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Aeneas · 6 August 2023, 01:55 AM

Hi,

I have just been given my great-grandfathers watch which I believe to be an original Rolex Oyster.
I was wondering if anyone had any information about a possible dating or anything about the watch!
Thank you!

MILGAUSS88 · 6 August 2023, 02:22 AM

Looks original. Appears dial has been redone, I would expect "Oyster" to be printed on it as well.
Most likely from the 20's.

Aeneas · 29 September 2023, 05:55 AM

Thank you for the info!
My dad mentioned it was repaired at some point, maybe they replaced the dial then.

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CTech · 29 September 2023, 04:23 PM

The original Rolex Oyster cases from about 1926/7 all had knurled bezels as this was a screwed down part of the case required to ensure water resistance. The knurling was necessary so that a matching tool could be used to screw the bezel down tighter than could be achieved just by hand tightening.

It wasn't until the mid 1930s that smooth bezels were appearing on Oyster cases, presumably because changes in manufacturing meant an interference fit push on bezel was now capable of giving the correct water resistance.

The smooth bezel on this watch, together with the design of the dial and hands, makes me think this is more likely a mid to late 1930s watch rather than one of the first generation from the late 1920s. There are a few of these smooth bezel watches for sale which also don't have Oyster on the dial, but it isn't clear whether that is how they were originally supplied or if they have refinished dials.

If this is a UK supplied gold case there will almost certainly be some hallmarks inside the case back that will help with the dating. There might also be a model number and serial number still visible on the outside of the case back.

The Rolex inscription inside the case back and any markings on parts of the movement can also give some clues about the age of the watch, so it would be nice to see more photos of the inside and outside of the case back and the movement, in as high a resolution as possible.

Aeneas · 29 September 2023, 09:31 PM

Thank you so much, that’s very helpful and kind of you!

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6 August 2023, 01:55 AM	#1
Aeneas "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2023 Location: London Posts: 4	Vintage Rolex Oyster Hi, I have just been given my great-grandfathers watch which I believe to be an original Rolex Oyster. I was wondering if anyone had any information about a possible dating or anything about the watch! Thank you! Attached Images

6 August 2023, 02:22 AM	#2
MILGAUSS88 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: mississippi river Posts: 3,264	Looks original. Appears dial has been redone, I would expect "Oyster" to be printed on it as well. Most likely from the 20's.

29 September 2023, 05:55 AM	#3
Aeneas "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2023 Location: London Posts: 4	Thank you for the info! My dad mentioned it was repaired at some point, maybe they replaced the dial then. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

29 September 2023, 04:23 PM	#4
CTech "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: USA Posts: 472	The original Rolex Oyster cases from about 1926/7 all had knurled bezels as this was a screwed down part of the case required to ensure water resistance. The knurling was necessary so that a matching tool could be used to screw the bezel down tighter than could be achieved just by hand tightening. It wasn't until the mid 1930s that smooth bezels were appearing on Oyster cases, presumably because changes in manufacturing meant an interference fit push on bezel was now capable of giving the correct water resistance. The smooth bezel on this watch, together with the design of the dial and hands, makes me think this is more likely a mid to late 1930s watch rather than one of the first generation from the late 1920s. There are a few of these smooth bezel watches for sale which also don't have Oyster on the dial, but it isn't clear whether that is how they were originally supplied or if they have refinished dials. If this is a UK supplied gold case there will almost certainly be some hallmarks inside the case back that will help with the dating. There might also be a model number and serial number still visible on the outside of the case back. The Rolex inscription inside the case back and any markings on parts of the movement can also give some clues about the age of the watch, so it would be nice to see more photos of the inside and outside of the case back and the movement, in as high a resolution as possible.

29 September 2023, 09:31 PM	#5
Aeneas "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2023 Location: London Posts: 4	Thank you so much, that’s very helpful and kind of you! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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