Newbie Rolex-or-not question

[Kitty Rivershack]

I inherited a watch that might or might not be a ladies' model stainless steel Oyster Perpetual Date. When I got it, I assumed it was probably a fake and I stuck it in a box. It turns out some of the jewelry other family members inherited from the same aunt is not costume jewelry after all, but actually rather valuable, so now I'm wondering.

The clasp has a marking like this:
1
68

Would that indicate an obvious fake?

I have spent some hours looking around here and elsewhere on the Internet for images and descriptions of real vs. fake Rolexes, and I am so far unable to find anything obviously fake in this particular watch, according to what I have found online.






Not sure if I'm getting these in here correctly. Here is where I posted the pictures of this watch on Flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7260499...7628522373541/

The watchband is broken and will need repair. I am wondering whether it is worth paying any money to repair it to resume its Rolex glory, or if I should just slap a standard leather wristband on it and call it a watch.

[Kitty Rivershack]

Can somebody tell me why this has been moved to the classifieds (this was not an ad, it was a question) and specifically into "Watch out"? If I violated the norms here, I am sorry. I really wanted an answer, but if the answer is, "Send it to an appraisal service and stop bugging us" you could have just said so.

[MonBK]

It's virtually impossible to say anything about your watch with the small pictures attached.

Welcome to the forum.

[Alcan]

Your post was moved to the appropriate forum. Below is the first sentence in the posting rules of that sub-forum.

Welcome to the new watch trading & real/fake identification discussion: internet auctions, sales, authenticity issues and spotting, etc.

[Kitty Rivershack]

Well, thanks. At least someone replied and I don't feel like on my first forum post I've been exiled to oblivion. Although getting my post thrown in "Classifieds -- Watch Out" isn't far behind.

Is it considered bad form to post full-resolution images into the forum? Some places they would rather you post a link, which is why I did that in my post instead of putting all the photos in the post.

Thank you.

[Alcan]

Originally Posted by Kitty Rivershack

Is it considered bad form to post full-resolution images into the forum? Some places they would rather you post a link, which is why I did that in my post instead of putting all the photos in the post.

Not at all, in fact we need sharp images to determine authenticity.

Now, back to the watch. If the case measures 27mm, it may in fact be an authentic early Lady Date, the precursor to the Lady Datejust. What appears to be an early rivet link bracelet would be appropriate to the era. The only way you'll really be able to tell is to have a jeweller remove the case back and check the movement.

[Kitty Rivershack]

Oh, thanks so much! I had read "watch out" as in "these are a bunch of scammers, watch out for them" -- which is why I was so alarmed to see my post moved into that category. Also, this is NOT a classified.

My aunt was a pretty wacky gal -- finally married an upstanding citizen in Montana, but still had a couple of brothers who were sailors, so I wouldn't be at all surprised if one of them brought her a lovely "Rolex" from Malaysia or somewhere back in the 60s.

[MoBe]

Originally Posted by Kitty Rivershack

Oh, thanks so much! I had read "watch out" as in "these are a bunch of scammers, watch out for them" -- which is why I was so alarmed to see my post moved into that category. Also, this is NOT a classified.

My aunt was a pretty wacky gal -- finally married an upstanding citizen in Montana, but still had a couple of brothers who were sailors, so I wouldn't be at all surprised if one of them brought her a lovely "Rolex" from Malaysia or somewhere back in the 60s.

Perhaps you could try again in the Vintage section by simply asking for an opinion regarding age and value,don`t use the word fake.

As far as I can tell from your pictures you have a real Rolex from the late 60`s.The bracelet looks right because of the rivet construction and your pictures of the dial show all the right characteristics of the Rolex crown,hour markers and hands.

Do not quote me because my knowledge of Rolex ladies models is limited,I am only expressing an opinion.For a professional appraisal you will have to see a Rolex authorized dealer or other equally qualified jeweler.

[cedargrove]

I am by no means an expert, but nothing stands out to me that would suggest it's fake.

[crowncollection]

looks like an old lady date to me, i think the watch is authentic, but i really need that back off to give you a 100% accurate answer regards

[Kitty Rivershack]

Originally Posted by MonBK

It's virtually impossible to say anything about your watch with the small pictures attached.

Welcome to the forum.

Aw, thanks. I was so astonished at getting my post stuck in "Watch Out" that I forgot to thank you for your kind welcome.

[Kitty Rivershack]

Well, since opinion seems to be "uncertain" rather than "definitely bogus" I will go ahead and have it looked at by a competent professional.

Thank you, everyone!

I really appreciate the fact that this forum also has a list of repair specialists. You are all just TOO amazing.

[drockadam]

Looks real to me! It's very nice!

[Kitty Rivershack]

Thanks for all your comments and thanks to TRF members for the great information all over this forum! With your help I was able to find a good watchmaker to do repairs and service. Pics posted in this other thread.

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=216571

[kilyung]

Very lovely! I may have to look for one of those.