Trying to find out what model this

[leevancouver]

Good morning,Im hoping someone can give me a hand here. I was given my wifes grandfathers watch as a christmas present this year and I'm trying to find out a bit more about it. I have entered the serial number that i found on the back and its given me a production date of 1954. What i would like to do is find out the model type. I can't seem to find it anywhere. Also, i want to restore this beautiful watch back to its former glory and was wondering if anyone had any tips.? It also has a fixoflex strap on it, I'm wondering if this was the original, although i doubt it, any feed back would much appreciated.`

[MILGAUSS88]

This is a dress model, so did not come with a model name, that I am aware of. You may find a 4 digit reference number on the inside back of case.
Please DO NOT have the dial redone. Collectors prefer to have the case polished as little as possible, as well, or not polished at all.
I would just have it serviced and replace the watch band, which is not original.

[leevancouver]

MILGAUSS88- thanks for the reply, I've spent the last few hours trying to find another watch out there like this but have had no luck. Thats good to know about having the face refurbished and i will duly leave it alone, i have no intention of selling this piece as its a family watch. In regards to the watch band, do you have an idea what sort of strap the original would have been? or maybe any research tools i could use to find out for myself?

thanks again

Lee

[U5512]

Hi Lee,

Your watch is authentic as I have owned a couple of them before. As Milgauss88 suggested, please do not have the dial refinished but leave it as is / as found. Find a local watchmaker and have service the movement (clean & lube) and you're good to go.

[leevancouver]

U5512, thanks for the reply, as I said previously I would really like to try and find out what the original strap looks like, I'm guessing it's going to be a leather one, I'd wlike to get something as close as possible.

[MILGAUSS88]

Yes, most likely leather originally. If you could find an original band I would not wear it as I would guess 60 year old leather would quickly disintegrate if worn.
I believe they typically had a crocodile print.
I prefer brown, on gold watches.

[dstacy]

That is very likely a 42xx series. If you want to sell it let me know.

[crowncollection]

Flared lugs very nice


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[leevancouver]

how much do you think this is worth? I'm adding it to my collection and want to make sure my insurance covers it.? any help would be great as i don't have a clue and can't find any sort of reference anywhere.

[dstacy]

Originally Posted by leevancouver

how much do you think this is worth? I'm adding it to my collection and want to make sure my insurance covers it.? any help would be great as i don't have a clue and can't find any sort of reference anywhere.

Respectfully, the answer to your question is, "not very much." It isn't gold, it isn't in exceptional shape, and isn't one of the "in" vintage models. The sentimental value is much greater than the cash value. It'll appraise for less than $1k.

[leevancouver]

dstacy, i was figuring about the same. This is my first Rolex,hence the reason i came to this forum for advice. I took the watch in to a AD yesterday and i am having it serviced as we speak. I have also purchased a crocodile print,calve skin strap with a vintage gold clasp for it as well. As you guys have already advised, i will leave the face as is. This watch has been sat under my mother in laws bed for 20 years, untouched in a box so i am looking forward to bringing it back in to service.....also, i might well have caught a bug now for vintage rolex, having only worn Tag Heuer in the past, i think i might change it up a bit. Thanks again for all your help everyone.

[dstacy]

Originally Posted by leevancouver

dstacy, i was figuring about the same. This is my first Rolex,hence the reason i came to this forum for advice. I took the watch in to a AD yesterday and i am having it serviced as we speak. I have also purchased a crocodile print,calve skin strap with a vintage gold clasp for it as well. As you guys have already advised, i will leave the face as is. This watch has been sat under my mother in laws bed for 20 years, untouched in a box so i am looking forward to bringing it back in to service.....also, i might well have caught a bug now for vintage rolex, having only worn Tag Heuer in the past, i think i might change it up a bit. Thanks again for all your help everyone.

You're doing it right. Wear it in good health.

[Mike Wood]

Lovely original sabre-lug watch in unmolested condition, even down to the original Rolex dimple crown. Would originally have worn a brown or black pigskin strap with a steel Rolex buckle. Saleable value as-is will be around $1,800-2,200; insure at $3,000.

MW

[leevancouver]

Mike, thanks for the reply, learning more about this timepiece with each post. ill probably be looking at another entry level vintage early in the new year. any advise?