Ref 3478, Rolex Oyster Raleigh

[Randywrap]

Hello, I am considering buying this watch it is from the 1940's, ref 3478. I think it looks legit but I'm new to Rolexes and I am looking for a fair price to pay. Is the movement right and authentic? Any input would be appreciated, thank you in advance.

[Old Expat Beast]

That's a bad redial. It should look more like this . . .

[Dan S]

The movement looks ok, if that's your question. However, it's a tiny watch and the dial is poorly repainted. Not much value in it, TBH.

[Randywrap]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

That's a bad redial. It should like more like this . . .

Thank you very much. You saved me some cash

[Randywrap]

Originally Posted by Dan S

The movement looks ok, if that's your question. However, it's a tiny watch and the dial is poorly repainted. Not much value in it, TBH.

I appreciate the reply, thanks a lot.

[Randywrap]

I was first considering this watch but it seemed a bit expensive so I found a cheaper one (the first one i asked about). If it's not too much to ask, can you take a look at this one and tell me what you think? Thank you in advance.

[Dan S]

I believe that dial is also repainted. If you search for rolex oyster raleigh and look at google images, you can compare the details of the printing and train your eye to recognize original dials.

But more to the point, I just wanted to double-check that you are aware of the size of the watches you are considering (29-30mm). I don't want to make any assumptions, but they are extremely small compared even to even the smallest contemporary watches.

[Randywrap]

Originally Posted by Dan S

I believe that dial is also repainted. If you search for rolex oyster raleigh and look at google images, you can compare the details of the printing and train your eye to recognize original dials.

But more to the point, I just wanted to double-check that you are aware of the size of the watches you are considering (29-30mm). I don't want to make any assumptions, but they are extremely small compared even to even the smallest contemporary watches.

I appreciate the warning but my wrist is fairly small and I have found that a 30 mm is perfect on me. I will definitely do more research on the printing thank you.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by Randywrap

I appreciate the warning but my wrist is fairly small and I have found that a 30 mm is perfect on me.

In that case, you're very lucky. I would be shopping for Pateks.

[TuRo]

Originally Posted by Dan S

In that case, you're very lucky. I would be shopping for Pateks.

Or a very nice circa 30mm (mini) Tudor Submariner at £1.5 - 2k or so !

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by TuRo

Or a very nice circa 30mm (mini) Tudor Submariner at £1.5 - 2k or so !

Tudor Mini-Sub is 33mm. My wife's is anyway. Tudor Lady-Sub is 28mm

[TuRo]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Tudor Mini-Sub is 33mm. My wife's is anyway. Tudor Lady-Sub is 28mm

Thanks Adam - nice photo too.

[Old Expat Beast]

Cheers Paul

[Nick9]

These were Commonwealth or, more often, called “Canadian market” watches made by Rolex/Tudor in the 1940s and early 1950s. A lot of sources claim that many were purchased as gifts for servicemen setting out from Canada for World War II.

I’m going to take the risk of disagreeing with Dan S about whether the dial has been repainted, except for the 24 hour time markings, which look to me as if they could have been added locally, so that the dial included them.

I think the R 290414 might be a military service number. I’ve seen other watches like this with markings that signify military service. But note that these were personal engravings by the serviceman and that these watches were not purchased or issued by the armed forces.