Advice please

[Porkpie1]

First of all let me apologise because I have absolutely no idea about rolex watches or any watch for that matter.

Recently I've been gifted a my grandads rolex watch which I believe he bought in 1955 in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia. After googling I can't find a picture of the same strap thats fitted to this watch so I'm not sure if it's original to the watch. Also is the watch worth anything? Of course I'd never sell it but just not sure whether it's worth insuring or something?

Thank you.

[Toronto Soup King]

I'll save the other members some time and say, "please post better pics, straight-on on the dial, what's the model number, what's the serial (post the serial as something like, "#1234xxxx" so some internet scammer can't copy a genuine Rolex serial and use it on a fake watch he sells to some poor unsuspecting bugger on eBay), don't worry about the bracelet, it's not worth a lot of money but what a nice gesture from the family treasure it like any of us would". Nice watch!

[Mike Wood]

Looks a very nice watch, and the bracelet could be quite special too.

If you are located in the north-west of England, I'd be very happy to inspect the watch and advise.

Mike Wood

[linesiders]

That looks like a fine example of nice watch, not a super valuable piece but a nice 50s piece. Looks like the original (Patent Oyster) crown, can see the case edges from space (this is good), great box and such. Yes, better photos yada yada.

If you are near Mike Wood, look him up

[Porkpie1]

Cheers fellas. I'm glad it's not valuable as I do plan on wearing it as it has been in the past.

The serial number is 935XXX and on the opposite end of the face it says 'brevet' followed by the numbers 6286. Hope this helps.

The clasp also has a marking saying 'rolexSA' followed by Swiss made 448.

I can't find any markings on the bracelet but I remember years ago my grandmother saying its in a 'beads of rice' design? Although I think her knowledge on rolex watches is probably on par with mine 🤣 it's silver and gold although I'm assuming it's steel?

Thanks guys.

[77T]

Originally Posted by Porkpie1

I can't find any markings on the bracelet but I remember years ago my grandmother saying its in a 'beads of rice' design? Although I think her knowledge on rolex watches is probably on par with mine it's silver and gold although I'm assuming it's steel?

She’s on the right beam - there were a range of bracelets called that - including some of the Gay Freres bracelets made in ‘40’s & ‘50’s - they are sometimes called "grandes mailles" and "petites mailles" because they came in different bead sizes. They were both in TT and SS. Folded links and a big coronet on the clasp.

The serial number you posted agrees with your COSC paperwork that shows 1953 manufacturing date. Wouldn’t be surprised it took until 1955 until he bought it.

An Oyster Perpetual like that has a 645cal. Movement inside and are usually valued at 4000-5000USD. But that bracelet makes a difference. I’ve seen them sell for $2000+ on their own in good condition.

Dart & diamond shaped plots on dial with dagger hands are superb looking.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[swaini3]

Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are 2 different countries. ;) Nice looking watch.

[jatco]

That's a very nice piece in my opinion. Unique and what appears to be in great condition. Nice Beads of Rice bracelet too. On a quick search I couldnt find a reference to 935xxx, tho it could fall in after 1953 or/between 1963-64 on one site, yet another shows it closer to 1986. The 6286 could be the model number with a modified dial..

[Porkpie1]

Originally Posted by swaini3

Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are 2 different countries. ;) Nice looking watch.

Hahaha my geography is clearly on par with my knowledge of this watch.

[swaini3]

Originally Posted by Porkpie1

Hahaha my geography is clearly on par with my knowledge of this watch.

Lol. No worries mate. Lovely set. Hope you take it to a competent watchmaker for a service (if it needs it)..... Enjoy it

[spoilsofwar01]

Hello Porkpie, I'm no expert but its all looking good from the comments already made, it looks like you have the original 1950's paperwork as well which is a bonus...... it would be worth looking at old photos and see if there's any of your grandfather wearing it, an Awesome inheritance, treasure it

[jatco]

I missed the date on the paperwork..so the 1950's is apparent for the serial number..

[motoikkyu]

It's a beautiful watch and a nice set up with that bracelet. It almost looks like the oyster case could be flat or slab-sided, but 6286 makes sense. Thank you for sharing!

[R.W.T.]

Band is worth more than the watch!