Production year? Oyster Precision

[alexhmng]

I need some help on finding out whether this watch was produced in 1961 or 1966.

The serial number is 1,489,XXX. The internet is not helping at all (examples below).

1. According to Bobswatches, the production year for this serial # is 1966.
https://www.bobswatches.com/rolex-serial-numbers

2. According to Bernardwatch & watches.co.uk, the production year for this serial # is 1961.
http://www.bernardwatch.com/Rolex-Serial-Numbers
http://www.watches.co.uk/information...erial-numbers/

Thanks in advance!

*This watch was given to me by my dad when he passed away 3 years ago. He purchased this watch back in 1 May 1968 in Nauru.
This watch is all original and has never been serviced or opened. It is still keeping accurate time.

[Old Expat Beast]

You're looking at around 1966. There might be a stamp inside the case back that will tell you the quarter and year (not sure if they stamped the case back on manual wind oysters). Bobs and Bernard are two of the less reliable sources for serial number reference (to put it mildly). You're better off with http://www.qualitytyme.net/pages/numbers.html and https://www.minus4plus6.com/numbers.htm. Or if you really want to go in-depth, click on the Rolex Serial Number Project at http://www.vintagerolexforum.com/. Great looking watch. Looks like a 6426? There should also be a month/year stamp on the bracelet clasp.

[alexhmng]

Thanks for the info, OEB. Appreciate the help!! I can see the tiny month/year stamp on the bracelet clasp (3 67).

[Old Expat Beast]

No problem. Is there a date stamp on the clasp? Could be 65, 66 or 67. The bracelet, case, dial, movement were all made spearately, so there is no official manufacture date really. I have a 1,5 serial Datejust with a late 66 caseback, 67 bracelet and 68 warranty paper.

[Tools]

Why not use our chart. It would date the watch at around 66/67, keeping in mind that all charts are guesses.

A mid 60's watch should have a date stamp inside the case-back but I would say that since the paper is dated 5/68 that it's a '67 watch..

[alexhmng]

Yes, on the clasp. Date stamp of 67 with a 3 on top.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by alexhmng

Yes, on the clasp. Date stamp of 67 with a 3 on top.

March 1967. What was your dad doing on Nauru? Phosphate mining? Military? I used to work on the inflight magazine for Air Nauru for a short time in the mid 1990s.

[alexhmng]

I am guessing phosphate mining from the mid 50s until mid 80s. He was also a cook and a vehicle mechanic on that island. During those years, he traveled back and forth to Hong Kong and China often. It is amazing that you have a part in Nauru. Small world.

I lived in Nauru from 80-84 when I was 3-7 yrs old. I enjoyed that little island. When was the last time you visited Nauru? It has been 31 years for me and I would love to see that place one more time.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by alexhmng

I am guessing phosphate mining from the mid 50s until mid 80s. He was also a cook and a vehicle mechanic on that island. During those years, he traveled back and forth to Hong Kong and China often. It is amazing that you have a part in Nauru. Small world.

I lived in Nauru from 80-84 when I was 3-7 yrs old. I enjoyed that little island. When was the last time you visited Nauru? It has been 31 years for me and I would love to see that place one more time.

I've never been. I worked for a publishing company in HK that produced inflight mags for about a dozen international airlines. The Air Nauru mag was more of an inflight audio entertainment guide really. I think after the phosphate was used up it's become full of refugees and boat people outsourced by the Aussie government, sadly.

[Mark020]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

March 1967.

Third quarter of 1967 :-)

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Mark020

Third quarter of 1967 :-)

Bracelets show the month, casebacks show the quarter, no?

[Old Expat Beast]

By the way my 1.5 mill, 1966 stamped Datejust mentioned above also has the 3/67 clasp, and sold on a US air base in Spain in October 68. If I was a bettng man I would guess your casebsck is stamped first or second quarter 66. If you get it serviced, ask them to make a note.

[springer]

Here is a serial number, case back chart that I have put together from actual watches.

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=350245

Based on this chart, 1966 was probably the actual production date and is most likely the date you'll find stamped inside the case back as others mentioned. Back then, and based on my experience, it was normally three to four years after the case back date before the watch was sold. The case back info only indicates when it was stamped and by the time the watch was assembled/disassembled, certifications done and shipping to Rolex dealers or distribution, you'll find that it was normally three or four years before the watch was sold. Your watch appears to fit all those parameters.

[alexhmng]

Originally Posted by springer

Here is a serial number, case back chart that I have put together from actual watches.

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=350245

Based on this chart, 1966 was probably the actual production date and is most likely the date you'll find stamped inside the case back as others mentioned. Back then, and based on my experience, it was normally three to four years after the case back date before the watch was sold. The case back info only indicates when it was stamped and by the time the watch was assembled/disassembled, certifications done and shipping to Rolex dealers or distribution, you'll find that it was normally three or four years before the watch was sold. Your watch appears to fit all those parameters.

Great info. Appreciate the help!!

[gregorpal]

very nice watch. references like 6426 /7 or 6422, are so nice, elegante and classy, and case, though 34mm, lugs are a bit longer than 5500 / 1002 which give them a bigger size.
34mm size some day will be back!

[mineral]

Originally Posted by gregorpal

very nice watch. references like 6426 /7 or 6422, are so nice, elegante and classy, and case, though 34mm, lugs are a bit longer than 5500 / 1002 which give them a bigger size.
34mm size some day will be back!

Love those 34mm size

[MahdiyaDad]

That's a great looking time piece, and a neat story behind it. Wear it in good health. :)