I don't think this is a Rolex Reddburg

[mikkibarry]

Some opinions if I may please? Seller advertised: ESTATE ANTIQUE WRIST WATCH ROLEX REDDBURG 14K WHITE GOLD CASE 6" FULLY RESTORED.

I received the watch with a strange "seal" made of tape across the back. The sellers site said they won't accept returns if this seal is breached. Of course I ignored that, since how else can you authenticate what you have, and popped the watch open. I found no indication of "Rolex" or "W&D" or anything of the sort on the case, or the movement. The only readable hallmarks on the case were "14k" and a stylized A. The other "letters" were either stamped over, or incorrectly stamped in the first place. The crown was marked "LP" which I assume to be Lucien Picard. There were two curiously missing screws in the movement, so I took it to my Master Jeweler who has "been around" so he could ask his watchmaker what he thinks. He showed me some dents on the inside of the case which he said indicated that this movement was forced into the case, the missing screws being to set into a case that was NOT this one. He said that without disassembly, he couldn't say much else, but that it really didn't look "Rolex" to him at all.

I have two other transactions with this seller for watches that haven't yet arrived. None of them are high dollar, but I'm definitely going to post those for opinions as well, since I really do not like the idea of a seller misrepresenting things. Granted, I am a newbie, so I may be completely wrong here, but it feels wrong. The watch is now at the jeweler.

All opinions appreciated.

[J. Alan]

What is a "Rolex Reddburg"???? If you break the seal for varification, the seller won't refund!! What are you supposed to do - Xray the "thing"!!! Scam!

Does not look good - I think you have been ____________!!! (Fill in the blank)

J. Alan

[GradyPhilpott]

never mind.

[Alcan]

Originally Posted by mikkibarry

ANTIQUE WRIST WATCH ROLEX REDDBURG

Its actually Rebberg. In the very early days of W&D and Rolex, Hans Wilsdorf used movements made by Hermann Aegler in the district of Rebberg in Bienne, which came to be known as Rebberg movements.

[J. Alan]

Originally Posted by Alcan

Its actually Rebberg. In the very early days of W&D and Rolex, Hans Wilsdorf used movements made by Hermann Aegler in the district of Rebberg in Bienne, which came to be known as Rebberg movements.

Thanks, Alcan for setting me straight. Do you think the buyer has a genuine Rebberg? We need more input and advice from the vintage boys on this one.

I am willing to eat crow on my previous, post but the description by the buyer that the movement appears to be forced into the case still leaves me wondering if it is a Frankenwatch.

J. Alan

[mikkibarry]

Originally Posted by J. Alan

Thanks, Alcan for setting me straight. Do you think the buyer has a genuine Rebberg? We need more input and advice from the vintage boys on this one.

I am willing to eat crow on my previous, post but the description by the buyer that the movement appears to be forced into the case still leaves me wondering if it is a Frankenwatch.

J. Alan

The crown definitely IS from LP. I don't know if any, or many, of the movement or the case parts are Rolex. No idea about the dial either.

[Alcan]

Originally Posted by J. Alan

Do you think the buyer has a genuine Rebberg?

Well, it isn't the same as the movement in my 1908 W&D, so I'm not really sure what it is. The fact that there's no maker's mark or Swiss on the movement would concern me.

Scroll down through this thread for pix of my Aegler movement before, during and after restoration:


https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...ey+restoration

[mikkibarry]

I appreciate all of the information. I stupidly ordered 3 watches from these guys. This is the first to arrive. The others should arrive tomorrow. I'll definitely take them apart for analysis and photos as well. Very happy I didn't spend terribly much. Do any TRFers sell these early vintage pieces? (only real ones please :-)) I'm hoping that the watchmaker I left this with, will have some information. If the case at least is Rolex, maybe I can come across its correct movement, since I really like the case.