Inherited a "speedking"

[Old Expat Beast]

Better you take the heat than me, bro

[andromeda160]

Originally Posted by R.W.T.

????????

I'm gonna have to disagree there.

tons of 6084 and 6085 models were made in the early 50's with alpha hands like those.

I have always considered those dauphine as well but Adam corrected me. Here he is beating me on the head.


They are actually technically alpha hands.

Dauphine are like this:



Dating that watch would be difficult if we didn't know that the movement was a 1210 - 1220 via the Rolex R-20. If it were from 51-52 it would be a calibre 700. I would think with a fair amount of certainty that the watch is 1961

Hope that helps.

I'd like to see a watch from 51/52 with alpha hands. Especially the thinner variation of them on his watch.

And I thought they were alpha, then when I bought my OP date and called them alpha hands and Somone told me I was wrong and that they were dauphine.

[Kobayashi]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

For the record, readers, I would defer to RWT in every instance regarding vintage Rolex.

Agreed. From the posts I've read of R.W.T. I'd say we're really fortunate to have him as a member on TRF. Cheers!

[R.W.T.]

I know the feeling....

I always called them dauphine and the dauphine I always thought were alpha.

Here is 1948



and 1953



and 51



and 1941 in blue steel though these are probably actually luminous leaf hands.

[andromeda160]

Originally Posted by R.W.T.

I know the feeling....

I always called them dauphine and the dauphine I always thought were alpha.

Here is 1948



and 1953



and 51



and 1941 in blue steel though these are probably actually luminous leaf hands.

Thank you !!!! Those bubblebacks with raised coronets and explorer are gorgeous. That's why I love this forum, see and learn something new everyday.

[adam78]

Tommy, I do agree that the hands on the OP's watch are alpha hands, and the others you showed are dauphine!

[Old Expat Beast]

While we're on the subject of vintage hands, can you guys tell me what these are called on this 1964 5501 please?

[andromeda160]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

While we're on the subject of vintage hands, can you guys tell me what these are called on this 1964 5501 please?

Those are Alpha, same hands as my 63 OP date just a different color

[Tools]

Originally Posted by mizzouzk

I know that the movement needs to be serviced, but it also needs a deep cleaning. Would a regular watch repair cover that? Also ive asked at a few places and the response is....we dont touch rolex but we send it into them. I guess I may need to hunt around a little more for someone that can handle it.

Depends on how much you want to spend and how closely you want it back to original..

Bob Ridley at www.Watchmakers.com is a restoration specialist and may have a lead for you to get a decent re-dial. He also can service your watch although it may be pricey. Still, it is an heirloom that deserves the best care so it will last you another lifetime or two..

[R.W.T.]

I would wait for an original dial. You'd be better off to spend the money once. That's not a pricey dial and you're gonna spend half the money on a redial probably. Can you give me the diameter of the watch in mm. Is this a smaller size or 34 mm. The dials vary and the bigger ones use a movement ring.

You don't need to rush anything really.

[joli160]

Why change the dial ?
It's the watch of your grandfather, keep it as it is and wear it with pride.
Just a service will do.

[R.W.T.]

Originally Posted by joli160

Why change the dial ?
It's the watch of your grandfather, keep it as it is and wear it with pride.
Just a service will do.

A point well taken.

[james1787]

I would keep the dial as-is.. I would guess your grandfather had it re-painted at some time to have it look new again? Its the way he wore the watch.. I would be more inclined to keep it the same and just get it serviced.

[scooter1307]

this chart makes it a 58 or 59

http://www.bernardwatch.com/Rolex-Serial-Numbers

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by scooter1307

this chart makes it a 58 or 59

http://www.bernardwatch.com/Rolex-Serial-Numbers

Another simplified and innacurate list from a watch dealer. Stick to this definitive source: http://vintagerolexforum.info/vrf/index3.html

[Blue Lantern]

Originally Posted by mizzouzk

Is there any way to repaint to its original look? And how much does that run?

Govberg in Philadelphia does dial refinishing and other services. You can get a free estimate from them.

http://www.govbergwatchrepair.com/services/