Looking for assistance identifying an "old" Rolex.

[Tbor]

Hopefully this is the correct place to ask this question. Please let me know if not and I will correct.

I have an old Rolex with very little information about it.
Wondering if anyone might be able to shed some light on it?
Thank you for your time!

[CTech]

Of the numbers on the outside of the case back, the top one is the serial number and the bottom one (3834) is the model number.

Christie's sold one at auction a few years ago with the 044306 serial number and they claimed it was from around 1938, so I'm guessing yours is of a similar age.

[Tbor]

Originally Posted by CTech

Of the numbers on the outside of the case back, the top one is the serial number and the bottom one (3834) is the model number.

Christie's sold one at auction a few years ago with the 044306 serial number and they claimed it was from around 1938, so I'm guessing yours is of a similar age.

Thanks, that's good to know.
I'll try to find it an see if they had any information listed.

[CTech]

The link to the Christie's auction:

https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5674767

[Dan S]

I love those lugs, and the condition is really appealing overall. I'm guessing this is a fairly small watch.

[Tbor]

Originally Posted by Dan S

I love those lugs, and the condition is really appealing overall. I'm guessing this is a fairly small watch.

Very small. Although to be fair I'm new to the watch world.

An uneducated measurement puts the diameter of the case at 31.8 mm
Tip of the "top" lug to the tip of the "bottom lug" 38.1mm

[Dr.Smellody]

Fantastic chronograph!

[Styles Bitchley]

Amazing watch, despite its size. Guessing you’re in Canada .

[some.idiot]

what's the story behind this watch? how did you come to own it?

[Tbor]

Unfortunately it was a death in the family.
I believe it belonged to my great grandfather. I have been told he was an engraver / trophy maker..?

It was in a box with a women's watch made by "Gruen". Non functioning unfortunately.

Hard to tell which side of the family certain Items come from, however there are also a few books with hand written dates around 1899 and earlier.

How does one go about authenticating a watch like this?

Thanks for everyone's help!

[Nick9]

Sorry for your loss.

Your best bet on authentication is to take it to a qualified watchmaker, open it up and take good pictures of the movement and inside case back. Plus pictures of any numbers engraved between the lugs.

Post those pictures here on TRF and you’ll have the very best eyes to guide you.

If you let us know where in Canada you are located, someone may be able to suggest a reputable watchmaker.

[Tbor]

Originally Posted by Nick9

Sorry for your loss.

Your best bet on authentication is to take it to a qualified watchmaker, open it up and take good pictures of the movement and inside case back. Plus pictures of any numbers engraved between the lugs.

Post those pictures here on TRF and you’ll have the very best eyes to guide you.

If you let us know where in Canada you are located, someone may be able to suggest a reputable watchmaker.

Thank you.

I located in Ontario, Greater Toronto Area. Specifically South Etobicoke but certainly don't mind driving to a recommended watch maker.

I'm quite comfortable working with small tools. Given the strap is truly beat up, any reason not to take it off myself to check for numbers between lugs?
I've swapped watch straps out many times, usually on dive computers.

I'll check out the local shops and see if anyone is willing to pull the back off so I can post some more photos.

[Tbor]

Found a nearby shop called
"Little Shop Of Horology"
Excellent experience with the gentlemen there.
Does not appear to have any markings between lugs but I might have missed them?

Photos of the interior / movement:

[Dan S]

All numbers are on the case-back for this watch, not between the lugs. This appears to be a late 1930s watch. In general, it looks legit to me. To me, the lumed dial and hands seem a bit unusual for the reference and for the era, so in your place, I would search around to see if I could find another like it.

[Tbor]

Originally Posted by Dan S

All numbers are on the case-back for this watch, not between the lugs. This appears to be a late 1930s watch. In general, it looks legit to me. To me, the lumed dial and hands seem a bit unusual for the reference and for the era, so in your place, I would search around to see if I could find another like it.

Thank you.

I've had some links sent my way from other forums while trying to learn about this piece. I can't seem to post the links here though.

Not sure I would be able to tell one way or another though

[Nick9]

Little Shop of Horology has a solid reputation. Glad you found it!

It looks legit to me also. Rare and special. So many from that era will have swapped hands and newer lume. I’m guessing yours has both, based on the colour.

That would hurt value somewhat. But as heirloom watches go, yours is outstanding.

Get it serviced and enjoy it.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by Tbor

Thank you.

I've had some links sent my way from other forums while trying to learn about this piece. I can't seem to post the links here though.

Not sure I would be able to tell one way or another though

You will be able to post links after a few more posts.

[miamiclay]

They may be replacements, but I love the syringe style hands …

[Tbor]

Originally Posted by Dan S

You will be able to post links after a few more posts.

Thanks!

I've not yet found anything with the same case size / reference number that looks the same.
Here is the closest I've found.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by Tbor

Thanks!

I've not yet found anything with the same case size / reference number that looks the same.
Here is the closest I've found.

That Chrono24 example definitely appears to have replacement hands. They don't go with the dial at all. And I don't think it's the same reference, the lugs are completely different. Your watch has those amazing faceted lugs, sharp as a knife.

[LateLearner]

Time for a Geiger question: what should a radium dial from this era read, in Microseiverts per hour?

OP-have you checked out the dial to see if it’s “hot” and if so, what it reads?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by LateLearner

Time for a Geiger question: what should a radium dial from this era read, in Microseiverts per hour?

OP-have you checked out the dial to see if it’s “hot” and if so, what it reads?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It's a small watch, and doesn't have a ton of lume, but I'd still expect to read at least 2 or 3 µSv/h at the crystal. Could be more, of course, depending on how the lume was formulated.

[Tbor]

Originally Posted by LateLearner

Time for a Geiger question: what should a radium dial from this era read, in Microseiverts per hour?

OP-have you checked out the dial to see if it’s “hot” and if so, what it reads?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I wouldn't even know where to begin. Great question though.
Thanks Dan S for the input.

For an absolute newcomer to the world of mechanical watches (never mind vintage versions) this is fascinating to learn about.

What is the best course of action for attempting to determine if hands or dials have been changed?
-> Continue comparing to any examples of the same reference number?


Thank you all for your input and expertise.
I'm grateful!

[Boopie]

What a great watch!