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jbsmith · 19 June 2013, 01:23 PM

My Dad has owned a Ford dealership for over 40 years and bought (through Ford) the Rolex Date pictured below approximately 37 years ago. He has worn it ever since and has never had it serviced by Rolex, only a couple of times by his horologist buddy. He has all boxes and said it used to have Ford oval printed on case back but worn off now. Do any of you guys know the details of this particular watch? He has been told by a couple of ADs that this was limited to Ford dealers? Also, are there any replacement bracelets available for this particular model? Would you suggest sending to RSC? Approximately how much $ for an overhaul at RSC? Thanks in advance for any history on this watch as I'm not very familiar with vintage Rolex.

BTW...Sorry for it not being cleaner.

crowncollection · 19 June 2013, 01:35 PM

looks like a model 1503 with original diamond dial and rivet braclet in 14k usually, rolex will service or a good independent watchmaker with a parts account will be cheaper. These were given out by many companies not just ford.

jbsmith · 20 June 2013, 01:14 PM

Thanks for info David! You are correct, bracelet and I believe case are stamped with 14k. So not that rare? Was this particular watch available to public at ADs? Thanks again for all the data.

BTW...Approximate value?

crowncollection · 20 June 2013, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbsmith

Thanks for info David! You are correct, bracelet and I believe case are stamped with 14k. So not that rare? Was this particular watch available to public at ADs? Thanks again for all the data.

BTW...Approximate value?

yes many 1503 models out there. unengraved and sold to the average customer via AD. i have a few in my collection

Mark020 · 20 June 2013, 05:30 PM

Value: between USD 2 and 4k no bracelet.

jbsmith · 30 June 2013, 12:53 AM

What's best for correcting bracelet stretch? Buy a new bracelet or can they be repaired with good efficiency? If buying a new one, are they readily available? Price of new bracelet? Thanks again for everyone's answers. His bracelet has quite a bit of stretch and a metalurgist has already tried filling elongated holes with gold, but seems to not be a very good fix?

Tools · 30 June 2013, 01:00 AM

I'm afraid that a gold rivet bracelet is going to be a hard find.. Rolex will take a trade-in to offset the cost of a newer bracelet that would fit, but the cost of a gold bracelet is going to be 3 or 4 times the value of the watch itself.

Many of these end up on leather straps because of the prohibitive cost of a replacement bracelet..

There are some excellent gold aftermarket bracelets that are half the cost of Rolex branded versions..

watchcrank · 30 June 2013, 01:13 AM

Michael Young in Hong Kong and see if he can rebuild the bracelet. He does very good work. It may cost a bit as gold is some money but worth it if you are keeping it imo. M

Lincolnguy · 24 December 2013, 05:47 PM

Taking a big jump here would you be interested in selling your watch just the way it sits bad bracelet and all. I have been looking for one of these ever since I lost mine back in the late 80's let know

MonBK · 24 December 2013, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lincolnguy

Taking a big jump here would you be interested in selling your watch just the way it sits bad bracelet and all. I have been looking for one of these ever since I lost mine back in the late 80's let know

This is not a buy/sell thread.

Frosty · 24 December 2013, 06:10 PM

Nice watch with a great story!

wisguy · 24 December 2013, 06:34 PM

Get it serviced and put a nice strap on it, that's what I would do as the value of the watch does not warrant a new bracelet.

Unless it is a personal and/or sentimental thing.

19 June 2013, 01:35 PM	#2
crowncollection "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Real Name: David Location: australia Posts: 20,215	looks like a model 1503 with original diamond dial and rivet braclet in 14k usually, rolex will service or a good independent watchmaker with a parts account will be cheaper. These were given out by many companies not just ford. __________________ watches many

30 June 2013, 01:00 AM	#7
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,494	I'm afraid that a gold rivet bracelet is going to be a hard find.. Rolex will take a trade-in to offset the cost of a newer bracelet that would fit, but the cost of a gold bracelet is going to be 3 or 4 times the value of the watch itself. Many of these end up on leather straps because of the prohibitive cost of a replacement bracelet.. There are some excellent gold aftermarket bracelets that are half the cost of Rolex branded versions.. __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

30 June 2013, 01:13 AM	#8
watchcrank "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: michael Location: Florida Watch: explorer II cream Posts: 1,664	Nice keepsake anyway. i would check with Michael Young in Hong Kong and see if he can rebuild the bracelet. He does very good work. It may cost a bit as gold is some money but worth it if you are keeping it imo. M

24 December 2013, 05:47 PM	#9
Lincolnguy "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Ohio Posts: 1	Concerned Taking a big jump here would you be interested in selling your watch just the way it sits bad bracelet and all. I have been looking for one of these ever since I lost mine back in the late 80's let know

24 December 2013, 06:34 PM	#12
wisguy "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Earth Posts: 2,406	Get it serviced and put a nice strap on it, that's what I would do as the value of the watch does not warrant a new bracelet. Unless it is a personal and/or sentimental thing. __________________ 5230G / 5146G / 124060 / BB58 / '59 Constellation

20 June 2013, 01:14 PM	#3
jbsmith "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Blake Location: US Watch: Daytonas Posts: 1,867	Thanks for info David! You are correct, bracelet and I believe case are stamped with 14k. So not that rare? Was this particular watch available to public at ADs? Thanks again for all the data. BTW...Approximate value?

20 June 2013, 05:30 PM	#5
Mark020 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Amsterdam Posts: 2,132	Value: between USD 2 and 4k no bracelet.

30 June 2013, 12:53 AM	#6
jbsmith "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Blake Location: US Watch: Daytonas Posts: 1,867	What's best for correcting bracelet stretch? Buy a new bracelet or can they be repaired with good efficiency? If buying a new one, are they readily available? Price of new bracelet? Thanks again for everyone's answers. His bracelet has quite a bit of stretch and a metalurgist has already tried filling elongated holes with gold, but seems to not be a very good fix?

24 December 2013, 06:10 PM	#11
Frosty 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2009 Real Name: Larry Location: So Cal Watch: Rolex GMT 1675 Posts: 5,087	Nice watch with a great story!

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