Tell me about my watch...

[Tri-Tip]

I couldn't find anywhere where "Vintage" is defined, but since this watch was purchased a few months shy of 40 years ago, it seems vintage to me.

My father purchased the watch brand new in March, 1970. Below, you can see the watch, box, hang-tags, testing certification, and original receipt.

$202.13 out the door, what a deal. He could have had the Gold Day-Date for $600, but didn't like the Cyclops on the crystal. I wish he would have bought 10 of them and put them away!

Anyway, tell me about this model. I don't wear it often as it's very light, and I prefer more weight on my wrist. I'm considering a Stainless Steel Sub-C, just trying to swallow the price.

When he gave me this watch in 1994, I took it to the local RSC and had a full service done, along with adding links to the bracelet for a total of about $325.

[Tri-Tip]

Never got any responses on my first post to the forum, so I'm resurrecting a 19-month old thread...

[Andy B]

What would you like to know?

All the information you need should be on the Rolex Certificate

[adam78]

It's a non-date Oyster Perpetual chronometer (i.e. chronometer version analogous to the Air-King; cal. 1570 rather than 1520). I think it's a ref. 1002, but you can check by removing the bracelet; the case ref. is engraved between the lugs at 12:00 and the serial number (to date the watch more precisely) at 6:00.

It's nice to have with the box and papers, and even moreso because it was your father's.

[U5512]

Very nice Oyster Perpetual reference number 1003.

[Tri-Tip]

Originally Posted by adam78

It's a non-date Oyster Perpetual chronometer (i.e. chronometer version analogous to the Air-King; cal. 1570 rather than 1520). I think it's a ref. 1002, but you can check by removing the bracelet; the case ref. is engraved between the lugs at 12:00 and the serial number (to date the watch more precisely) at 6:00.

It's nice to have with the box and papers, and even moreso because it was your father's.

Originally Posted by U5512

Very nice Oyster Perpetual reference number 1003.

This is the kind of info I was looking for. Since most Rolexes seems to be referred to as Oyster Perpetual, I was confused if there was actually a name for this model. Would it be considered an Air King before the Air King name started being used?

Any idea what the approximate value is?

[DrLindaPhD]

Lovely watch. According to my book "Best of Time - Rolex Wristwatches" (2006) "There has never been full agreement about the case numbers on the early Rolex Oysters.." In addition, it says that the company has not released details about this. It further states that MOST of the early Oysters were sold in the UK. It also says that The hallmark comprised three parts (on the case): 1) standard mark (purity of metal) such as 9/14/18/22carat gold. The assay office mark (2) where it was hallmarked and (3) the date letter (the year it was assayed). Then it goes into this long discussion about reaching (Rolex) the 1,000,000th number in the 50s. Note, it took Rolex from 1926 to 1953 to use up all the numbers between 20,001 and 999,999. This book has a "price guide" as well.

I found this quote on another forum

Rolex collectors define it as pre-sapphire crystals. Rolex switched over in the 80's sometime. Automatic chronographs didn't come on the market until 1969 (quartz the same year at Christmas) so the 70's models are definitely vintage. It's really a subjective term.

Best thing to do is have Rolex dealer appraise it and it will be worth it in case you decide to pass it on to a family member.

Linda

[adam78]

No, there were different case reference numbers for the Oyster watches (meaning with the Oyster case design -- screw down case back and threaded screw down crown). Often these have minor differences in case shape and size. All the tool watches, for instance, Subs, GMTs, Explorers, etc, have unique ref. #s, and these of course are also known by their model names. The Air-King in the plastic-crystal era all had non-chronometer rated movements. I mentioned that yours is analogous since the case is very similar in size and shape, but would have been more expensive as it has the better movement.