Can anyone help with an old Rolex?

Demontec · 13 May 2009 at 21:02

Hey guys,

This used to be owned by my grandfather and was passed down to me through my parents and onto me.

The serial number is 846590 which I think indicates it was made between 1952 & 1953? The reference number is 6098 and it is a Rolex Super Oyster Perpetual. I am not 100% that's where the super word goes but hey ho.

It has not been serviced for at least 10 years and I doubt very much if my grandad serviced it when he wore it on a daily basis. It is one of the watches that poweres itself from movement so it has ben sat in a drawer not ticking. It kicks in though when I pick it up and shake it.

The watch is not in great condition but obviously means a lot to me. I would like to have it serviced and maybe even restored? Does anyone know the sort of cost for this?

Also does anyone know of an estimated value for it? Just so I know ifI need to have it listed seperately on my insurance.

A pic. sorry for the poor detail:

Any help, suggestions of where to get it serviced, and estimated costs would be greatly appreciated.

howsertrading · 13 May 2009 at 21:54

You are best off posting this on the forum

http://www.newturfers.com/

These guys really know their stuff, they will be able to give you a rough value and advise you on servicing.

I am having a quick browse for you now, and I believe that watch could be quite rare.

Demontec · 13 May 2009 at 22:31

Thanks,

Have posted this there now. Hopefully they can also be as helpful as you.

Greebo · 13 May 2009 at 22:37

Nice watch but no "super" in it.

Depening on exact age and movement, good condition ones make £3500 to £5000

gumbald · 13 May 2009 at 22:38

I like that, I'm not one for leather straps.

Demontec · 13 May 2009 at 22:43

Greebo said:
Nice watch but no "super" in it.

Depening on exact age and movement, good condition ones make £3500 to £5000

cool. Better list it seperately on the insurance then.

On the face it doesn't mention super but on the little circle thing (hehe, the thing you twist to change the time) it has Super Oyster written on it.

Greenlizard0 · 13 May 2009 at 22:46

Wow, I hadn't realised they had perpetual motion watches in the 50's. I honestly though Seiko were the first to do it, or did they just have the loudest advertising campaign?

Rotty · 13 May 2009 at 22:47

the "Super" is from the "super oyster" case design using gaskets to waterproof the crown

I would say about £200 for a service and case polish

Not sure where Greebo got his valuation from but after a service I would value it at around £1000

Demontec · 13 May 2009 at 22:49

Rotty said:
the "Super" is from the "super oyster" case design using gaskets to waterproof the crown

I would say about £200 for a service and case polish

Not sure where Greebo got his valuation from but after a service I would value it at around £1000

Oh ok, I think I need to list out anything seperate over £500 so will list it to be safe.

£200

for a service. ouch. That's more than it costs to service my car dammit!

Rotty · 13 May 2009 at 22:53

200 quid would be at an independent too, Rolex don't tend to touch stuff over 30yrs old

Try Chris Heal for a service quote

you could also contact James Dowling for more info, he knows more about Rolex than almost anyone in the world

Demontec · 13 May 2009 at 22:59

Rotty said:
200 quid would be at an independent too, Rolex don;t tend to touch stuff over 30yrs old

Try Chris Heal for a service quote

you could also contact James Dowling for more info, the nows more about Rolex than almost anyone in the world

I will google those names tomorrow and get some quotes. Thanks for the help.

Demontec · 14 May 2009 at 15:34

I have had a reply on the forum that was recommended and it sort of ties in with Greebo's valuation. But then again I know that Rotty is the OCUK watch guru so unsure who to believe. The post was this one:

Start of post

Hi,

Welcome to TURF!

That's a great heirloom you have there and looks in fairly reasonable shape.

I'm no vintage expert but what you have there is the precursor to the Explorer, made before the Everest climb in 1953 that made these watches famous, so is an important watch in Rolex history.

The Super Oyster refers to the crown (may be marked as such) - this system was only used for a year due to poor water-resistance.

A similar watch sold for £3750 GBP in 2007.

Not knowing where you are located makes it difficult to give a suggestion as to servicing etc but, without doubt, you should get it done, cherish it and hand it down to future generations as it has been handed down to you.

End of post

Rotty or anyone else do you know of a good independant around the Woking/Guildford area that could potentially do the service and provide me with more info on the watch?

Greebo · 14 May 2009 at 16:03

Rotty said:
the "Super" is from the "super oyster" case design using gaskets to waterproof the crown

I would say about £200 for a service and case polish

Not sure where Greebo got his valuation from but after a service I would value it at around £1000

I based it on 3 simliar watches for sale or sold in recent years by searching the internet. Always best to get a proper valuation but the early 50's models are more valuable than the later years when they moved the crown to the 12 o'clock position. I think there were two different types of movement used in the early 50's and one is rarer than the other which has a bearing on value as well.

Perhaps you just fancied snapping it cheap Rotty