OT: Watch appraisal

[daker13]

We have this Rolex watch that I'm supposed to get appraised. I know there are some watch fanatics here, any opinions on whether I should take it to the town jeweler, just put it up on eBay, etc.?

[oldpotatoe]

We have this Rolex watch that I'm supposed to get appraised. I know there are some watch fanatics here, any opinions on whether I should take it to the town jeweler, just put it up on eBay, etc.?

Reach out to JR59..he knows all, sees all...:)

[Schmed]

I'd spend some time and read up on it. I sold a Breitling Navitimer that my dad gave me and left about $1000 on the table because I didn't really know much about the watch.

A Rolex like that is a good one to sell on TimeZone, too.

I know a guy who did some plumbing work for a friend, and got an "old Rolex" in trade. Turns out, that "old Rolex" was a double-red SeaDweller. Worth a fortune. The owner had no idea.

[buddybikes]

Research it yourself, it is worth the fun. Of course value is only what one will pay. Also check out higher end auction houses that deal with such commodities.

Probably best here if you post some better pictures back side front etc

[tiretrax]

The movement and condition is very important. Need to get someone to look at it. From the tiny picture, it looks like a 40-50's watch worth roughly $1-4K, unless it's super rare and someone wants it badly (i.e. bidding war). Again, condition is important.

I had my grandfather's 1950's oyster fixed and crystal replaced. Best money ever spent. Cost around $250, and watch worth a few thousand but priceless to me.

Plumber story - wow.

[SoCalSteve]

Many Forums ( like this one ) on watches. Reach out to one of them with super high quality pictures. If the watch really does have some value, send it to Rolex in Beverly Hills and get it reconditioned. It will add greatly to the overall value.

Good luck!

[daker13]

Thanks all... The glass is a bit scratched up, will having the glass replaced negatively impact the re-sale value, in the eyes of some collectors? Seems like that's sometimes the case.

A couple more pics, for anyone interested.

[alancw3]

several years ago i was looking for a rolex lady presidential for my daughter. a once in a lifetime present from me for a great daughter that was turning forty. at the time i remembered that socalsteve had been into watches years prior. so i asked him before i bought. he saved me from a huge mistake and steered me towards a genuine rolex. basically a rolex watch consists of five components: body, face, bezel, bracelet and crystal. there are so many watches out there that do not have all of those components being original rolex. dealers substitute other components along the way to increase profits. the buyer confirmed to me by an independent jeweler that all five components were indeed genuine rolex. the watch may not have looked as spectacular as some of the dealer watches with substitute diamond bezels but i am confident that the watch will always be worth what i paid for it. if you do not have the providence for the watch then i think it would probably be worth it to have appraised by a jeweler that is familiar with rolex watches. if nothing else he will give you an idea of what the watch is really worth. i do not think that someone is going to pay you top dollar for the watch w/o proper documentation. i did my transaction on ebay without any problems.

[Ken Robb]

I know almost nothing about Rolex watches but as Steve said there are specialists who can make one look brand new. I wonder if watch collectors are getting to be like car collectors where they prefer original as-found condition more than fully restored. I'm sure both cars and watches have to running so the question is probably whether to do a cosmetic restoration or leave the patina of use.

[JasonF]

Echo what Steve says....maybe register at rolexforums.com and I'm sure you'll get a lot of feedback. I would hold off on doing any servicing until you get a good appraisal or excellent feedback. Collectors pay for patina.

[SoCalSteve]

several years ago i was looking for a rolex lady presidential for my daughter. a once in a lifetime present from me for a great daughter that was turning forty. at the time i remembered that socalsteve had been into watches years prior. so i asked him before i bought. he saved me from a huge mistake and steered me towards a genuine rolex. basically a rolex watch consists of five components: body, face, bezel, bracelet and crystal. there are so many watches out there that do not have all of those components being original rolex. dealers substitute other components along the way to increase profits. the buyer confirmed to me by an independent jeweler that all five components were indeed genuine rolex. the watch may not have looked as spectacular as some of the dealer watches with substitute diamond bezels but i am confident that the watch will always be worth what i paid for it. if you do not have the providence for the watch then i think it would probably be worth it to have appraised by a jewel that is familiar with rolex watches. if nothing else he will give you an idea of what the watch is really worth. i do not think that someone is going to pay you top dollar for the watch w/o proper documentation. i did my transaction on ebay without any problems.

Rolex will not work on any watch that is not 100% Rolex. Having them do the work-recondition the watch, will bring the value of the watch up a great deal.

That being said, they are not cheap. In fact, they are REALLY expensive. Hence, that is why I said to see if the watch has any real value before you dump a bunch of money into it.

Could be a great investment or ??? Ask the experts.

[FlashUNC]

I know almost nothing about Rolex watches but as Steve said there are specialists who can make one look brand new. I wonder if watch collectors are getting to be like car collectors where they prefer original as-found condition more than fully restored. I'm sure both cars and watches have to running so the question is probably whether to do a cosmetic restoration or leave the patina of use.

Yes, patina can absolutely matter. Sending this back to Rolex for a repair/restoration could destroy whatever value may exist in the watch.

[SoCalSteve]

Yes, patina can absolutely matter. Sending this back to Rolex for a repair/restoration could destroy whatever value may exist in the watch.

Wow! I had NO idea! I am soooo sorry for giving mis-information. But, at least Rolex would tell you if the watch is 100% authentic and could recondition the movement.

Again, my apologizes!!!

[superbowlpats]

I'll give you $50 for it so you don't have to go through all the trouble of appraisal etc ;)

[huck*this]

Going to take a stab at it but I think its a 1953?? Ref. 6056 Cal. 710 movt.

I believe the glass is actually acrylic not glass. Also the rivet bracelet is a nice touch if all links are included. By not looking at it closer and knowing if it is working, serviced, if it winds. I would say around $1500.00

[daker13]

Hmm, I'm starting to feel like the guy in Kafka's The Castle, the more he learns about the castle, the farther he gets from actually getting inside... but I do really appreciate everyone's help here. It works, it winds, the wristband is also marked Rolex and it's for someone with VERY small wrists. Says 'steel'-something on the clasp.

[CSBArizona]

It does look like a late 40s / early 50's Speedking. They are cool watches and have a neat history as being the Rolex "POW" watches sent to Allied prisoners during the war in exchange for payment to come after they were eventually released. I have a 1945 that I used to use as my daily watch. It still runs great after 70 years.

They came with all sorts of different faces, so it is hard to pin down the year without looking at the serial number. I think that the number can be found on the case between the strap posts.

[Dired]

Rolex will provide regular service for about $600. You may want to reach out to them directly, the quote is free. At worst, you'll have a diagnosis.

[Tickdoc]

Cool watch.

I used to know, back when I did watches more. My guess is 800 to 1200 value. If it runs decent I wouldn't clean up any more than going over it with alcohol wipes/q-tips. The crystal is plexi and will polish nicely with just toothpaste.

Full overhaul would be nearly as much as the worth, but it can be serviced easily and will run forever...kinda like campy ;-)

[Cat3roadracer]

Rolex will provide regular service for about $600. You may want to reach out to them directly, the quote is free. At worst, you'll have a diagnosis.

I recently paid $700 for a routine seven year service, with return shipping, insurance, tax, the total was $809.46.

When you send the watch in you will be given the option to proceed with the service. If you decline a complete overhaul, they will still charge you $53.46 for the insured returned shipping.

I'd recommend finding a local repair shop, have the movement overhauled and the case pressure tested. It will then be usable without investing a ton of cash.

Good luck.

[Dired]

I recently paid $700 for a routine seven year service, with return shipping, insurance, tax, the total was $809.46.

When you send the watch in you will be given the option to proceed with the service. If you decline a complete overhaul, they will still charge you $53.46 for the insured returned shipping.

I'd recommend finding a local repair shop, have the movement overhauled and the case pressure tested. It will then be usable without investing a ton of cash.

Good luck.

Indeed, the overhead shipping and insurance will set you back, but if you can walk the watch over to 665 5th Avenue, the quote is going to be free.

[daker13]

As near as I can tell, the serial number is 849725, which (if I'm getting this right) probably means it was manufactured in 1952. I'll register on the Rolex forums and see what they think, but I'm inclined to sell it as is. Thanks for the input!

[alancw3]

Yes, patina can absolutely matter. Sending this back to Rolex for a repair/restoration could destroy whatever value may exist in the watch.

i am not a watch person but that being said i would disagree completely with this statement based on what i know about antiques and high end items. i cannot help but think that having a rebuild invoice from the factory, rolex. could not do anything but add value to the watch. not saying that in doing a rebuild will add enough value to justify the cost from rolex.

[fuzzalow]

Indeed, the overhead shipping and insurance will set you back, but if you can walk the watch over to 665 5th Avenue, the quote is going to be free.

I'm chiming in because I have also used the Rolex factory service center on 5th & 53rd. Dropping a watch off /shipping to Rolex will take a little while to get done. But if you value the watch my preference would be to get it overhauled by Rolex, especially if it is an older watch which outside of standard stuff like the gaskets, a regular jeweler may not have the parts. Heck, that's the danger with Rolex too though, they may not have a crystal/cyclops that matches the exact profile of the old 1950's watch crystal contours.

I recently paid $700 for a routine seven year service, with return shipping, insurance, tax, the total was $809.46.

When you send the watch in you will be given the option to proceed with the service. If you decline a complete overhaul, they will still charge you $53.46 for the insured returned shipping.

I'd recommend finding a local repair shop, have the movement overhauled and the case pressure tested. It will then be usable without investing a ton of cash.

Good luck.

Yeah, not cheap.

BTW, I know a little about vintage guitars and nothing about vintage watches but I don't think patina is valued for a vintage watch unless it ties into a celebrity-owned item, say from scratches on James Dean's watch from him working in the engine compartment of his bathtub Porsche ;). But like the owner of any vintage item, it is always left to the owners desire as to how much to restore versus leave-it-alone. If you just want to sell it, sell it as-is and let the new owner decide for himself how much to bring back.

On a vintage guitar, yeah you kill the value should the instrument be refinished.

[thirdgenbird]

i am not a watch person but that being said i would disagree completely with this statement based on what i know about antiques and high end items. i cannot help but think that having a rebuild invoice from the factory, rolex. could not do anything but add value to the watch. not saying that in doing a rebuild will add enough value to justify the cost from rolex.

The right patina can add considerable value to a watch. It is the whole reason some are desirable to begin with. If I were buying it, I would want the movement serviced and new gaskets, nothing more. If I want a perfect watch, I will buy a new one. If I want a vintage timepiece, I want the story that comes with it.

[Don49]

I would suggest asking about your watch on the Rolex forum at watchuseek:http://forums.watchuseek.com/f23/

I have a Rolex red Submariner that I bought new when I got my first real job. Over the years it became too valuable for daily wear and too expensive to service, so I leave it in the safe and wear a Vostok, Glycine, or Orient.

[FlashUNC]

i am not a watch person but that being said i would disagree completely with this statement based on what i know about antiques and high end items. i cannot help but think that having a rebuild invoice from the factory, rolex. could not do anything but add value to the watch. not saying that in doing a rebuild will add enough value to justify the cost from rolex.

The right patina can add considerable value to a watch. It is the whole reason some are desirable to begin with. If I were buying it, I would want the movement serviced and new gaskets, nothing more. If I want a perfect watch, I will buy a new one. If I want a vintage timepiece, I want the story that comes with it.

I've seen vintage Omega Speedmasters ruined by the Omega team at the factory, pieces with decades of patina on non-functional parts replaced because taking it back to new OEM spec "looks better" by the logic of the factory repair center, which destroys the value of why someone bought the vintage watch in the first place.

To third gen's point, there's a world of difference between functional but period correct with wear, and replacing parts with modern equipment for no reason other than to give some tech in the shop some practice. Bright and shiny ain't always the right answer. Same with car collecting. At a certain point, original condition takes precedence over everything else.

[thirdgenbird]

If/when I buy a speedmaster, it won't have a replacement dial.

[choke]

I agree with those that say leave the patina. Just like I wouldn't want to purchase a vintage bike that had been repainted, I wouldn't want a vintage watch that has had parts replaced, unless they are absolutely necessary to make it function again. Let the new owner decide if it goes in for service.

If the crystal is plexiglass you can remove scratches with Brasso.

[jwalther]

http://www.vintagerolexforum.com/

Far and away the best resource on the subject.

[summilux]

You might try emailing John at Farfo watches. He does repair, restoration and does buy and sell used watches. No affiliation other than good experiences with him.

www.farfo.com

[Tickdoc]

I've seen vintage Omega Speedmasters ruined by the Omega team at the factory, pieces with decades of patina on non-functional parts replaced because taking it back to new OEM spec "looks better" by the logic of the factory repair center, which destroys the value of why someone bought the vintage watch in the first place.

To third gen's point, there's a world of difference between functional but period correct with wear, and replacing parts with modern equipment for no reason other than to give some tech in the shop some practice. Bright and shiny ain't always the right answer. Same with car collecting. At a certain point, original condition takes precedence over everything else.

funny you say that because I have a '68 pre-moon that is in need of service and I won't have it done because I don't want the hands jacked up or replaced with new one's.

It still keeps good time, but a large part of it's value is thew charm of the patina to the dial and hands (despite it's rarity)

Loves me some spedmasters.

[oldpotatoe]

I would suggest asking about your watch on the Rolex forum at watchuseek:http://forums.watchuseek.com/f23/

I have a Rolex red Submariner that I bought new when I got my first real job. Over the years it became too valuable for daily wear and too expensive to service, so I leave it in the safe and wear a Vostok, Glycine, or Orient.

I wear my 1978 GMT Master every day, expensive or not(don't wear it riding tho). A very knowledgable watch guy here said service it when it needs to be serviced(something wrong with it). No need to regularly 'tune' it if it's working well.

IMHO, of course.

[Likes2ridefar]

I walked in a 50s Tudor watch at the Rolex on fifth avenue and they checked it on the spot and sadly said it was too old and they didn't have the required parts to work on it. I got a nice green velvet Rolex pouch for my troubles.

If it were my watch, I'd find a local dealer that works with Rolex and have them check the movement to make sure it's legit and have it serviced then just enjoy it or sell it on time zone or the Rolex forum or the vintage Rolex forum.

You'd probably get the best advice asking on the vintage Rolex forum both in what to do and to sell it.

[tiretrax]

At one point, refinishing was considered ok. The thought on all antiques now is that the patina adds to the value. Having it serviced is fine, refinished (including polishing) is not fine.

Crown and Caliber has a series of YouTube videos. I recently saw one with the VP of Christie's auction house. Search for it and see what he has to say about patina.

The rivet band looks original and adds a lot of value.

[thirdgenbird]

I walked in a 50s Tudor watch at the Rolex on fifth avenue and they checked it on the spot and sadly said it was too old and they didn't have the required parts to work on it. I got a nice green velvet Rolex pouch for my troubles.

nice, oyster prince? what dial? I really like some of these.

[Likes2ridefar]

nice, oyster prince? what dial? I really like some of these.

a tudor oysterdate 36mm with jubilee. it had a linen/silverish dial with lots of patina. i cant find any photos right now. I ended up selling it because I couldnt get it fixed for a reasonable $.

[jr59]

Rolex is not going to fix/restore a watch this old. You probably need to find someone local to check it out


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