Rolex Oyster Perpetual inherited - What exact model

[320Driver]

Hi guys,

I inherited this nice watch from my father, but I don`t know anything about it, cant even find references about what year it would be online. Seems to be very old judging from the face. Anyone here who can tell me a bit about it?

Thank you!

[Tools]

Probably a 1601 from the mid to late 50's.

36mm case, Datejust Two Tone (bi-metal) missing the original Jubilee bracelet, although they did sell them on straps. There should be most of the information you need on the Guaranty Certificate in the photo if it is the original.

The numbers are on the side of the case under the strap, and inside the case-back.

[320Driver]

Thanks for the info! I was googling pictures for a 1601, but none have the special type of diamond shaped indicators on the face for the hours. I do find some if I google 6605 though. What are the differences between these two? And can I find out for sure if I open the case?

[Dan S]

Look between the lugs at 12 for the reference number and the lugs at 6 for the serial number. Remove the strap. The warranty document might also provide information if you show photos of it.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by 320Driver

Thanks for the info! I was googling pictures for a 1601, but none have the special type of diamond shaped indicators on the face for the hours. I do find some if I google 6605 though. What are the differences between these two? And can I find out for sure if I open the case?

Sure, it could be a 6605, which were only made for a couple of years in the mid 50's. Inside the case you would see a 1065 movement.

This is why we say to check the numbers.. there is seldom a need to guess.

I'm going to guess and say that the Guaranty Cert you show in the photo must not belong to this watch?

[drockadam]

Gorgeous DJ!

[Dr.Smellody]

Beautiful DATEJUST inheritance.

[offrdmania]

Originally Posted by Tools

Sure, it could be a 6605, which were only made for a couple of years in the mid 50's. Inside the case you would see a 1065 movement.

This is why we say to check the numbers.. there is seldom a need to guess.

I'm going to guess and say that the Guaranty Cert you show in the photo must not belong to this watch?

That guarantee cert is a much later style and doesnt match the age of the dial and hands which would be late 50s-early 60s. I think back then the guarantee was on a post card and not a folded cert. That owners manual is much later too, 80s if I recall with the shell on it.

[WiseRat]

I'm thinking this is a refinished dial. Look at how the applied indices at 6 and 7 o'clock are misaligned with the minute hash marks. The font "OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED" looks suspect too. And as others already pointed out, that citification is a much later style. Can you check the serial number between the lugs?

[Kingface66]

The fonts look off (as does the 6 o’clock marker!) I agree w WiseRat that the dial is refinished, and with Matt about the paper and booklet. Also, the inner and outer box are much later versions.

[Richard Carver]

What a stunning old survivor. :) The dial has been repainted at some point in it's long history. The font isn't quite right and the lack of lume from the factory would be highly unusual for that era.

The noob collectors of today will say eweee! a redial how icky, it must be replaced with an original dial immediately thereby destroying an actual original vintage Rolex as it has survived it's many years.

This old soldier reeks of the elegance of its long life, that gorgeous old repaint is part of its history. This is how it's come to you, this is original. Don't let someone who doesn't really grasp the meaning of vintage convince you to ruin a watch that is almost the definition of vintage.

[Dan S]

Yes, the dial is obviously repainted. I didn't think the OP was asking about that. The question seemed to be more related to the reference and production date.

[alwayshere]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Yes, the dial is obviously repainted. I didn't think the OP was asking about that. The question seemed to be more related to the reference and production date.

he didn't ask it explicitly but all those other information are also relevant.

You got a refinished dial Rolex watch with mismatched box and papers. Thats something I would want to know if I inherited it as value isn't quite the same as all original dial with matching box and papers, is it?

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by alwayshere

he didn't ask it explicitly but all those other information are also relevant.

You got a refinished dial Rolex watch with mismatched box and papers. Thats something I would want to know if I inherited it as value isn't quite the same as all original dial with matching box and papers, is it?

Personally, yes I would want to know. But I don’t necessarily want to be the person who bursts someone else’s bubble. Still it’s a collectors forum, and when you post a watch you’re likely to get comprehensive information.

[alwayshere]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Personally, yes I would want to know. But I don’t necessarily want to be the person who bursts someone else’s bubble. Still it’s a collectors forum, and when you post a watch you’re likely to get comprehensive information.

Think people come to this forum to learn about their watches. It can sometimes not be for the faint hearted haha

[offrdmania]

Not sure if the OP is coming back

[320Driver]

Hi, the OP is back :) Thanks so much to all for all the infos on the watch. I really do appreciate any and all information on it. As I inherited multiple Rolex watches, I will have to check and see where the box, certificate and manual belongs to then. I found watches and boxes/manuals separately and just figured these two belong together because of the "Oyster Perpetual" on the box and manual.

Here some more pics of the watch and a pic of the certificate. Can you tell by the numbers about what kind of watch this should belong to?

[baumare]

The certificate is for a reference 16013 from 1978/79

Screen Shot 2021-01-12 at 9.41.18 AM.jpg

Probably something like this

Attachment 1196689

[Dan S]

@baumare's photo doesn't show up for me, but I assume he is showing a two-tone Datejust. Clearly the OP watch would not have warranty papers dated 1980.

[Nickn]

I would guess 6605

[320Driver]

Originally Posted by baumare

The certificate is for a reference 16013 from 1978/79

Attachment 1196688

Probably something like this

Attachment 1196689

Ah, thanks. That narrows it down quite a bit. I just googled the Ref 16013 and know now how the matching watch should look like. Lets see if I find it :)

[320Driver]

Originally Posted by Nickn

I would guess 6605

Thanks Nick. You are actually right. Just took pics of the top and bottom of the watch: Ref is 6605 and Serial is 241338


Also: A closer look into the manual shows me that it has to be 1975 or a bit newer, so it might mach the certificate Ref 16013 if that is 78/79.

[320Driver]

Originally Posted by Richard Carver

What a stunning old survivor. :) The dial has been repainted at some point in it's long history. The font isn't quite right and the lack of lume from the factory would be highly unusual for that era.

The noob collectors of today will say eweee! a redial how icky, it must be replaced with an original dial immediately thereby destroying an actual original vintage Rolex as it has survived it's many years.

This old soldier reeks of the elegance of its long life, that gorgeous old repaint is part of its history. This is how it's come to you, this is original. Don't let someone who doesn't really grasp the meaning of vintage convince you to ruin a watch that is almost the definition of vintage.

Thanks Richard. I am glad to have gotten this beautiful vintage watch. It is just one of a whole collection I inherited, but the others are a bit newer and easier to track down. My favorite of them being the vintage all gold Submariner nipple dial I inherited. It will need to be polished since it does have some signs of wear, but it`s also a beauty. I heard something about an alternate way of cleaning up these gold watches instead of polishing "rolieren" they call it in Germany. Any advice on what would be best to get this Baby up to new beauty?

Thanks and thanks all others who are helping out. This forum is awesome

[Slimpee]

Originally Posted by 320Driver

Thanks Richard. I am glad to have gotten this beautiful vintage watch. It is just one of a whole collection I inherited, but the others are a bit newer and easier to track down. My favorite of them being the vintage all gold Submariner nipple dial I inherited. It will need to be polished since it does have some signs of wear, but it`s also a beauty. I heard something about an alternate way of cleaning up these gold watches instead of polishing "rolieren" they call it in Germany. Any advice on what would be best to get this Baby up to new beauty?

Thanks and thanks all others who are helping out. This forum is awesome

Man, that is a beauty! Wear in good health!

Many collectors do not want any polishing but i'm sure you'll hear various opinions here.

Can you share some photos of everything you inherited?

[Dr.Smellody]

Originally Posted by 320Driver

Thanks Richard. I am glad to have gotten this beautiful vintage watch. It is just one of a whole collection I inherited, but the others are a bit newer and easier to track down. My favorite of them being the vintage all gold Submariner nipple dial I inherited. It will need to be polished since it does have some signs of wear, but it`s also a beauty. I heard something about an alternate way of cleaning up these gold watches instead of polishing "rolieren" they call it in Germany. Any advice on what would be best to get this Baby up to new beauty?

Thanks and thanks all others who are helping out. This forum is awesome

Wow!! Huge congratulations on the SUBMARINER!

[Tom1675]

Don't polish that SUB!!!! It appears to have been polished already.

If it runs and keeps good time after giving it a wind or wearing it for a bit, its good to go.

[Bort]

Congratulations on the beautiful Submariner!
It looks too nice to polish-you can always get the movement serviced if needed.

[320Driver]

Thanks guys! I really love this Submariner. It`s quite a few watches I inherited all together, I believe 5 or 6 Rolex, but I didn't get to taking pics of them all yet. Also a steel Submariner and Steel-gold Submariner.

But I really do want to get the gold Submariner into a nicer condition, since I also want to wear it. So if it has been polished before, any other recommendations on how to get the fine scratches out? It does have quite a few fine scratches all around. Here are some better detail pics.

[Dan S]

If you have it refinished/polished, it will just pick up scratches again very quickly. It's a gold sport watch. Gold is soft. Personally I wouldn't do anything to it.

[Dr.Smellody]

I'd make sure it has been serviced and get it serviced if not. There are many reputable folks mentioned on this forum. Personally, I would not have the case/bracelet polished. Enjoy it as it is for what it is. Every time it is polished a little bit of gold is lost.