Vintage OP purchase

[Lesnerelli23]

Hello all! I’m highly considering the purchase of a circa 50’s OP. Just wondering what kind of questions I should ask about it. I own a 2019 Sub and some other current models from various brands but I know very little when it comes to vintage.

I really love the idea of a vintage OP as my “dress watch”. I know Rolex history pretty well but I’m concerned about how well it will keep time, water pressure testing, gaskets, service history, etc. What’s the proper etiquette to find these things out? Lastly, what’s a good bartering range, like up to 20%?

Thanks!

[Nick9]

First thing to know is that it’s likely to be in a 34 mm case, so make sure you like that size.

Second thing is condition, but you likely knew that. There are some interesting 1950s dials; arrow markers and so on. Worth taking time to sort out your preferences. There’s a reasonable chance that the hands have been replaced — that’s okay if they look right to you.

There are plenty of watchmakers who can service these. Parts can be a challenge sometimes.

In good condition and serviced, these are good timekeepers. Don’t expect an atomic clock.

No matter what the gaskets and pressure testing tell you, it’s never a good idea to get vintage watches wet.

None of the questions you’ve suggested would offend a legitimate seller. Ask away.

[Richard Carver]

Properly serviced there is no problem getting a vintage Rolex wet. The steel doesn't age and become unreliable. The crankshaft on a 69 MGB GT has stress, Rolex do not. LOL. The only real consideration is using a 150k COMEX in the ocean might not be smart in case a bracelet fails.You can always look cool in your backyard pool with any of them. :)

[CaveDweller]

By the mid 50’s, sizes were increasing to 36mm, which a lot of people have no problem with. Service “history” on a watch of this age is about as likely as box and papers, so try not to hold your breath.

Time keeping will give you some idea of the last time it was serviced, as opposed to someone taking the back off, peering into it, and pronouncing it good. It’s like child birth, it comes out, gets slapped on the arse, and if it runs it’s fine – the MRI scan is on your dime, not the sellers.

“Most” sellers will do a simple pressure test upon re-casing, just as most sellers will tell you that water immersion on a vintage watch is “not recommended”. As Richard suggests, most of the time it will be fine, just be aware that this is not indicative of any sort of guarantee. The deeper you go, the greater the risk.

“Bartering range” is a curiously (though not exclusively) American past time. At the end of the day, it’s between you and the seller, there are no “norms” to this aspect. Feel your way through the deal, and if it gets uncomfortable, be prepared to back out – otherwise your “low ball offer” is just going to be seen as “fake”.

The thing with vintage (in my opinion), is buy only what you’d still like if you end up stuck with it. And if you treat it as a dress watch, it has to come up to scratch (with regard to the condition), so expect to pay a bit more for a fine example.

In the world of vintage, condition is everything – this is why pricing varies immensely ……

[Lesnerelli23]

Thanks for all the feedback!

I'm not looking for COSC on a 50's piece but under +-30 would be nice if I'm paying a couple thousand. Also, yes the one I'm considering is 34mm and I'm ok with that for a dress watch.

Regarding submerging the piece, it would be for cleaning only. I am disabled and can't swim so no worries there BUT i clean my watches about once a month in a dish of soapy water with a baby toothbrush. I'm just hoping I could do that at least...

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Richard Carver

Properly serviced there is no problem getting a vintage Rolex wet.

For me it's just good practice not to get vintage wet. Nobody who's ever ruined a vintage Rolex with water thought their seals were going to fail.

That said, I do enjoy the spirit of derring-do. Just not brave enough to do it myself.

I wear something else in the pool. A modern Sub, a Tudor BB, or even [ducks for cover] a G-Shock.

[Toronto Soup King]

Rolex made SO MANY of those watches I don't think we'll ever run out of spare mechanical parts, and nowadays with laser welding etc the cases and bracelets can always be repaired. So it's down to the dial and hands. Make sure those are in good shape. Good luck.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by Lesnerelli23

I clean my watches about once a month in a dish of soapy water with a baby toothbrush. I'm just hoping I could do that at least...

I don't see why submersion in soapy water is really necessary, but if it is something you like to do, you should have the watch pressure-tested first by your own watchmaker. Of course, if it does not pass the pressure test, then you will have a decision to make.

[L.K Johnson]

Vintage OP is a great watch! Here is my sleek 36mm 6424 with a really creamy dial…

[Slimpee]

Originally Posted by L.K Johnson

Vintage OP is a great watch! Here is my sleek 36mm 6424 with a really creamy dial…

That’s sharp!

Is the bracelet original?

[L.K Johnson]

Originally Posted by Slimpee

That’s sharp!

Is the bracelet original?

It’s a 7836 bracelet that I had my AD watch smith mount…

[Lesnerelli23]

Originally Posted by L.K Johnson

Vintage OP is a great watch! Here is my sleek 36mm 6424 with a really creamy dial…

Beautiful!!!

[Stan Cooper]

Oyster cases without corrosion around the seals shouldn't present a water intrusion problem if the seals are recent and the watch is pressure tested, especially if it's only subjected to water during routine cleaning.

[L.K Johnson]

Originally Posted by Lesnerelli23

Beautiful!!!

Thanks!! I really recommend this ref number

[Lesnerelli23]

Still need some help everyone :)

So, I think I’m going through with a purchase of a 1958 OP. I feel good about the seller and the condition of the watch. It was serviced in January by a seemingly reputable place in NYC.

I have a few questions about going forward.

Is this model undesirable for any particular reason? This piece has been for sale for a few months and I see the same going on at places like chrono24. I’m not looking for an “investment” but just curious why this model trends so low.

Second, if I ever wanted the watch “restored” like gaskets and the crystal replaced. Where would you all recommend? Is that something I could trust a local watchmaker to do?

Lastly, if the watch was serviced in January, should I assume they changed the gaskets?

Thanks all! I’ll post pics when I receive the watch! I’m really excited, I’ve always loved the idea of own such a piece of history :)

[Dan S]

Hopefully it wasn't serviced by Grand Central Watch.

As for your other questions

- the 34mm references are generally less desirable

- you may have a good vintage Rolex watchmaker recently, I don't know. But there are some specialists widely recommended on the forum. Just search.

- they should have changed the gaskets, but who knows. Sellers sometimes exaggerate, so don't assume. Have the watch checked.

[214270Explorer]

1) Not undesirable at all. Vintage watches are sometimes shied away from for various and sundry reasons. Vintage collecting can be fun and interesting. Prices vary, that is just the way it is. A "rare" piece may command more.
2) For service, you can send it to Rolliworks, or to one of the two Ridley's. They are true CW21 watchmakers who specialize in overhauling older Rolex. They will not change out your old <desirable> dial and hands to new parts as some services will do without asking first. Bob Ridley in Dallas, Texas, or his son Phillip Ridley in Mesa, Arizona. Phillip overhauled my year 2000 16613 a while back. Best to avoid an RSC (Rolex Service Center) with an older watch.
3) Gaskets are almost always changed at service. Items usually changed/replaced are the main spring, and crystal (if needed), plus the rear cover gasket and winding crown gasket.

Also check out this post: https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=818743

[Lesnerelli23]

Originally Posted by 214270Explorer

1) Not undesirable at all. Vintage watches are sometimes shied away from for various and sundry reasons. Vintage collecting can be fun and interesting. Prices vary, that is just the way it is. A "rare" piece may command more.
2) For service, you can send it to Rolliworks, or to one of the two Ridley's. They are true CW21 watchmakers who specialize in overhauling older Rolex. They will not change out your old <desirable> dial and hands to new parts as some services will do without asking first. Bob Ridley in Dallas, Texas, or his son Phillip Ridley in Mesa, Arizona. Phillip overhauled my year 2000 16613 a while back. Best to avoid an RSC (Rolex Service Center) with an older watch.
3) Gaskets are almost always changed at service. Items usually changed/replaced are the main spring, and crystal (if needed), plus the rear cover gasket and winding crown gasket.

Also check out this post: https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=818743

Thanks for sharing the info!

And, that post you shared was what inspired my questions actually lol. Looks so great!

[Lesnerelli23]

I took the plunge!!! So nervous about purchasing through here but the seller seemed pretty great! Lots of past sales… Can’t wait to share pics!

[L.K Johnson]

Originally Posted by Lesnerelli23

I took the plunge!!! So nervous about purchasing through here but the seller seemed pretty great! Lots of past sales… Can’t wait to share pics!

Wow!! Congrats!! Eager to see what you ended up getting!

[Lesnerelli23]

For anyone interested, or that knows the NYC watch scene, it was serviced here https://jptimepieces.com/ thanks!

[Lesnerelli23]

Last question for now. I know that modern Rolex cannot be overwound, does this apply to vintage models as well or was that an upgrade at some point? My newly acquired piece is from ‘58 and has the 1030 movement I believe.

Thanks everyone!

[Nick9]

Originally Posted by Lesnerelli23

Last question for now. I know that modern Rolex cannot be overwound, does this apply to vintage models as well or was that an upgrade at some point? My newly acquired piece is from ‘58 and has the 1030 movement I believe.

Thanks everyone!

It’s an automatic. Wind away. You can’t hurt it. But 30 to 40 turns should give you a full wind.

[Lesnerelli23]

Thanks Nick!

Package arrives tomorrow morning!!!!

[L.K Johnson]

Originally Posted by Lesnerelli23

Thanks Nick!

Package arrives tomorrow morning!!!!

We’ll be waiting with pop-corn!

[Lesnerelli23]

FedEx Overnight said 12pm today guess not.....

[L.K Johnson]

Originally Posted by Lesnerelli23

FedEx Overnight said 12pm today guess not.....

Hate when that happens!!

[Lesnerelli23]

Received the watch today! Very happy with the appearance but I’m going to wait to post pictures until I get a new strap for it. I want it looking it’s best first :)

I am a bit disappointed that it is running approximately -4seconds per HOUR!!! It was serviced in January and the receipt from that was provided. I know the watch has been listed (and probably not running) since April. Is there any chance it’s just that causing it to run so slow? I could leave it on my winder for a week or so and see what happens….

If there is an issue, I will probably send it to rolliworks. But my budget is tight after purchase so it would be a few months :(

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by Lesnerelli23

Received the watch today! Very happy with the appearance but I’m going to wait to post pictures until I get a new strap for it. I want it looking it’s best first :)

I am a bit disappointed that it is running approximately -4seconds per HOUR!!! It was serviced in January and the receipt from that was provided. I know the watch has been listed (and probably not running) since April. Is there any chance it’s just that causing it to run so slow? I could leave it on my winder for a week or so and see what happens….

If there is an issue, I will probably send it to rolliworks. But my budget is tight after purchase so it would be a few months :(

If it were running really fast, one might guess that it was magnetized, but 4s slow per hour is definitely problematic, and not consistent with a recent service. As you can probably guess from my previous response, I'm generally skeptical about taking the seller's word on these things, and most receipts aren't really much more credible than the seller's assurance.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Lesnerelli23

I am a bit disappointed that it is running approximately -4seconds per HOUR!!!

I wouldn't worry too much. Just enjoy it at this point. Nobody wears a vintage watch to tell the time.