New Acquisition

[RolexPete]

Ever since selling my 16610 Submariner, I missed having a second Rolex with a date that I could wear to complement my 16030 DJ. Well, I happen to glance at my local paper's classified section (which I NEVER do), and saw an ad that read:

Rolex Watch
Stainless Steel Perpetual
Pearl Face, Original Box.
Excellent, Near-Mint
Condition
$1200 FIRM
(Appraised Much Higher)
CASH Only

I made arrangements to look at it this morning. The kids had a day off from school (snow day), so I took them in tow. The gentleman had bought the watch 15 years ago and has had it appraised several times since he bought it for insurance purposes. He pulled out a green box, and low and behold...an excellent condition Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date, with original Rolex Folded Oyster Band, Thunderbird bezel. I almost died when I saw the condition it was in. Immaculate. I asked if he minded if I checked the numbers on the side of the case. He said "you know more about this than I do", and allowed me to remove the bracelet. Model 1501, serial number 1,156,xxx. It looked legit.

I told him it would need a service (which it will at some point) and offered him $1100. He obliged.

I got it home and unscrewed the case back. 1570 movement looking great. The case back had numerous inscriptions with initials and numbers, at least 5 different sets. I can only assume that when he had it appraised every few years, they put their initials and a code, and changed the gaskets?

Now the strange part. The case looks immaculate, but judging by the serial number it dates to 1964. The case back has 165 stamped on it which I assume means either Jan of 65 or first quarter 65. The oyster band has 1-73 stamped on it. The movement is 1570 which I thought didn't come out until 1965.

I have posted pics below, and hope some experts can chime in. I assume the case was made in 1964, and the 1570 movement was brand new at the time and was used in this case. The band I assume was bought at a later date and placed on the watch.








Here it is on my wrist with a 19mm Oyster band that I bought a few years back. I want to keep that original folded Oyster in good shape.

[ParisDakarBmw]

That's in very nice shape! The one rivot looks loose on the bracelet, but everything else looks great. Your going to enjoy that watch. Congrats!

[brkanand]

Looks good but wait for opinion from experienced TRF members.

[RolexPete]

Thanks. The thunderbird bezel makes it wear larger than a 34mm. Feels and looks closer to 35/36mm on my wrist. NICE!!

[acce1999]

Nice find!

Your assumptions sounds correct. The bracelet is a US bracelet, so it could have been a replacement in the mid 70's. The inscriptions inside the caseback are from services. So at least five services.

It's an engine turned bezel.

A very nice watch!

Best,

A

[kyle L]

Nice Pete! My dad has the newer version, I love the bezel.

[RolexPete]

Kyle. Nice pic! You sure your not JJ or Jocke's kid? LOL

[RolexPete]

Originally Posted by acce1999

Nice find!

Your assumptions sounds correct. The bracelet is a US bracelet, so it could have been a replacement in the mid 70's. The inscriptions inside the caseback are from services. So at least five services.

It's an engine turned bezel.

A very nice watch!

Best,

A

Judging by the condition of the watch and movement, I believe it has been serviced several times. The guy I bought it from said he bought it at an estate sale 15 years ago for $1500. He also said he has worn it a dozen times in that 15 years. I believe him. This guy knew nothing about Rolex watches. Nice guy though.

[Yazo]

Beautiful watch!

[RolexPete]

Originally Posted by Yazo

Beautiful watch!

Thanks. Happy to have gotten a good deal. Included a box, which I assume is not original to the watch. Although not marked with any Rolex insignia, it has the same manufacturer stamp under the watch holder as my authentic signed Rolex watch box from my 1987 DJ. "Bufkor Made in USA"

Anyone ever seen an unmarked Rolex watch box like this?

[JohnBoy]

Thats a sweet watch and the package price made it a really fine deal for you. I have seen a box or two like that on ebay, but have no expertise there. Congrats on the great find!

[Sperry]

Is that the stretch rivet bracelet or linked rivet bracelet?

That looks like the watch I'm looking for, less the engine-turned bezel.

I ought to pay more attention to the local papers!

[Jackxv]

You've made a good deal on that.

Congrats and wear it in health

Jack

[cronin]

Pete, I love that bracelet.

[RolexPete]

Originally Posted by Sperry

Is that the stretch rivet bracelet or linked rivet bracelet?

That looks like the watch I'm looking for, less the engine-turned bezel.

I ought to pay more attention to the local papers!

Linked rivet I believe. What is the difference between linked and stretch rivet?

I also was expecting the domed /smooth bezel on it when I talked to him on the phone, and have to say I was pleasantly surprised that it has this finely engine turned bezel. Makes the watch wear a tad bigger than 34mm.

Not too much stretch on it either, that is why I have taken it off and put it away. I have a newer 19mm Rolex oyster band that I threw on it to keep the riveted oyster band in mint shape.

When I look at it, it is tough to believe it dates to 1964/65. My father was graduating from college then!

[JBat]

Congrats Pete.

[RolexPete]

Originally Posted by JBat

Congrats Pete.

Thanks John. I love a bargain!

[Prince Tudor]

What a great deal.....congrats
I have seen a few boxes w/out the coronet before myself.
As for the movement and case there is a possibility that the movement had an issue and/or was faulty. It could have been sent back to RSC under warranty and had the movement replaced?

[RolexPete]

Originally Posted by Prince Tudor

What a great deal.....congrats
I have seen a few boxes w/out the coronet before myself.
As for the movement and case there is a possibility that the movement had an issue and/or was faulty. It could have been sent back to RSC under warranty and had the movement replaced?

I am guessing that the case was made right when the 1570 was introduced in the first part of 1965 based on the caseback engraving of 1 65

[Sperry]

The rivet band also came with links that expand, with a spring,
like the old style Speigel expanding bracelet.

If it had an expanding link or was entirely expandable, you'd know it.

Yes, I would have paid $1200 for the watch also, even knowing it might need a complete service.

[rfknauss]

Peter, very nice acquisition and at a reasonable price.

[RolexPete]

Originally Posted by Sperry

Yes, I would have paid $1200 for the watch also, even knowing it might need a complete service.

Good, I paid $1100, so that worked out well for me. It is not an expanding band.

[RolexPete]

Just got an e-mail from Mark Sirriani at watchdoctor.biz. He just finished the overhaul on this watch. I also had him replace the acrylic crystal. Totel $180 and it will be overnighted to me today so I will have it tomorrow. Cannot wait.

Once again, Mark kept me updated on the whole process. Will post pics once I get it.

[Tony G]

Marvelous

[buke45]

Nice!!

[nauticajoe]

Nice find. Congrats!

[HL65]

Very nice Pete! Congrats!

[dddrees]

Old post, but a real nice watch. Belated Congrats.