How to tell original white gold rolex 1601 bezel?

[hunz]

Is there any identifying marks?

Also is the white gold plated eg. with Rhodium?

Any tips/advice appreciated!

Thanks in advance

[glocati]

Hunz, I was just bought a WG bezel (for my 1603 just to change it up a bit )and my watchmaker pointed out a Rolex crown hallmark on the bottom. I could barely make it out with my cheap x2 loupe at home, but with his more powerful loupe, he saw it no problem. They should be solid gold.

Greg

[Kokyuryoku]

Originally Posted by glocati

Hunz, I was just bought a WG bezel (for my 1603 just to change it up a bit )and my watchmaker pointed out a Rolex crown hallmark on the bottom. I could barely make it out with my cheap x2 loupe at home, but with his more powerful loupe, he saw it no problem. They should be solid gold.

Greg

Yep, they're solid gold. I think the 1601 bezel is 14K.

[hunz]

thanks guys. aren't the 1601 WG bezels plated? -- they look like they are. As WG in its raw form is duller and not so 'chrome' like. Unless of course its polished perhaps?

anyone got a close up macro shot of the Rolex crown hallmark? -- would love to see it

also i assume the bezel is screw in from the top. do you need a special tool to unscrew and screw on?

[rmfnla]

Bezels press on; no threads involved.

[glocati]

Originally Posted by hunz

thanks guys. aren't the 1601 WG bezels plated? -- they look like they are. As WG in its raw form is duller and not so 'chrome' like. Unless of course its polished perhaps?

anyone got a close up macro shot of the Rolex crown hallmark? -- would love to see it

also i assume the bezel is screw in from the top. do you need a special tool to unscrew and screw on?

Hunz, They definitely polish up to a bright shine but over time do "dull' a bit. They should be solid gold and not plated. I know what you mean in that when the polish wears down they do look as if a plating is wearing off, but i think that is the nature of WG.

I am told by the same watchmaker noted above that the bezels push on and off and are held via pressure.

My 1603 is in for service and I brought the WG bezel in with it. I have not made up my mind whether i want him to install it or not versus leaving the 1603 bezel.

If i don't, i will see if i can get a pic of the hallmark in the future.

Greg

[hunz]

ok thanks again guys.

how does one test a bezel is 14K WG?

and how to take off - if pushed on?

[Andad]

I think the OP was asking if the WG was rhodium plated and the older 14k bezels probably were.
A standard acid wipe and test strip would give you the answer. Google 'gold test kit'.

The bezel is a tight press fit and would require the correct tool to remove and replace safely and without damage.

[hunz]

Originally Posted by directioneng

I think the OP was asking if the WG was rhodium plated and the older 14k bezels probably were.
A standard acid wipe and test strip would give you the answer. Google 'gold test kit'.

ok, so you apply he acid from the back of the bezel?

do you know of any rolex/watch repairers in oz (preferably melbourne)?

[Andad]

Take it to Rolex Melbourne.

[hunz]

they are a major rip off. i'd much rather deal with an experienced watch repairer