ID a watch with no model #

[32KHz]

I have a watch from my Dad that I am trying to identify without a model #. The 5 digit serial # on the 6 o’clock edge of the case is identified by Bob’s as manufactured in 1954. The 12 o’clock edge only says BREVET (hollow cross), in the same size characters as the serial #. There is no external model #. Oyster Perpetual, Officially Certified Chronometer (no date function) with a solid line under the crown, on the crown (Twinlock). Does anyone have any information regarding this watch?
My Dad wore it from the 1950s to the 1980s. He gave up replacing the band and having the self-winding mechanism repaired multiple times. It still runs and does not have a Rolex band. I do not believe anything else has been replaced.

[330ci]

Based on the OCC dial, and bezel. I believe its a mid 50s 6565, should have a 1030 movement with butterfly rotor. I'd recommend getting her lubed up as these older models are damage prone when ran dry. But should provide another 70 years of use no problem with proper maintenance

[32KHz]

Wow! That answers all of my questions and then some! I couldn't have found any of that information searching the internet. I was wondering about getting it fixed up again. Thank you!

[32KHz]

I don't know how much this was retail when it was new, but the cool part is my Dad bought it at a PX as a civilian military contractor in Turkey, for $85.

[330ci]

Originally Posted by 32KHz

I don't know how much this was retail when it was new, but the cool part is my Dad bought it at a PX as a civilian military contractor in Turkey, for $85.

That is too cool! I believe that was likely retail without tax or duties. I think that is how they do it at the PX.

What a great heirloom to have, wear it in good health.

I wonder what the story about the bezel being a few degrees off is

[32KHz]

Will do! Thanks!

[Dan S]

There will probably be a reference number inside the caseback. And there may actually be a reference number between the lugs, but it could be badly worn.

[32KHz]

Very true. Eventually the back will need to be removed and therein lies the rest of the story. If there are any additional numbers between the lugs, they would have to be very small because the serial # and (BREVET +) are large font with respect to the watch edge.

[TuRo]

Agree with all above on this OCC DIAL - is there a swiss or swiss made under the 6 HR marker pls - it looks all orig incl crown and plexi ?

[32KHz]

I will look under a microscope tomorrow and report back. Should be all original as far as I know. Just self-winding repairs and 1 or 2 stainless steel Rolex bands came apart possibly from wearing tight around the wrist. It looks a lot better in person than the photo I took. I will try to take better photos as well. Thx!

[32KHz]

No "Swiss made" under the 6 HR marker that I can see. There's no number dot at 6 or 12 o'clock. I wonder if the number dots ever glowed in the dark.

[32KHz]

Got it opened. It is a model 6581. It is actually stamped on the 12 o'clock edge under Brevet (cross) but it is small and corroded. It was repaired 6 times in 25 years. The inside back has a circle from the rub of the self-wind. Authorized and not authorized repair tells me there are no more parts available. That and the track record makes it seem unreasonable to maintain as a daily wear. Perhaps an occasional wear as-is.

[TuRo]

Great stuff and tbh the watch could be worn everyday no problem.

Done a little digging round. The dial looks orig. with orig. Markers but has been repainted or touched up at the bottom as it would definitely have had a 'swiss' footer at the bottom. Handset look original too.

*** Dates (Circa) 'SWISS MADE' up to 1952, 'SWISS' 1952-62, T SWISS T (or similar deriv.) 1963-99 ***

Here is one (a very rare red writing example hence why it's £2k more than usual !) with identical hour markers.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 34
£4,310
https://chrono24.app/rolex/rolex-658...GB&SETCURR=GBP

[32KHz]

That is an interesting find! So similar. That one is a real beauty!

I forgot to mention someone placed the bezel in the wrong position on mine, probably during a repair.