Who knows about this Rolex?

[ignacioosacar]

Dear Forum:

I inherited it from my father. It was presented to him in 1949 in Argentina. It has three numbers one on top of the other in the back plate, aproximately at a 5 o´clock position ( with th winding crown to the right ). From top to bottom 1326, 124501 and 3458. The word BREVET, in very small letters, betwen the first and second number. It has the original case, quite long, light brown, lot of typical Rolex inscriptions on the silk inside. Thank you all!

[southtexas]

Pics will help!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[R.W.T.]

3458 is a sub seconds engine turned bezel bubble back.

[tamiya]

Sounds like a fantastic heirloom!

[ignacioosacar]

Thank you very much! I will post a pic in a few days. Have to go travel to my hometown to do so.

[tamiya]

Bubble back era, I'm led to believe the case was a springshut clamshell - like a spectacles case but hinged at narrow edge not the wider edge.

[ignacioosacar]

Hello Forum,

Sooner than I expected I found two not very good photos photos, but anyway it illustrates the issue a little. The bracelet is a new adapted one, originally it had a leather one.

Thank you

[Mark020]

I only see one picture but I assume the reference will be 3458

[ignacioosacar]

I had to sent a second post. I just could not upload the two pics in the same post. Sorry all

[R.W.T.]

Yes as I said engine turned bubble back. Dial is refinished.

The band did not come with the watch and in fact you need to get it off of there before it ruins the case.

The flush fit end pieces didn't show until late 1953.

This watch would have had straight ends on the bracelet. More than likely it was supplied with a leather strap.

Movement is a calibre 620 NA sub seconds automatic.

Original dials for this watch are extremely difficult to find.

Watch is late 1930's imo. A movement shot would be helpful. Moreover a moment shot without the autowind in place as well.

The case on this model is actually 3 pieces though the bezel is "fixed" with threads into the middle case. Originally the satin finish to the lugs was straight rather than diagonal as you can see close to the bezel on the lower right hand lug.

[ignacioosacar]

Thank you very much RWT for the information!
I will try to get the movement photos, but first I need to find someone qualified to do it.
Competent mechanical watch technicians are progressively disappearing here.
What intrigues me most is the third number at the top: 1326. What is this number ?
I once found an old Rolex dial, greenish colour with very small roman numbers, quite unattractive. It was among my father´s small cufflinks and tieholders. I suppose it was the original one. Have to look for it.

[R.W.T.]

I have seen the extra 4 digit number before...I have no idea....what it corresponds to. Rolex...mystique...especially in this time frame...the thing is THEY know...but they may never tell. Their records are impeccable.
See if you can find that dial!!!

[tamiya]

Someone without proper key has been accessing the back :/ gouges & all

Rivetted oyster bracelet be about 1960s?

[ignacioosacar]

Hello Tamiya,

Thanks for your answer

Yes I agree, lots of not very able technicians in small provincial towns down here. Maybe the bracelet is from the 60´s. There is a number 52 there too. It was one of many rather untidy bracelet replacements made through the years.

[ignacioosacar]

Hello RWT,

Given that it was probably made in pre or during WWII years. Couldn´t it be a military service issue number ? There were lots of war veterans who inmigrated to Argentina, from both sides. Many were already living here and volunteered. What I mean is that they were mainly British, German and Italians.

[ignacioosacar]

Sorry Tamiya,

I mean 51

[Mark020]

There is a competent Rolex trader of which I forgot the name on the corner of a square next to La Boca.

[ignacioosacar]

Thank you very much Mark020!
I will look for him.