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kebex · 20 December 2010, 06:16 PM

Hi,

My grandfather gave this watch to me recently. Out of curiousity, I was searching the internet for this watch so as to identify it but couldn't come up with a definate answer. I have included some links to the pictures below;'

http://img9.imageshack.us/i/img20101219134521.jpg/
http://img585.imageshack.us/i/img20101219134605.jpg/
http://img703.imageshack.us/i/img20101219134625.jpg/
http://img810.imageshack.us/i/img20101219134646.jpg/
http://img406.imageshack.us/i/img20101219134710.jpg/

A visual inspection of the watch dial shows the words,"Rolex Oyster Royalite" centred on the top while on the bottom of the dial, the words "Observatory" is written. On the very bottom of the dial, the words "Swiss Made" is shown.

The dial colour is split into 2, the outer dial is darker while the inner dial is lighter with the arabic numbers from 13 to 24 in red on the edge of the inner dial. The outer dial shows big black arabic numbers from 1 to 12 on the outer edge of the dial.

The watch measures approx. 25mm in diameter and it is powered manually by winding. The watch band is made of crocodile skin but I do not think it is the original band that came with the watch. The case seems to be made of steel and there is some scratches on the back. There seems to be a 6 digit serial number on the back, 184661.

So, I was wondering whether anyone could tell me when this watch was made, rarity and a current estimated value. Also, do you think I should take it in for servicing/inspection at the Rolex Centre?

Thanks everyone in advance!

adam78 · 21 December 2010, 02:01 AM

Your grandfather gave you a very nice original early 1940s vintage Rolex. Oyster was a brand name licensed by Rolex for their line of lower-priced (but not lower quality) watches with contract movements (in this case the caliber 59), usually made for the Commonwealth market. It is a "boy's" sized 30mm or so, a popular size for soldiers of the era. "Royalite" was one of a number of names given to these watches (many of which were geared toward the Canadian market); others being Centregraph, Raleigh, Victory, Pioneer, et al.

A modern Rolex service center will not service this watch, but a good independent watchmaker should have no problem with it.

Value is difficult to estimate, but it is likely in the USD $500-1000 range (some dealers might list it between 1200-1600, but they would be hard-pressed to sell it at that price, IMO).

The most important thing is that it has a very nice two-tone original dial and original hands! The red second hand is very cool. And the crown appears to screw down properly.

My Oyster Raleigh says "hi":

20 December 2010, 06:16 PM	#1
kebex "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Singapore Posts: 1	Rolex Oyster Royalite Hi, My grandfather gave this watch to me recently. Out of curiousity, I was searching the internet for this watch so as to identify it but couldn't come up with a definate answer. I have included some links to the pictures below;' http://img9.imageshack.us/i/img20101219134521.jpg/ http://img585.imageshack.us/i/img20101219134605.jpg/ http://img703.imageshack.us/i/img20101219134625.jpg/ http://img810.imageshack.us/i/img20101219134646.jpg/ http://img406.imageshack.us/i/img20101219134710.jpg/ A visual inspection of the watch dial shows the words,"Rolex Oyster Royalite" centred on the top while on the bottom of the dial, the words "Observatory" is written. On the very bottom of the dial, the words "Swiss Made" is shown. The dial colour is split into 2, the outer dial is darker while the inner dial is lighter with the arabic numbers from 13 to 24 in red on the edge of the inner dial. The outer dial shows big black arabic numbers from 1 to 12 on the outer edge of the dial. The watch measures approx. 25mm in diameter and it is powered manually by winding. The watch band is made of crocodile skin but I do not think it is the original band that came with the watch. The case seems to be made of steel and there is some scratches on the back. There seems to be a 6 digit serial number on the back, 184661. So, I was wondering whether anyone could tell me when this watch was made, rarity and a current estimated value. Also, do you think I should take it in for servicing/inspection at the Rolex Centre? Thanks everyone in advance!

21 December 2010, 02:01 AM	#2
adam78 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,830	Your grandfather gave you a very nice original early 1940s vintage Rolex. Oyster was a brand name licensed by Rolex for their line of lower-priced (but not lower quality) watches with contract movements (in this case the caliber 59), usually made for the Commonwealth market. It is a "boy's" sized 30mm or so, a popular size for soldiers of the era. "Royalite" was one of a number of names given to these watches (many of which were geared toward the Canadian market); others being Centregraph, Raleigh, Victory, Pioneer, et al. A modern Rolex service center will not service this watch, but a good independent watchmaker should have no problem with it. Value is difficult to estimate, but it is likely in the USD $500-1000 range (some dealers might list it between 1200-1600, but they would be hard-pressed to sell it at that price, IMO). The most important thing is that it has a very nice two-tone original dial and original hands! The red second hand is very cool. And the crown appears to screw down properly. My Oyster Raleigh says "hi": __________________ Cheers, Adam

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