Date of Manufacture

[rick5119]

Folks,

I recently inherited a Rolex from my father. A local jewler (an authorized Rolex dealer) took a look at the watch and said that it was a Model # 6694 MENS OYSTERDATE PRECISION MANUAL. The serial # is 4009xxx.

The watch still runs (although winding it every day is a pain) and is in good shape cosmetically.

Can someone please tell me how to find out what the date of manufacture is? My father told me before he passed on that he bought it in the early 1960s. I've seen some listed for sale in the $900-1200 dollar range. Does that sound right?

Finally is it worth sending ot to Rolex for a complete cleaning, etc. How does one do that?

Thanks in advance!

Best

Rick C

[Kobayashi]

You can use this site to determine the manufacturing date:

http://www.oysterworld.de/production-dates.html

I also serviced my dads DJ and it cost $880. Well worth it for me as it's something I'll always keep and will pass down. An RSC may want to change out parts so if there is any engraving on the case let then know service only.

The value of $900-$1200 seems.

[springer]

Originally Posted by rick5119

Folks,

I recently inherited a Rolex from my father. A local jewler (an authorized Rolex dealer) took a look at the watch and said that it was a Model # 6694 MENS OYSTERDATE PRECISION MANUAL. The serial # is 4009xxx.

The watch still runs (although winding it every day is a pain) and is in good shape cosmetically.

Can someone please tell me how to find out what the date of manufacture is? My father told me before he passed on that he bought it in the early 1960s. I've seen some listed for sale in the $900-1200 dollar range. Does that sound right?

Finally is it worth sending ot to Rolex for a complete cleaning, etc. How does one do that?

Thanks in advance!

Best

Rick C

Your Rolex serial number does not indicate early 1960's. Up until around 1964, Rolex used six digit serial numbers - not seven which started around 1964. A six digit serial number beginning with "4" are circa 1958/59. Late 1950's watches would have been sold in the early 1960's - three to four years after the established build date based on the serial number. Maybe you need to check your serial number again to see if it is six digits.

Based on the serial number you provided, your Rolex would be circa 1974/75! Hope this helps.

[gregorpal]

I'd also recommend the VRF forum, data base Rolex serial number project

[Tools]

I would recommend that you look inside the caseback for a stamp.. from the late 50's until about '73, Rolex stamped the date inside.. That is a more accurate number than any chart..

[andypandy]

Hang on I'm getting my 6694 out of the safe , I will time how long it takes me to wind it ...... 20 seconds dead ! Thats from the completely unwound state , it should run for 26 to 27 hrs. without a daily wind that might take 3 to 5 seconds.I loves my manual winders , I really do. A pain ? , not in my house.