

I was having a conversation with a work colleague the other day and we got onto watches and Rolex's, he tell me that he has his fathers old 1950's Rolex Imperial, which I had never heard of.
Anyway, he brought it into work and I took some photo's of it. He says he remembers that his father had the bracelet replaced in the 1970's and thinks the crown was also replaced on a service too, the rest of the watch is original. It is in good working order but he knows very little about it.

Can anyone tell me (and my friend) anyrhing about this watch and is it collectable/valuable?

The words on the dial are:
'Rolex Oyster'
'Imperial'

'Extra Precision' (around the seconds dial)
'Swiss Made'

The crown has the words 'Oyster Patent' written on it, no crown
The case is stamped with the numbers 127431 and 2595

Many Thanks

By the way, sorry if this is placed in the wrong place, moderators feel free to move it.

[sombunya]

I'm watching this post to see what others say...

[Uncle-AJ]

It looks like it was manufactured around 1938. There's a similar but gold one for sale at the link. My reference book is at home so I can't give you any more details.

Link

[Gadget Man]

I forgot to mention that he did say that his dad bought it in the 1940's, so that would tie up I guess.
Anyone else with more information?

[Alcan]

The Imperial, along with some other lesser known Rolex models such as Pall Mall, Prince, and Royal, were produced by Rolex in the 1930's and 40's with Canada and the Commonwealth as the primary markets. Should be about 30mm x 36mm (so-called boy's size), 17 jewel movement adjusted/timed to 6 positions. They were produced in SS, 9kt, and 18kt gold.


Here's a great photo essay by Jocke on restoring the case on one with a bit different dial:

http://www.watchwallpapers.com/imperial.htm

[Gadget Man]

Ok , thanks for the information. Would anyone be able to give an approximation as to it's value?
Is it desirable?

Cheers

[Trurolexer]

Very nice vintage.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Gadget Man

Ok , thanks for the information. Would anyone be able to give an approximation as to it's value?
Is it desirable?

Cheers

That's hard to say..

My references show a model 2595 with center seconds, and yours has them at 6 o'clock, similar to a 4220 model.. Some more research may be needed, but if you know that the movement has not been switched, then you are ahead of the game..

In good working condition they are probably good for 1,000 to 1500 on the SS models with the gold going for as much as 3,000..

This one looks like SS, so, if authentic and original...maybe 1250...

[Dumbas]

Holy thread revival...

Newbie here. Sorry for barging in, but my uncle's watch has been offered to me out of his estate. I have only seen photos of his watch and it looks very similar to one in the photos. However, it is not in such good condition. I assume the small dial is the second hand and my uncle's watch does not have numbers, just graduations. Looking at the photo, it looks silver in colour, not gold.

This thread is now nearly 10 years old, however is a valuation around the $US1250 mark still fair? I know nothing about watches and just want to pay my family a fair price.

Thanks for any advice that anyone may have.

[R.O.L.E.X]

Originally Posted by Dumbas

Holy thread revival...

Newbie here. Sorry for barging in, but my uncle's watch has been offered to me out of his estate. I have only seen photos of his watch and it looks very similar to one in the photos. However, it is not in such good condition. I assume the small dial is the second hand and my uncle's watch does not have numbers, just graduations. Looking at the photo, it looks silver in colour, not gold.

This thread is now nearly 10 years old, however is a valuation around the $US1250 mark still fair? I know nothing about watches and just want to pay my family a fair price.

Thanks for any advice that anyone may have.

If you can offer a photo it would help. Because the watch is a small case size 1250 could be right but without a photo or detailed information about the condition, no comment can really be made. It could be worth a lot less if it's screwed or has parts replaced.