A Reluctant Post.

[DiverAsia]

Sorry for your loss. You have a beautiful time piece there and I am sure you will wear it with pride.

[grahamcoxon]

Thank you all for your kind comments.

[Kiwinz]

So Sorry to hear about Your loss, Gods Bless.

Awesome story and such a special watch.

[Chappo]

A wonderful story and a wonderful watch. Wear it in good health.

[oldbronco]

now you must keep it for your son or daughter.

[grahamcoxon]

I should answer the question that has been asked.

No, I'm not that Graham Coxon. But I'm older than him, so as far as I'm concerned I am the Graham Coxon!

[rocco1109]

Originally Posted by grahamcoxon

Thanks for the comments, I really appreciate them.

I know the watch was serviced on a couple of occasions and I think the strap may have been replaced in the mid nineties. If anyone an give me some info based on the pictures (service dial?) I'd be grateful.

Touching story. I'm sorry for your loss.

To answer your question re: the bracelet. There is a code stamped on the clasp in this picture (above Steelinox) http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1..._uk/watch4.jpg

Read that code and compare it to the bracelet code charts at oysterworld.de

That'll give you a feel for how old the bracelet is.

[grahamcoxon]

Thanks rocco, it's an M9 which confirms what I thought, the strap was changed around 88/89.

Does anyone know if the dial is original? I've no reason to suspect that its not, but I'd be interested to know.

[gregvisser]

Sorry for your loss. Real heart warming story. That watch is a true heirloom. Wear it in good health.

Greg

[turpe]

Originally Posted by grahamcoxon

I should answer the question that has been asked.

No, I'm not that Graham Coxon. But I'm older than him, so as far as I'm concerned I am the Graham Coxon!

Ah. It would have been somewhat awesome to say that I had chatted with that Graham Coxon about vintage watches - but you'll do, nonetheless. :wink:

Having lost my own father this summer, I can both empathise and sympathise with you. Although my Dad wasn't much of a watch guy, one thing he asked of me when I went back to the UK to say our goodbyes as the cancer took him was to see the vintage Rolex that I had bought myself several years ago.

He told me he had always wanted a nice watch, but had never gotten around to buying one for himself (he spent the money on a Jaguar instead - a decision which, I must admit, I can find no fault with).

The only physical possessions I took from his estate were a couple of photographs and one painting that he had on his wall.

However, the first thing I did with the financial element of my inheritance was buy myself a birth-year (which, for me, means 1978) 5513. I consider it to be 'the watch that my father left me' and I will keep it until the day that I die, at which point it shall be passed on to my sister, or her child if she has one.

[Andad]

Nice post.
Nice Subdate.
Your dad would have been proud to know you are wearing it.

[topcat30093]

What great & loving memories this 1680 must hold for you.

I can see the start of a family inheritance piece in the making. :)

My thoughts go out to you and your family.

[vintagewaferthin]

Very touching story. That is definatly a watch in which you will cherish forever.

[masterserg]

My condolences. What a great story!

[bondtoys]

My condolences, very touching story and gorgeous watch!

Please get the pin in the middle of the folding clasp checked, it seems 'too far out' to me.
It would be a shame loosing that watch.

[rocco1109]

Originally Posted by grahamcoxon

Thanks rocco, it's an M9 which confirms what I thought, the strap was changed around 88/89.

Does anyone know if the dial is original? I've no reason to suspect that its not, but I'd be interested to know.

Based on what I know, I think your dial is original.

[mjclark32]

My sincere condolences.

Thank you for posting your heart warming story

[grahamcoxon]

Originally Posted by bondtoys

Please get the pin in the middle of the folding clasp checked, it seems 'too far out' to me.
It would be a shame loosing that watch.

Well spotted Sir! I've just pushed it back in. I might just have missed a big upper cut thanks to your eagle eyes.

I've had the watch sized at the local AD and haven't taken it off since. The AD was very impressed with the overall condition and has ordered me a spring bar for the strap as they weren't 100% happy with one of them.

I'm going to wear it for the rest of the year then send it for a service in January.

I was looking at a new strap on ebay, still packaged. Is there any way to tell from the photo if it's genuine?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rolex-9315...item3a7abc35bc

Are there any questions I should be asking the seller?

Thanks in advance.

[swatty]

My condolences on your fathers passing, that's a beautiful watch you have inherited, so many memories, cherish it until you hand it down.

[Robbyvm]

if you're wearing it for some months before having it serviced (stay away from the RSC ! ) you might consider cleaning up your plexi with some polywatch... it is very easy, takes less than 5 minutes and the result is amazing, you will actually see the beauty of the dial afterwards
post some pics afterwards (if you decide to do this of course)



good luck with this magnificent watch !

[Robbyvm]

a beauty !!

[grahamcoxon]

Thanks Robby, I polished the plexi with brasso and it improved a lot. I've just ordered some Polywatch so that will hopefully make it even better.

Any tips on the best way to polish?

[Robbyvm]

polywatch does the same thing as Brasso...
circular movement, cotton wool and then buff it up with a soft cloth

[grahamcoxon]

Any thoughts on this strap?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rolex-9315...item3a7abc35bc

Good value? The real McCoy?

[rocco1109]

Originally Posted by grahamcoxon

Any thoughts on this strap?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rolex-9315...item3a7abc35bc

Good value? The real McCoy?

Impossible to tell from that picture. Why do you want a new bracelet? The one you have looks to be be in great condition. I have 3 vintage Rolexes and I wear them on bracelets that are 20-30 years old. No problem.

I even have an old folded link bracelet from 1972 that I wear frequently on my 1680.

The bracelet you have looks like its got another 20 years of life left in it.

[grahamcoxon]

I'm not a big fan of the strectch on the bracelet. I'm more used to modern pieces that haven't yet suffered!

When the watch gets serviced, do they address the strectch? If not, does anyone do this kind of thing?

I should probably get used to it, but I fancied a factory fresh strap.

[bondtoys]

Originally Posted by grahamcoxon

Well spotted Sir! I've just pushed it back in. I might just have missed a big upper cut thanks to your eagle eyes.

I am afraid, that simply pushing the pin back will not last long - it'll move out again.

You should show that tho a watchmaker, who'll kind of rivet it to get it secured.

[psv]

So sorry for your loss. Wear that watch with joy and pride!

[DrLindaPhD]

Graham

What a wonderful Rolex Obituary you composed for your Dad. I'm sure he is smiling down on you knowing that you both shared this special watch together. Though your Dad is no longer physically here, his memories are and they can live with you every minute and can bring your comfort.

My Dad served in the US Army during WWII and boy did he have stories. I'm obsessed with WWII history because of his stories and because he served. I'm sure your Dad had some great stories to tell as well.

Thank you for sharing your story and allowing all of us to know a little bit about Noble. Wear your Rolex with pride and some day you may pass it on as well. That's the beauty of Rolex. They just keep going and can be passed from generation to generation.

RIP Noble Ramsay Coxon (Your Dad)

[strafer_kid]

Very touching story - you will find that the 1680 will compliment your 216570 nicely. I also have both and it is nice to be able to alternate them. To your good health!