Help identify an old chronometer?

[MaxPeck]

Would any of you like to help solve a bit of a mystery? My dad purchased this old chronometer from an auction where it was claimed to be of 1930's vintage, but that's about the only story we have. The glass appears to be acrylic and the strap is very likely non-original. It was taken to a local shop for inspection where it was verified to have a Rolex movement and 18k case but they've never seen anything like it and couldn't provide any additional info. I've searched high and low trying to find something similar but no luck so far. Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

I hope this post is in the correct section, but I apologize if not!

[august1410]

There is enough there to tell me this is not a 1930s watch.

[andromeda160]

Is this a 39mm case? Likely late 40s early 50s is my guess. Any pics of the caseback?

[bridgs]

The red "6" at the bottom seems off center.

[MaxPeck]

Originally Posted by andromeda160

Is this a 39mm case? Likely late 40s early 50s is my guess. Any pics of the caseback?

The case is 33mm and the back of the case is blank. Thanks guys!

[Mark020]

Worst fake of the year so far

[MonBK]

Is this a joke?

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by bridgs

The red "6" at the bottom seems off center.

It should be. Those are red telemeter numbers, not hour markers.

[Andad]

Is it a rebadged Dan Henry 1939 Adam?

[andromeda160]

Originally Posted by MaxPeck

The case is 33mm and the back of the case is blank. Thanks guys!

What about inside the case? Can you take a picture of the movement and hallmarks inside the caseback

[Thuilln]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

It should be. Those are red telemeter numbers, not hour markers.

I doubt it; it's on a 12 scale, and they're all off.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Thuilln

I doubt it; it's on a 12 scale, and they're all off.

They measure miles, not KM on this particular watch. Speed of sound is 12.7 miles a minute.

[MaxPeck]

Originally Posted by andromeda160

What about inside the case? Can you take a picture of the movement and hallmarks inside the caseback

Unfortunately, we didn't get any photos when it was open. The shop that inspected it says the caliber is 710 with movement serial number of E22348.

[MaxPeck]

Originally Posted by Mark020

Worst fake of the year so far

What are the red flags in your mind? Even if it's a fake all is not lost as long as we learn something.

[Thuilln]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

They measure miles, not KM on this particular watch. Speed of sound is 12.7 miles a minute.

Hence the offset ; makes sense. Thanks.

[R.W.T.]

I REALLY wish people would stop figuratively hitting the "fake" button on their phone...like they're on a game show trying to win the contest.

The dial is a refinished dial most probably.

You're right it's not a 1680 but every watch that you haven't seen before is NOT necessarily a fake just because of suspect dial. Rolex really did make watches before submariners. I heard the company started in 1905.

Sorry for the rant but jeezus people.

The watch is more than likely completely legitimate and before they were "collectible" watches, ESPECIALLY non water resistant ones, often got refinished dials. Sometimes the owner and the watchmaker and the refinisher got creative. There were no Rolex Police then.

Even if this dial was done recently the watch is NOT fake...it merely has a refinished dial.

This is a legitimate style Rolex 30's 40's case and the movement as reported is a calibre 710 E series serial numbered movement chronometer grade indicative of late 1930's early 1940's production.

[MILGAUSS88]

Originally Posted by r.w.t.

i really wish people would stop figuratively hitting the "fake" button on their phone...like they're on a game show trying to win the contest.

The dial is a refinished dial most probably.

Even if this dial was done recently the watch is not fake...it merely has a refinished dial.

x2

[kippyhunt]

There should be a new Rule: Three unjustified and unsubstantiated Fake calls and you are banned.

[E46seca]

Originally Posted by R.W.T.

I REALLY wish people would stop figuratively hitting the "fake" button on their phone...like they're on a game show trying to win the contest.

The dial is a refinished dial most probably.

You're right it's not a 1680 but every watch that you haven't seen before is NOT necessarily a fake just because of suspect dial. Rolex really did make watches before submariners. I heard the company started in 1905.

Sorry for the rant but jeezus people.

The watch is more than likely completely legitimate and before they were "collectible" watches, ESPECIALLY non water resistant ones, often got refinished dials. Sometimes the owner and the watchmaker and the refinisher got creative. There were no Rolex Police then.

Even if this dial was done recently the watch is NOT fake...it merely has a refinished dial.

This is a legitimate style Rolex 30's 40's case and the movement as reported is a calibre 710 E series serial numbered movement chronometer grade indicative of late 1930's early 1940's production.

Best comment so far this year ! The Rolex police on the forum

[andromeda160]

Originally Posted by kippyhunt

There should be a new Rule: Three unjustified and unsubstantiated Fake calls and you are banned.

To err is human. Some of these members have evaluated thousands of watches at this point. I'm sure I'd be banned by now, probably screwed up more than 3 times. Only one I remember calling fake that wasn't was some solid gold daytona from the 70s that was worth around $350k at the time... (Granted it was hard finding the same watch online since it was so scarce).

Was more embarassing than anything, but I think if people were banned for being wrong it would discourage alot ofnfolks from contributing out of fear of being wrong. I came here not knowing if my first Rolex was completely legitimate, at least 1 member said my dial was refinished(which was untrue) enough other members weighed in though that I could sort through the BS. And i've learned quite a bitnsince then which was all in part through participation in this forum. We're a pretty reelaxed bunch here, just be ready to defend your assessment if you do call out a fake.

[Dr.Smellody]

Originally Posted by R.W.T.

I REALLY wish people would stop figuratively hitting the "fake" button on their phone...like they're on a game show trying to win the contest.

The dial is a refinished dial most probably.

You're right it's not a 1680 but every watch that you haven't seen before is NOT necessarily a fake just because of suspect dial. Rolex really did make watches before submariners. I heard the company started in 1905.

Sorry for the rant but jeezus people.

The watch is more than likely completely legitimate and before they were "collectible" watches, ESPECIALLY non water resistant ones, often got refinished dials. Sometimes the owner and the watchmaker and the refinisher got creative. There were no Rolex Police then.

Even if this dial was done recently the watch is NOT fake...it merely has a refinished dial.

This is a legitimate style Rolex 30's 40's case and the movement as reported is a calibre 710 E series serial numbered movement chronometer grade indicative of late 1930's early 1940's production.

Great post. Thank you!

[kippyhunt]

What I meant (sorry I thought it was clear) is that is seems pretty pointless to me for somebody to say "Fake" and that's it without any justification for their opinion. Basically exactly what R.W.T is trying to get across ... of course people can err but surely to call out "Fake" and simply stop there is counter productive? Thanks.

[MorningTundra]

Originally Posted by august1410

There is enough there to tell me this is not a 1930s watch.

Care to elaborate?


Sent from my cracked, broken hand wound phone. IG @morning_tundra

[R.O.L.E.X]

Reference will be 4XXX. From the 1940's. Dial not original. Would obviously want to see the inside of the case to confirm it is genuine but it is plausible it's a 4000 series watch from the 40's. Model reference number will be inside the caseback. Worth finding a replacement dial that is original (new old stock or used) as this may be the only problem with the watch, based on the limited info you have provided. Cal 710 sounds good.