Inherited Rolex Valuation: Trusted Source?

[aczaja10]

OP, please update this thread with pictures of the freshly serviced watch. Make sure to take some high quality before pictures, too. I always forget the before pictures when it comes to stuff like this. I love seeing the transformation.

[Keldw]

Dial is good based on photos. Ruby “String dial” with 8 baguette cut rubies and 28 square diamonds. Quite rare 👍🏻

https://amsterdamvintagewatches.com/...guette-string/

https://loupethis.com/auctions/rolex...nd-string-dial

[The Tempest]

Originally Posted by Zach69SS

Op, looks original to me, back in the day Rolex ADs would change a dial or bezel upon request right there on the spot.. The personalized service was second to none.
The DD36 had many different dial configurations, some ADs would change them for display or to make a sale, only Rolex original dials were used.

Although, I have never seen that dial it does not mean it is an aftermarket dial. If you inherited it from your father or someone close to you. This maybe priceless to you.

I would service it and wear it and have it as something to remember them by.

I don't know where you are in Florida, there are many places you can go..or you can use any internet valuation tool there are a few. For value the condition is everything, case , bracelet and the dial.

Cheers

Thanks for the info. My dad definitely bought it as pictured from a Rolex shop in Zurich in the 80’s I believe. Definitely not the kind of guy to tinker with aftermarket stuff. The watch really isn’t my style so I don’t see myself wearing it. I’m not sure what good it will do sitting in a safe for eternity, so I had thought of trading it in towards a Daytona or Sea Dweller. I probably should send it in to have a full service and polishing of the case/bracelet.

Really had no clue what it was worth, but I’d now guess $20K-$25K possibly? No box, just service records and a spare link, so I’m sure that brings the value down to some extent.

ETA: Probably closer to $15K based on the posted listing.

[The Tempest]

Originally Posted by Keldw

Dial is good based on photos. Ruby “String dial” with 8 baguette cut rubies and 28 square diamonds. Quite rare 👍🏻

https://amsterdamvintagewatches.com/...guette-string/

https://loupethis.com/auctions/rolex...nd-string-dial

Interesting, thank you! Too bad the selling price wasn’t listed.

Curious if this kind of rarity translates to value, or it’s more of a curiosity.

[MovieGuy]

Fairly certain I remember seeing that dial in the vintage "Crown Collection" catalog at the AD where I used to work.

[inadeje]

What I would do OP is send it to a Rolex service center for a full service. Consider the outlay as adding a service card (valuable to an eventual buyer) and also it will bring the watch back to almost new status. Don’t use it after and either keep it in a safe until the market improves or seek a trade into something like the SS Daytona you have in mind. By the looks of things it could be an almost straight trade. The approx 1k outlay for the service will be easily recuperated via the extra value in the trade

[The Tempest]

Originally Posted by inadeje

What I would do OP is send it to a Rolex service center for a full service. Consider the outlay as adding a service card (valuable to an eventual buyer) and also it will bring the watch back to almost new status. Don’t use it after and either keep it in a safe until the market improves or seek a trade into something like the SS Daytona you have in mind. By the looks of things it could be an almost straight trade. The approx 1k outlay for the service will be easily recuperated via the extra value in the trade

That’s exactly what I’ll do. Really appreciate the advice and for all the direction and info from others here. Remarkably helpful stuff.

[joli160]

I would not service if you retrieve the original B&P.

You don’t recover the cost of a service in added value and may even work against you. Interesting watch and not messing around with it as long as it runs is best.
Let a potential buyer decide what he wants to do with it.

But if you must than perhaps use Ridley, LAWW, Zimmerman i.e instead of a RSC.
These firms are superior in finishing to Rolex mho.
It’s an old reference and requires service from someone who fixes it with respect for its age.

Save yourself the hassle

[Paddydog52]

When it comes to a watch of this age and history/relative rarity you would be taking value off it by getting it serviced as this is the kind of watch that would very much appeal to a collector who generally prefer the watch to be left alone rather than serviced

[Zach69SS]

Op, I would say that your estimate is right there give or take a few $$$ the dial may add some value too. A clean full set DD36 from that era is $17-$18K with a regular dial in very good condition. Dial, case and the bracelet with little to no stretch.
Condition is always everything especially with a vintage piece.

Before you invest in a full service visit a few dealers and see what they offer you in trade? It may not be worth a full service if you are not gonna keep it, and may not increase the value, ask both ways. Sometimes a dealer will offer more $$$ in trade than purchase.

I agree that if its not your style, make a trade for something that you will like and wear.

Best of luck!