Help with Vintage OP Date

[JoJo78]

Hi all,


Was hoping for a little help with this tiny, vintage OP Date I purchased at a local estate sale over the weekend.

First: I haven't had time to visit the watchmaker as of yet to have him open the watch for a peek at the movement. The watch appears to be running/working just "fine" (I'm sure it can use an overhaul) and I'm about 98% sure this piece is authentic(?), hence one of my questions. It has a Ref# 6516 with a serial of: 182XXX. I think it dates to 1968(?) if I'm not mistaken?

Second: is the bracelet original to the watch? It appears to have a date code of 1979(?), but I'm probably wrong? Also, the end-link appears to be missing a tiny interior tube (my apologies I don't know what it's called). Not sure if it originally had one or it fell out while cleaning (this thing it super dirty).

Thank you all in advance for your help!

(my apologies for the poor images)

[swish77]

Hmmmm .... There are a couple of things that don't look right. Can you post bigger photos that show more detail? At a minimum, the dial looks redone, but better photos would help.

[JoJo78]

I hope these help? They aren't the best...

[offrdmania]

I can only find that dial on a 6517 model

[CTech]

Th dial has features that indicate it is fake, the hands look odd, the case engravings are suspect and the bracelet clasp markings look like those on an aftermarket bracelet.

Without better photographs it is difficult to assess the watch accurately, but initial impressions are that at best it is a put together watch with some genuine and some aftermarket parts, at worst the whole thing is a replica watch.

It will be interesting to see the movement and the inside of the case back.

[snakeeyes]

The rolex logo in the clasp certainly looks crooked

[JoJo78]

Ok, just got back from the watchmaker who confirmed (I'm 100% sure he's well versed, as much as most of you all are in these type watches than I am) the watch IS authentic (forgot to grab the bracelet and bring it with me ) it just needs a service.

Below are some images of the piece opened...

[Dan S]

As noted by others, the dial is not original, most likely repainted. The thick printing, wonky applied markers/coronet, and misaligned minute markers are all obvious tip-offs. The clasp on the bracelet also appears to be a low-quality aftermarket piece. Otherwise, it could be original for all I know, since I'm definitely not expert on ladies' watches.

[JoJo78]

Originally Posted by Dan S

As noted by others, the dial is not original, most likely repainted. The thick printing, wonky applied markers/coronet, and misaligned minute markers are all obvious tip-offs. The clasp on the bracelet also appears to be a low-quality aftermarket piece. Otherwise, it could be original for all I know, since I'm definitely not expert on ladies' watches.

My apologies......my last post wasn't implying that any or all replies/thoughts/comments above were/are inaccurate. I was just simply stating what the watchmaker's comments were/are regarding my visit this morning with him, that's all!

[Kingface66]

I’ve learned through the years, (and a bazillion hours on this forum!), that a watchmaker who’s well-versed in all models, iterations, service parts, nuances, and restoration tells of vintage Rolexes with 100% certainty simply doesn’t exist. They can be upright, honest people, but to know everything? No way.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

I’ve learned through the years, (and a bazillion hours on this forum!), that a watchmaker who’s well-versed in all models, iterations, service parts, nuances, and restoration tells of vintage Rolexes with 100% certainty simply doesn’t exist. They can be upright, honest people, but to know everything? No way.

Also, many watchmakers don't see it as their business to volunteer extra information, it probably just invites trouble and makes people unhappy. My watchmaker can generally tell if a dial has been repainted and he can certainly distinguish period-incorrect Rolex service dials, and he'll give me his opinion if I ask him. But if someone inherits their grandfather's watch and brings it in for a service, I don't think my watchmaker will volunteer that type of information. He will say that the watch is authentic and that he can repair it.