Know anything about this Rolex?

[southtexas]

Hello all, you might've seen my thread in general discussion about my grandfather recently giving me his mid '70's 1503.

He has another Rolex which he thinks he bought in the early '50's. He still has the outer and inner boxes. The band is odd to me, as it feels extremely light, and is "stretchable" (for lack of a technical term), meaning it is spring loaded (best descriptor I can come up with). On the clasp are several markings, including Rolex ("made in USA" if I recall correctly), and a C and J separated by a fleur de lis symbol inside an oval. It also says 16.1 (or some variation of that).

Please see pics.

[southtexas]

. You can see the box is much thinner than later presentation boxes, and the watch would lay flat inside.

[southtexas]

...

[southtexas]

Sorry, don't know why the pics attach in wrong orientation, nor why I can only attach one pic per post (coming from my iPhone).

As you can see, the watch is not in very good condition, and showing its age. I'd appreciate any info you can tell me about it.

[SkyKing31]

Looks like a rivet bracelet. Rivet bracelets are somewhat strechable according to what I have read about them. I have never seen a box like that before but that dosn't mean the box isn't genuine. I believe the bracelet is genuine and very old. I know a lot about Rolex, but there are others here who know more about that model than I do.

[SkyKing31]

Can you post pics of the entire bracelet please?

[SkyKing31]

Also, I wouldn't change the dial or the hands. The patina makes it worth more to a collector. I absolutley love old vintage Rolex watches. Especially ones that have stayed in the family since new. They all have a very interesting story that comes with the watch. Ok, I'll shut up now and wait to see what the experts have to say.

[southtexas]

Originally Posted by SkyKing31

Can you post pics of the entire bracelet please?

Thanks for the insight. "Rivet bracelet" would be an appropriate name for that band; each link is, in fact, riveted (you can see them near the end links). They don't fit flush against the links, each protrudes a fraction of an inch.

He actually has a second identical band in his jewelry box. I'll try to get more pics next visit. I look forward to learning more about it.

Will the case have markings (serial, model, etc) like later models? If so, I'll have them removed to get that info (if necessary to aid in this discussion).

[SkyKing31]

I have a app on my iPhone that can tell me that of a rolex just by entering it's serial number. Does the watch run and keep accurate time?

[southtexas]

Originally Posted by SkyKing31

I have a app on my iPhone that can tell me that of a rolex just by entering it's serial number. Does the watch run and keep accurate time?

My dad and granddad don't think it's been worn in 30 or more years. His 1503 became his 'daily' the day he bought it (1974-5), and this one was apparently tossed into the jewelry box and forgotten. It wasn't running yesterday but I didn't tinker with it too much. I tried to turn the crown (gently) but it didn't move; didn't want to force anything.

He also has a very old pocket watch in there, and an old Mido. I better get some pics next time!

[SkyKing31]

Originally Posted by southtexas

My dad and granddad don't think it's been worn in 30 or more years. His 1503 became his 'daily' the day he bought it (1974-5), and this one was apparently tossed into the jewelry box and forgotten. It wasn't running yesterday but I didn't tinker with it too much. I tried to turn the crown (gently) but it didn't move; didn't want to force anything.

He also has a very old pocket watch in there, and an old Mido. I better get some pics next time!

Indeed. There is a guy named Bob Ridley who would know how to get that watch running back to it's perfect self. Just don't change the dial or hands. That would take away from the watch. Most people like me love to see that patina as well as those hands. Bob Ridley could tell you more about it than I can. So can a few others here on the forum .... But, you do have something very special. You can do a Google search on Bob and get his info. I have heard many very good things about him.

[southtexas]

Nobody else with feedback? The only info I've found while searching shows the watch to be mid-1940's but no real background on the watch.

[andromeda160]

Originally Posted by southtexas

Nobody else with feedback? The only info I've found while searching shows the watch to be mid-1940's but no real background on the watch.

Serial numbers reset in 1955 so it's probably around then, I can tell you it's not 1945. It's a oyster perpetual. Is the band stainless and gold? Or is that just a reflection. The box is worth a pretty penny. But without the Original certificate it dosnt add the value a complete box set would even though the box is original. Its got good vintage aging and it has the original handset. Probably worth no more than the 1502 but it's a gorgeous watch and I love the no date rolexes, they just look so classy. Yet can be worn with jeans and t shirts

[andromeda160]

Just looked at the pics better an saw it is a two tone, the serial number is between te lugs if you pop off the bracelet. Vintage two tone bracelets are pretty rare especially of that age. I love the watch, I don't think it's worth a ton of money. But it's definatley a collector grade original piece

[southtexas]

Thanks for the info. I plan to give it a closer inspection next time I visit my grandfather. In my opinion, it's a very neat piece. The bracelet is so degraded it feels unstable. Maybe a strap will work. It definitely needs a service first, though. I looked under the felt insert in the box for papers but no such luck.

Do collectors like the case and bracelet polished or as-is? And the dial should stay as-is, correct? It will be passed down to my BIL and I doubt he'll sell it, just curious.

[springer]

Probably wears a C&I stretch bracelet.

[southtexas]

You're correct, it probably said C I, not C J as I had recalled in my previous post. My iPhone wouldn't focus on the inside of the clasp to get the picture.

[watchcrank]

nice box too! those rivet stretch TT did wear out. Springs will wear but worse is the rivet and braces on sides of bracelet. M

[bridgs]

Originally Posted by southtexas

Thanks for the info. I plan to give it a closer inspection next time I visit my grandfather. In my opinion, it's a very neat piece. The bracelet is so degraded it feels unstable. Maybe a strap will work. It definitely needs a service first, though. I looked under the felt insert in the box for papers but no such luck.

Do collectors like the case and bracelet polished or as-is? And the dial should stay as-is, correct? It will be passed down to my BIL and I doubt he'll sell it, just curious.

as is for sure.