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Lloyd · 8 March 2007, 06:10 AM

Hi all, My brother-in-law bought this watch in the eighties, it been in his beside draw for the past 20 years, not been used, wound up very smoothley and ran for the week-end, Serial no 1973xxx , some info please re vintage and value, thanks Jonathan

OysterDavid · 8 March 2007, 07:02 AM

Well, the serial number makes the case a mid 60's watch. The value? Well, you haven't discovered some collectable piece that the whole family can retire on.

From your picture, the major deficiency is the lack of a Rolex bracelet (any by the way, the lug spring bar pins are WAY too big for the watch...they shouldn't be sticking out at the holes).

And, by your admission, the watch hasn't been serviced for quite awhile.

So, if you were trying to sell such a watch here in the USA, you'd probably be able to get right around $1000 in its current condition.

Starting up and winding smoothly after a 20 year sleep isn't that unusual for a Rolex. But, you can probably count on the movement oils being dry and the gaskets are most likely close to disintegrating. So, if it were my discovery, AND I expected to start wearing it, I'd get it to a watchmaker for a routine service and gasket replacement before extended wearing, because winding and wearing a watch with gunky oil and bad gaskets is an invitation for a mechanical screw up that will prove far more costly.

And while you're at it...if you don't want to upgrade to a Rolex bracelet, then at least upgrade the strap and get the proper lug springbars.

Just my 2 cents...or rand as they say...

Lol-x · 8 March 2007, 09:08 AM

I would concur with everything said by OysterDavid. The watch is a Rolex ref: 1601 going by the looks of it. That number should be printed on the side of the case between the lugs. It looks like the spring bars may be incorrect for the watch as they are pointing through the side of the case a lot more than I would have expected.
It would be a very good idea to get the watch serviced before you go using it for an extended period.
Overall the 1601 is a very reliable watch with a solid 157X series movement.

leopardprey · 8 March 2007, 09:11 AM

Nice looking watch! I would get it services, cleaned up and put an oyster bracelet on it and it would be a great daily wear watch.

padi56 · 8 March 2007, 07:20 PM

Yes must agree with all above great watch with a fine robust movement.

Alex Stylianou · 9 March 2007, 01:42 AM

Lovely Watch . I do not believe I welcomed you so Welcome To TRF.

Scooby · 9 March 2007, 02:53 AM

Nice looking watch. Nothing to add to the discussion other than I like the red hands. Kinda different.

8 March 2007, 07:20 PM	#5
padi56 "TRF" Life Patron Join Date: Jun 2005 Real Name: Peter Location: Llanfairpwllgwyng Watch: ing you. Posts: 52,636	Yes must agree with all above great watch with a fine robust movement. __________________ ICom Pro3 All posts are my own opinion and my opinion only. "The clock of life is wound but once, and no man has the power to tell just when the hands will stop. Now is the only time you actually own the time, Place no faith in time, for the clock may soon be still for ever." Good Judgement comes from experience,experience comes from Bad Judgement,.Buy quality, cry once; buy cheap, cry again and again. www.mc0yad.club Second in command CEO and left handed watch winder

8 March 2007, 07:02 AM	#2
OysterDavid Banned Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: S F Bay Area Posts: 621	Well, the serial number makes the case a mid 60's watch. The value? Well, you haven't discovered some collectable piece that the whole family can retire on. From your picture, the major deficiency is the lack of a Rolex bracelet (any by the way, the lug spring bar pins are WAY too big for the watch...they shouldn't be sticking out at the holes). And, by your admission, the watch hasn't been serviced for quite awhile. So, if you were trying to sell such a watch here in the USA, you'd probably be able to get right around $1000 in its current condition. Starting up and winding smoothly after a 20 year sleep isn't that unusual for a Rolex. But, you can probably count on the movement oils being dry and the gaskets are most likely close to disintegrating. So, if it were my discovery, AND I expected to start wearing it, I'd get it to a watchmaker for a routine service and gasket replacement before extended wearing, because winding and wearing a watch with gunky oil and bad gaskets is an invitation for a mechanical screw up that will prove far more costly. And while you're at it...if you don't want to upgrade to a Rolex bracelet, then at least upgrade the strap and get the proper lug springbars. Just my 2 cents...or rand as they say...

8 March 2007, 09:08 AM	#3
Lol-x Facilitator Join Date: Nov 2005 Real Name: Steve Location: Omnipresent Posts: 33,333	I would concur with everything said by OysterDavid. The watch is a Rolex ref: 1601 going by the looks of it. That number should be printed on the side of the case between the lugs. It looks like the spring bars may be incorrect for the watch as they are pointing through the side of the case a lot more than I would have expected. It would be a very good idea to get the watch serviced before you go using it for an extended period. Overall the 1601 is a very reliable watch with a solid 157X series movement.

8 March 2007, 09:11 AM	#4
leopardprey Banned Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Chad Location: Around the world Watch: Panerai 233 Posts: 4,204	Nice looking watch! I would get it services, cleaned up and put an oyster bracelet on it and it would be a great daily wear watch.

9 March 2007, 01:42 AM	#6
Alex Stylianou "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: UK Posts: 1,785	Lovely Watch . I do not believe I welcomed you so Welcome To TRF.

9 March 2007, 02:53 AM	#7
Scooby Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Real Name: Darren Location: Virginia, USA Watch: GMT Posts: 923	Nice looking watch. Nothing to add to the discussion other than I like the red hands. Kinda different.

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