Ancient Rolex About a 1943!

[Bisquitlips]

Guys, please forgive me if I am doing this incorrectly, but I am ever learning from this forum.

I have a friend that is very interested in having this Rolex restored. It was his father's and was passed down to him. His dad purchased it from a Filipino soldier in 1945 when he was one of the American soldiers securing the Philippine islands. His father told him he actually believed that this watch was taken from a fallen soldier by the Filipino that sold it to him.

Anyway, his dad wore it for over 35 years.

The watch appears to be a boys or ladies size Rolex. But that is just a guess on my part. The dial reads Rolex Oyster "Speedking".

Here are the photos and any information would be GREATLY appreciated.

The questions are:

Is it worth having restored?

For those who are astute in Rolex restorations: What would be the cost of having it restored? (I know that is a relative question). The stem was replaced by a watchsmith years ago and does not screw down as it is too large to contact the threads.

How much is this watch worth?

I found a few of them on eBay, but he just wants to have credible opinions.

Thank you!

Richard

[Tools]

It's a Rolex model 4220, Oyster Speedking, boys size with a Superbalance 17 jewel movement..

Probably from ~1942.

They had a variety of different model names put on the dials... Royal, Royalite, Speedking, etc..

For restoration, I might seek out the services of Bob Ridley at www.watchmakers.com

[Z-Sub]

This inside seems to have new parts put in.
I saw a post and a watchmaker Dalton in Los Angeles did a great job restoring a rusted movement and beat up case.

[Bisquitlips]

Thanks guys! Keep the comments and advice coming! Please!!!

[Ivy League]

Restoration or not, that watch is a gem. Beautiful pics and the petina on the dial is gorgeous. Nothing wrong at all if you retain it's present condition and even have it framed. It's truly a masterpiece.

[TempoKing]

Such a wonderfull watch with interesting history..
.shame really about the poor condition.

It is indeed in need of total restoration.
Cost of a basic restoration 500 to 700 dollars.

Value in good original condition for the SpeedKing is $1,400 dollars
Value in EXCELLENT condition $1,800

[Bisquitlips]

Originally Posted by TempoKing

Such a wonderfull watch with interesting history..
.shame really about the poor condition.

It is indeed in need of total restoration.
Cost of a basic restoration 500 to 700 dollars.

Value in good original condition for the SpeedKing is $1,400 dollars
Value in EXCELLENT condition $1,800

Tempo,

Would you be willing to restore it??

[TempoKing]

Originally Posted by Bisquitlips

Tempo,

Would you be willing to restore it??

Do you trust me..?....:...

There..!!....some more SPEEDKINGS...

The second from the left looks very similar, just the numbers configuration is different

[Bisquitlips]

Originally Posted by TempoKing

Do you trust me..?....:...

There..!!....some more SPEEDKINGS...

The second from the left looks very similar, just the numbers configuration is different

Of course I trust you. Your reputation is impeccable!

So???? !!! ???

[bodybump]

Hahahaha go go go steve!!!!! Transform that watch to a Daytona!!!!!

[Bisquitlips]

Originally Posted by bodybump

Hahahaha go go go steve!!!!! Transform that watch to a Daytona!!!!!

That is acceptable!!!!!!!!!

:c heers:

[eric23]

Nice photo's thanks for sharing.

[RossInIllinois]

In the right persons hands that watch can be made to look like it just left the Rolex factory. The watch on the right is a 1952 precision and was in worse condition then the one you have. Today it looks and runs like new.

[TempoKing]

Yeah...I will do it for you....I feel competent today
plus think of all the money I will make..
I will try to have it ready for Christmas...if not ...definately.. Valentines...

tempoking@yahoo.com