Oyster Perpetual Identification and Servicing

[HowieS]

We recently found a few watches tucked away in an old safe belonging to my father-in-law. (I have read the sticky posts)

I believe based on the documents this is an Oyster Perpetual Datejust Ref. 1625.
Can someone please confirm and add any other interesting information about the model?
I saw a few places saying Thunderbird?

It was purchased in 1976 in Singapore and still has the original receipt, box and documents, although everything is looking a bit tired.

There appears to be a few small chips in the glass and a build up of gunk.

What would you suggest regards cleaning and servicing based on the pictures?

Would you advise replacing the glass or keeping everything original?

[Dan S]

Yes, it's a ref 1625 Turn-o-graph, aka Thunderbird (because it was apparently provided to the Navy Thunderbird pilots). Since you have the paperwork, I guess that already have most of the details. You can probably find a lot more information using google. If you are going to sell it, don't do anything at all. People love to buy these dirty barn finds. If you're going to wear it regularly, then you can have it cleaned up and serviced with a new crystal. Probably best not to do anything else if you're looking to retain maximum value.

[KY..]

The watch actually looks quite straight with no major case or bracelet dings from the pics.
The gunk/crud/tarnish/patina/oxidation makes it a very cool and desirable watch for a collector along with the original box and papers.
As mentioned if you plan to sell it don’t do anything to it at all; don’t even wipe it down.
If you plan to keep and wear it, decide on whether a clean up is your preference.
If it were mine I would wear it as-is with the tarnish after servicing the movement, and only consider removing the gummy looking gunk near the 30 on the bezel and maybe polish or replace the crystal. (but do keep the original crystal in a baggie)
Cool timepiece you got there, good luck…

[TuRo]

Very nice example. Difficult to see but I think it is a solid gold hour marker version O T SWISS O T at bottom (O is actually with a tail and Greek sigma) It's also rare to find it on its original 7836 folded link bi colour bracelet with the CORRECT silver end links 258 end links as a lot got swapped over to the 3 X as valueable 1675/3 root beer GMTs by people maximising watch value, or got replaced at service by a thicker solid link bracelet. As such I'd just wipe it off with a damp cloth and wood toothpicks to remove gunk perhaps or do nothing. Very nice underappreciated watch that was made up to the 90s and was until 2015 just £2500... nearly twice that now.

[HowieS]

Thanks for all the information it's really helpful. I don't think there is O T SWISS O T on the face at the bottom, I will check when I get back there this week.
I will just give it a gentle wipe over and check it is running well before we make a decision what to do with it.

[Bigdelicious]

Oh wow a thunderbird. I want one badly

[HowieS]

I have had a bit more time to look at the 1625 today and also tried to take some macro photos to show the overall condition. I haven't opened the case back as I do not have the correct tool to do so.

The crown unscrews fine, adjusting the time and winding are smooth, however it doesn't seem to click into position to adjust the date. It unscrews into winding position and then one click is time adjust.

The bezel doesn't rotate. I only tried to move it gently as it appears to be slightly warped in places and there are several areas with a buildup of gunk.

One of the spring loaded pins for the bracelet is stuck.

It does have O T Swiss T O on the dial at the bottom.

[HowieS]

ahh seems I need 10 posts to link images

[TuRo]

Cheers watch (1570/5 calibre) is not a quick set so you have only two positions - worst case you'll have to run the hour hand round 60 times to get correct date ! Thought it was Sigma.Wrist jam making the bezel stick not uncommon - clean it up with some soapy water might free it - watchmaker will pop it off and clean it easily though, doubt the warping is a anymore than the retaining ring not being flush. It's a lovely £5k+ piece that just needs a tiny bit of attention (new plexi etc) and it will be good for the next decade !

[HowieS]

[HowieS]

Originally Posted by pauldavidthorpe

Cheers watch is not a quick set so you have only two positions - worst case you'll have to run the hour hand round 32 times to get correct date ! Thought it was Sigma.Wrist jam making the bezel stick not uncommon - clean it up with some soapy water might free it - watchmaker will pop it off and clean it easily though, doubt the warping is a anymore than the retaining ring not being flush. It's a lovely £5k+ piece that just needs a tiny bit of attention (new plexi etc) and it will be good for the next decade !

That's good news about the date adjust as I didn't know if there should be two positions. Thanks
I have just tried setting the date and they are clicking perfectly in place.

[HowieS]