Early 50s Rolex Oyster

[randomclem]

Hey there,

I have an opportunity to take ownership of a beautiful vintage Rolex.
Honestly, I have absolutely no experience with pre 80s models, so I figured I would reach out to the community here for some guidance.
I've attached some photos.

I would love if any of you could share some knowledge on this watch.
Maybe some things I should be looking for, etc.

The one thing that caught my eye is the wristband - I would assume that this watch would have originally had a leather band?

Anyway, I really appreciate you taking the time to look at my post.
Any input would be greatly appreciated!

[crowncollection]

The numbers stamped on the clasp are the year of the bands production, that band looks original. I am on a phone it looks like 63 but I can't see it properly. The hands look original called dauphine. Take off the band and check the serial and model number.

[joe100]

That dial makes me think early 60s, not 50s.

[randomclem]

crowncollection - Thank you for the info! I asked the seller if we could remove the band, and he was worried about damaging the watch in the process - so I'm still trying to work that... From all of the research I've done online, I believe this is either a 6082 or 6083..?

joe100 - Thank you for your time on this - may I ask what about the dial makes you feel that this is a 60s and not 50s model?

[randomclem]

crowncollection - I haven't been able to remove the band yet - the seller is nervous we will damage the watch in the process, so I'm still negotiating that part of the deal ;)
From all of the research I've done online, I believe this is a 6082 or 6083..?

joe100 - What about the dial makes you feel that this is a 60s model, and not a 50s?

Thank you both for your time!

[crowncollection]

you will not damage the watch removing the band, if you cannot do it yourself, a watchmaker will charge less than 10 dollars, worth it to know what you have and open the back at the same time. likely a date stamp on the caseback also, what is the date on that band ?

[joe100]

The rectangular baton indicies appear more 1960s than 50s. Especially early 50s.

[randomclem]

Waiting to hear what the dates are on the band.

[TimeToGo]

I have a very similar watch with bracelet, mine is dated on the clasp 59...

[randomclem]

Alright - so I have more information.


The date on the band is 57.

At the 12 O'clock, the stamp reads: BREVET+ 6482
At the 6 O'clock, the stamp reads: 53113

*I think, its kind of hard to read parts of the stamped lettering, so this was the best I could come up with.

Tried searching the model/serial numbers but didnt come up with much.
Thoughts?

[Tools]

It is a manual wind 6482 Brevet simply means that it is patented and is common on early crowns.

The Swiss at the bottom of the dial would indicate a pre-60's watch because after 1960 they went to Tritium and marked them T Swiss T. This would be radium; so '57 seems to be a good year. (although there is some carryover in such things)

The serial number is incorrect and should have 6 digits so you should look at those numbers more closely.

Inside the caseback should be more information to research before making any bold conclusions.. Most 50's and all 60's had date stamps inside and it should have a proper era Rolex movement.

It's awfully "clean" and so all parts should be carefully looked at.. It does show well..

[randomclem]

Thank you all for your replies!

So, I ended up buying the watch - the price was too good to pass up.
It is absolutely gorgeous in real life - the pictures above do it no justice.

I immediately took it to my local Rolex dealer, and had them look it over.
They removed the back and checked inside, ran a pressure/moisture test, and buffed the scuffs out of the crystal for me.

They said that it is a genuine Rolex, and is in-fact an Early 50s model.
He said he couldn't place an exact date on it, however (which I thought was a little odd).. :(
He appraised it at $1,500-2000 if I found the right collector.
I'm going to hold on to it though, it is such a classy watch.

I'll see if I can take some pics and upload them.

[randomclem]

Some photos for you!

I need to get the band and bezel polished up.
But, hey, not a bad looking watch for being ~60 years old..

I pulled the band off to show the serial number.
You really have to get it in the right light to read it, but I'm confident that there are no other numbers/markings other than scratches.
I threw the pic into photoshop and enhanced it a bit, so you can better see the numbers.