Speedking identification help

[SPDking]

Hello All,

This post will be my introduction as well as a request for help. I have an Oyster Speedking that I think is from 1942 or so, but I am a total novice to Rolex knowledge and I haven't been able to find an online database that would allow me to pinpoint this piece. This watch belonged to my maternal grandfather who I never knew. Not many folks are left in my family, and as I have no emotional attachment to this Rolex, I am probably going to sell it. About eight years ago, I sent it to a watch repairman in New England, and he did a general service on it. It runs great and keeps accurate time; I just don't wear it or enjoy it as I am sure a collector would.

Anyway, I would like to open the case back to take photos and see what numbers might be on the inside if that would reveal more info that a potential buyer might want to know, but I don't want to do that if it is too difficult or if I might damage it.

Attached are some pictures so you can see what I am talking about. On the outside back of the case are the markings "Stainless Steel R.W.C." and what I think is a serial number "203093." The adjusting/winding post says "Rolex Oyster" but doesn't have the Rolex crown logo.

Thanks in advance for any info about opening the case back (how to do so and what I might find there in terms of engraved data). Any other general info will be appreciated.

[bb3188]

could you check between the lug to see if the model number is 4220?

[SPDking]

I took the strap off and looked closely on both ends, and I can't see any numbers at all. Someone else asked me in a PM if the face says "Swiss Made" on the front under the "6" but I can't see anything anywhere on the face that says Swiss.

Anyone else care to help me with ideas on the date / age of this piece?
Can I take the back off myself to look for info, or does a watch repairman need to do that?

[f-du-27]

You need the right tool to open the case back . Come to Normandie and i'll do it for you.

[bb3188]

remove the straps on both ends and look at the case between the lugs.........the model reference number should be on engraved on the case on one side and possibly the serial number on the other.............the speedking(boy size around 29mm) was favourite of WW II servicemen and was the watch of choice for british POW's taking up Hans Waldorf's offer to purchase a rolex with payment due upon their release............

[SPDking]

bb3188: See my post above. I did remove the straps, and with close examination, I can't find any model or serial number between the lugs on either side. Was there a time when these pieces didn't have model numbers engraved between the lugs? Or could it have been worn down over years of use?

[adam78]

The case reference number in this early '40s vintage would be stamped on the inner case back, so you would need to take it to a watchmaker to open the watch with the correct tool. As the dial was refinished long ago, the watch value has been somewhat adversely affected, but it is not a particularly valuable piece in any case. It is likely worth in the $500-600 range as it is, if all original more like $700-900.

[bb3188]

Originally Posted by adam78

The case reference number in this early '40s vintage would be stamped on the inner case back, so you would need to take it to a watchmaker to open the watch with the correct tool. As the dial was refinished long ago, the watch value has been somewhat adversely affected, but it is not a particularly valuable piece in any case. It is likely worth in the $500-600 range as it is, if all original more like $700-900.

Adam I was looking at a speedking from 1943/44.... I talked through the telephone to the current owner to find the serial and reference number......which he informed me was there between the lugs (as he had to clean some of the grime off it) ??

[adam78]

Having the numbers between the lugs began in the post-WWII period AFAIK.

[SPDking]

Adam - thanks for the info. What are the indicator(s) that the face was refinished some time ago?

[adam78]

The fonts and coronet are incorrect, and the lume has been inexpertly applied, from the photo. I suspect it does not say "Swiss Made" at the bottom. There is patina, so likely it was refinished decades ago. If you look with a jeweler's loupe, you will be able to tell that the print and hatch marks are probably not precise.

Here is a bubbleback of mine with somewhat similar dial layout, so that you can see what an original would look like. Not the same dial or watch, of course, but you can see the original fonts and lume.

[SPDking]

Thanks for all of the info guys. I am going to a jeweler to have the back removed so I can photograph it, then I will put it up for sale on eBay.