Family hand-me-down.. What to do?

[lexan]

Hi all,

I'm new to the forums.. I hope you guys can help me out.

My mother received this hand-me-down Rolex. Her grandfather started one of the most successful tea manufacturing and tea businesses in China (innovated the trade/transportation of tea), and he passed this watch down to her. I don't doubt its origin or authenticity, but certificates of authenticity were not passed down.

The watch still works. My mother says the gold band is not from the original timepiece but added on.




If I were to appraise this piece, what could I do? I live in California but can travel if needed.

Thanks everyone!

[Vincent65]

Nice family heirloom to keep. I would just have it cleaned up and service it, and change the strap. I doubt it's worth much, monetarily. The dial has seen much better days, as well.

[andromeda160]

The SS caseback has me intrigued, It doesn't look original to the watch, if the band is gold its worth scrap, the watch looks like gold, but i'm not sure because of the caseback, the dial isf in poor comdition and could probably use a service. Not very much value for the head either if the CB isnt original.

[Beaumont Miller II]

Just have a watch maker clean it up. Do not have the watch restored.

[lexan]

Thanks for the advice, guys!

[Dr DRW]

might look cool on a strap