Inherited rolex

[foualier11]

Hi all,

I’ve been reading for a while, great content, very knowledgeable posters in here.

As per title, I inherited a rolex. Unfortunately, it is quite damaged. I would like to restore it. Is it doable or its too damaged and not worth it? Any suggestions for where to send it? I’m in Canada.

I know the strap is not original. Any good options? What was the original? Leather?

Finally, could someone be able to help me with model identification and year?

Thank you!

JM

[Nick9]

Interesting watch.

If you take the bracelet off, the serial number and reference (model) number are stamped between the lugs.

Others will chime in with more information about condition and originality. I think the dial has been redone in the past.

Throw away the bracelet; it is bad. This may have come with a Rolex bracelet but I think you will want it on a leather strap.

If you PM me or post your location in Canada, we can help find you a good local watchmaker to give you some options.

[VintageVagabound]

Others will add their input for sure but the dial does not appear authentic to me which makes the whole watch suspect. It also looks to be gold plated. What stands out most to me is the uneven and brightly colored “Swiss made” at 6:00.

[henrylee]

Doesn't look good, but that's me.

[janice&fred]

i'm not dismissing it as a fake or a redial just yet. rolex made many gold plated watches decades ago and that dial does appear to be the stamped version rather than applied marker version which also coincides with 50's to early 60's models. better pics are needed to properly identify what the OP has. .

[214270Explorer]

Originally Posted by VintageVagabound

What stands out most to me is the uneven and brightly colored “Swiss made” at 6:00.

It is easy to tell that this is clearly due to the light reflection. It is apparent in the crystal reflection and the adjoining indices also reflecting.

[freefly]

Watch looks fine.

[freefly]

Originally Posted by foualier11

Finally, could someone be able to help me with model identification and year?

Looks like a gold-capped 6332 from the 50's.
As mentioned above, the reference number and SN are located between the lugs, which will confirm.

[foualier11]

Very interesting. It does look like the 6332 but not quite. I’ll post more pics tomorrow. I do have the box too.

[crowncollection]

Looks 50’s to me, Alpha hands raised rolex many watches with disks like this and gold plated at that time


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[foualier11]

Hi all,

It seems like my watch is too damaged to see the serial or model number (see pictures). It also seem quite obvious that it is indeed plated. After some investigations, I found one watch that was sold on ebay. It is a vintage-1959-Rolex-Oyster-Perpetual-Semi-Bubble-Back-Watch-6332 according to the seller.

It shares the 40 and kb marking.

I'm wondering if it is worth restoring (new strap, new crystal and movement maintenance)?

Here are some pictures. Please tell me if more pics are needed.

Thanks to all!

[offrdmania]

The marks between the lugs are for gold plated, not gold capped. Most likely, the serial number will be stamped on the case back. The gold has worn off to expose the copper under-layer. They had to copper dip the cases for the gold to adhere since gold wont adhere directly to stainless.

The watch looks ok to me.

[Nick9]

Personally, I'd be first in line for a movement service, crystal and strap. The dial will look great. The case won't win any prizes for condition, someone wore it a lot!

From a pure financial standpoint, no question it should be brought back to life. Perhaps someone can suggest a watchmaker in Montreal?

Good luck.

[goldfixer21]

There is a Canadian company that can replate gold-plated watch cases. I have a Tudor case with them right now. Replateit.com

[joli160]

I would service it, buy a nice strap and see how it looks.
If not wearable than perhaps redo the case

[foualier11]

Excellent suggestions so far. What should I expect cost wise for service and crystal?

J-M

[Tools]

Only you can decide if this watch is "worth it" to restore.

It will likely cost more than it's value to have it re-plated and properly restored to very-good condition.

Restoring older models is part of the hobby/passion, and some have sentimental value. It may take some investigation to find a shop that will undertake the case damage.

[77T]

The cost could easily be $800US if Rolex parts can be found.

The mainspring and barrel may not be available but proper sized generics are possible option. You may also find yourself sourcing a working replacement movement in case the original is beyond hope. These contingencies would be costly.


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