What does the plus sign on the rolex crown mean? And which model does it appear on?

[montecristo]

This one.

[Fiwi]

I'm guessing it's symbolizes swiss made, though I'm not sure which model.

[A. Jacobs]

I've never seen the + before. What model is that?

[mike]

The "+" sign is an indicator of the period of manufacture. "+" = swiss and when combined with the word "Brevert" (usually on big crowns) indicates swiss patent.
Rolex winding crowns in the 50s had a "+" and then later went to a "-", I believe sometime in the late 50s or so.
It had nothing to do with the movement. Most of these crowns have been lost to service, and those that remain (and are real) are prized by collectors.

There are those collectors that will not accept a watch from the 50s without the + sign.

[montecristo]

Originally Posted by mike

The "+" sign is an indicator of the period of manufacture. "+" = swiss and when combined with the word "Brevert" (usually on big crowns) indicates swiss patent.
Rolex winding crowns in the 50s had a "+" and then later went to a "-", I believe sometime in the late 50s or so.
It had nothing to do with the movement. Most of these crowns have been lost to service, and those that remain (and are real) are prized by collectors.

There are those collectors that will not accept a watch from the 50s without the + sign.

In order words, if someone were to be able to get one under 1k with all original parts in mint condition, they should jump on it right?

[mike]

Originally Posted by montecristo

In order words, if someone were to be able to get one under 1k with all original parts in mint condition, they should jump on it right?

Ken, I'm not that well versed with gold pieces (as per the photo) of that era, but I got to believe any piece in mint all orginal is a great buy at that price point.

[mike]

Might be good to take it here and ask the big dogs.
http://www.vintagerolexforum.com/

[SeaGoer]

Originally Posted by mike

The "+" sign is an indicator of the period of manufacture. "+" = swiss and when combined with the word "Brevert" (usually on big crowns) indicates swiss patent.
Rolex winding crowns in the 50s had a "+" and then later went to a "-", I believe sometime in the late 50s or so.
It had nothing to do with the movement. Most of these crowns have been lost to service, and those that remain (and are real) are prized by collectors.

There are those collectors that will not accept a watch from the 50s without the + sign.

Nice piece of info Mike.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by mike

The "+" sign is an indicator of the period of manufacture. "+" = swiss and when combined with the word "Brevert" (usually on big crowns) indicates swiss patent.
Rolex winding crowns in the 50s had a "+" and then later went to a "-", I believe sometime in the late 50s or so.
It had nothing to do with the movement. Most of these crowns have been lost to service, and those that remain (and are real) are prized by collectors.

There are those collectors that will not accept a watch from the 50s without the + sign.

Interesting info, Mike. Thanks!!

[padi56]

Originally Posted by mike

The "+" sign is an indicator of the period of manufacture. "+" = swiss and when combined with the word "" (usually on big crowns) indicates swiss patent.
Rolex winding crowns in the 50s had a "+" and then later went to a "-", I believe sometime in the late 50s or so.
It had nothing to do with the movement. Most of these crowns have been lost to service, and those that remain (and are real) are prized by collectors.

There are those collectors that will not accept a watch from the 50s without the + sign.

Great answer Mike and 100% correct now that crown plus like the Breverts are highly prized now in the vintage world but more 40s than 50s.

[Alex Stylianou]

My late 50's Date has the "-" Underneath the rolex crown