Could use some expert help. Vintage Rare Star Dial???

[dimbulb71]

My grandfather's watch from WWII era. Wondering if anyone may be able to provide some info about it or point me to someone who could evaluate. I have done much searching online and have not found another example. The dial with stars seems to be fairly unique. It is in rough shape but still runs believe it or not. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

[Dan S]

It's a gold-filled reference 5020 from the late 1940s, as you suggested. Shock-protected, which makes it more likely to still be running. Fairly early oyster and you don't generally see much information about them because they are quite small for today's tastes. I found several other examples online, although not with exactly the same dial, which is to be expected. Some were also in stainless cases.

https://auctions.fortunaauction.com/...in-gold-filled
https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4105868
https://www.carousell.sg/p/rolex-oys...42-1190206313/
https://www.catawiki.com/en/l/227206...-men-1901-1949

[Mark020]

I like the stars

[GimmeTheLoupe]

I think it’s cool and the dial is pretty rare. Get it working and wear it on a nice leather strap.

[dimbulb71]

I have posted before about my vintage Rolex, but I have a little more information now and am hoping someone here can help. My watch is from the late 1940s, and until recently, I was unable to find any examples with the same dial. While reading an article by Le Monde Edmond (In depth review Rolex: A closer look at star dials), I came across an example owned by John Goldberger that has a very similar dial.

The article mentions the following about his watch:

"The first star dials appeared in the early 1950s. However, the earliest star dial I have seen is from the personal archive of John Goldberger, ref 2705. It is a 1947 Rolex Ref 2705 with case number 144 xxx. In my view, it is probably a prototype of future star dials. Notice also the numerals of 6 and 12 in radium, something that later versions would not carry anymore. Later versions had only stars as numerals on the dial."

I am attaching a photo to show the similarities between the two dials (mine is on the right). Does anyone know an expert that could authenticate and appraise this? Any other info that anyone could provide would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Brian

[dhknola]

Whoa, very cool and dial looks 'unf*cked' with and identical to the J. Goldberger example.

[77T]

What is the serial number's first 3 numbers? It seems that the painted dial on your grandfather's watch might be different in one respect.

The stars on Rolex dials were on many models in different formats over the years. But one aspect was consistent, they were metal and applied to the dial like the closeup below.


I think the watch is a great heirloom but maybe made after the Second World War.


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[dimbulb71]

Hi and thank you for your response. I have been talking with Bob Ridley about repairs and he mentioned the same thing about the star dials. I think it would normally be an open and shut case but there remains the single example of a painted star dial owned by John Goldberger that is near identical. There is a photo of his in post #5 of this thread. I really know nothing on the subject so I am not making any extraordinary claims but I find the similarity fascinating and would love to learn more about it. Bob Ridley places the date at 1949 and the serial number begins with 644.

[dimbulb71]

A little more searching today revealed another article on star dials this one the perpetualpassion website written by Federico Stella. "Focus on Rolex Star dials, discovering the Stelline dials"

The last watch in the article has a similar printed dial.

[TheManny]

Cool stuff! Really does look similiar to the Johns one.

[77T]

Good searching

Now the real work begins to get it serviced.


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[R.W.T.]

That's really easy. Send it to me.

[R.W.T.]

Well if that were mine...I'd be looking for a good case!

[DarknerImperator]

Originally Posted by R.W.T.

Well if that were mine...I'd be looking for a good case!