Vintage or Fake?

[Bobble1]

Aloha everyone!

I just kind of stumbled across this site while surfing. Looks like a lot of good information. However, I've not yet had time to delve through everything.

I recently came to possess what a person (who I obtained the watch from) told me was an early to mid 1950's Rolex. I have my doubts. It is nothing like the modern Yachtmaster I own. I'm wondering if there is a way to figure out if there is any likelihood that I have a obtained a genuine 'antique' Rolex?

It is called a Rolex Oyster. Above the 6 oClock marking (just a silver colored bar, no numerial) it says preciscion, below.

The minute and hour hands are just silver colored dagger shaped. The second hand seems to be black, with a tiny round end on the end near the center of the face. Face of the dial is kind of a bronze or tannish-gold color. There is no illumination for seeing anything at night, in the dark. Does not appear to be waterproof.

The most troubling thing to me is that the plate on the back of the watch has no markings at all.

The watch is stainless, it appears, as well as the band. It is not a full sized, face, but a medium sized one. Bigger than woman's, butter smaller than the newer full sized Rolex's. Rolex logo in script stamped onto the two parts of the locking mechanism that are part of the clasp.

It is a manual wind watch. On the plus side, it runs well and seems to keep good time!

Crown at the twelve O'clock on the face. Crown on stem head crown and clasp on band. Band has serial number 357 on it. I've not removed anything to search for number on watch, nor had it opened (don't want to spend the money if it's fake!)

If real, it seems to me like a real entry level or kids Rolex...

Photo below...I hope.

[FeelingTheBlues]

Welcome to TRF!

It is unlikely that a vintage Rolex will ever look like the modern Yacht-Master you own as the models did have quite a few changes over the years. I'd say this one would be associated much more with the modern Air-King and Oyster Perpetual Rolex offers nowadays. As for the markings in the back, it's actually a good sign as I don't believe there should be anything except if the watch is made of gold or platinum (which isn't the case for this one), in which case you would see a hallmark on one of the lugs if I'm not mistaken.

I may not be an expert on the subject but this watch appears to be genuine and although it's probably not water proof or water resistant today because of its most probably used gaskets the screw-in crown tells me it was meant to be when it was produced.

P.S.: Size-wise I believe this one should be from 34mm to 36mm (although I'd lean more towards the 34mm guess), a classic, timeless and overall great size if you ask me.

[drainaps]

I wouldn't worry too much about authenticity. Your watch looks the part. Rolex watches were far less imposing in the 40's and 50's than they are today. The fact that it is not close in style to your Yatch Master does not disqualify it as a genuine Rolex. Dial and hands look genuine too

Experts in earlier models will chime in and qualify what we are saying soon, anyway.

[TimeToGo]

Welcome to the Forum!

Fine looking watch, if you remove the bracelet you will find the serial at the 6 o'clock and model number at the 12 o'clock...

[landroverking]

Welcome looks real deal to me.

[dynhm6]

Watch is genuine, a classic and from an era ('50s) when a gentleman's watch was designed to fit, inconspicuously, under his shirt cuff without ado. I'd have the movement serviced, case gaskets replaced and the crystal polished (or replaced to aid in moisture resistance). You can either have the case and bracelet polished or leave them as-is (which would be my preference), but don't change the dial, hands or bracelet.

[Bobble1]

Thank you guys, for all of the input. This looks like a great site for Rolex information!

I really appreciate your time and efforts in the responses!

[Bobble1]

You are absolutely right! This one fits way easier under a cuffed shirt sleave than the Yachtmaster! Thanks for the information!

[crowncollection]

looks good

[motoikkyu]

Cute! Maybe a 6694? You'll see the model when you take the back off or between the lugs.