Identify this old Rolex Oyster Perpetual - my grandfather's

[darkburial]

Dear Rolex experts,

My dad is 63 and I discovered that he has an old, broken Rolex that he received from his father (ie my grandfather).

I thought it would be a fun experiment to get it fixed up and maybe give it to my dad if he wants it, or if not, claim it as my own. I began googling and unfortunately, it all does sound very expensive and I'm a bit unsure whether I should undertake this journey.

I was wondering if you guys could help me to 1) identify the watch model, 2) give an opinion if it's worth repairing, and 3) an estimation of its worth?

Some facts:
- When i shake it, I can hear loose parts inside the casing move around.
- Apparently, it has water damage
- No more guarantee cards/documentations are all lost.

I don't know how to remove the strap to expose the 6pm lug, sorry.

First post here, hoping for some replies

[Tools]

You can find values all over the Internet.

The bracelet comes off with a toothpick.

[kieselguhr]

Welcome to TRF

Up to you to decide if it’s worth sending in a family heirloom for service. I did and if I could turn back time I would do it again.

Good luck with your decision.

[vicsdca]

If it was never relumed, the lume dots are in good condition for its age (usually a good sign on a vintage piece like this one), so is the rest of the dial and hands. The case and bracelet don't look too bad either. From the pictures you sent, I see no sign of water damage.
Why not take it to a cw21 certified Rolex watchmaker? This way you'll get an estimate for the repair.

As is you can probably sell it for as much as $1,500 on eBay. A service by an independent watchmaker should cost you about $500 if there's no major damage to the movement.

[kidneymd]

You have an Oyster Perpetual Date, likely reference 1500 or 15000. I have a similar watch but with silver dial. You’re probably looking at close to $1k to get it serviced at RSC, maybe less with an independent watchmaker. You can look on the vintage forums for recommendations. Most people here will say do not get it polished or change the dial/hands.


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[Thuilln]

Service the movement and give it to your father. It is a nice watch that still has a lot of charm.

[jatco]

Absolutely get it serviced, and keep it original. Looks like its in pretty good condition.
Once done, you and your Dad will be in awe.

[tkc324]

I would get it serviced and give it to your dad. Cost of repair and service will be couple hundred at least. It cost way more if you send it to Rolex service center. There are many independent watch makers that can fix this watch, so look around. Ask for recommendation if you can’t find any one local. Good luck

[joli160]

Nice watch, looks untouched, I would restore it.
Try at an RSC and hear what estimate for repairs they give you. With a rattling sound when you shake going to be expensive.
You can always decide later

[darkburial]

Brilliant, thanks everyone. Feeling very positive about this and I think we'll try to get it fixed up and reusable again.

[Wimbledon]

Very nice looking watch man...I like it.

[Casey VP-26]

Nice Watch, Keep it.

[Dave455]

Just to add to the other comments,

Yes, it’s an Oyster Perpetual Date, a timeless classic that’s great to wear everyday.

You mentioned ‘loose parts’. This watch has a moving rotor inside that rotates during daily wear to maintain the mainspring tension. Could this be what you can hear? If the watch hasn’t been serviced in a while, they can sound a bit rough.

You say that apparently it has water damage. It could have, but most water damaged watches have some sign, such as condensation inside, or a discoloured dial. And these are pretty waterproof watches. Even without having the seals renewed, it’s not going to get damaged in the rain or anything! I note the cyclops (lens over the date) is misaligned though, so I wonder if the Crystal has been removed at some point?

The choice for servicing comes down to three options -

1) Take it to your local watchmaker. Most like servicing Rolex watches as they’re good quality but straightforward to work on. This is probably fine if you just need a re lube, but for anything more I wouldn’t trust a non specialist with a Rolex. If it needs parts they may substitute anything, and I wouldn’t want to do that.

2) Go to an independent Rolex specialist. This will be more expensive than 1, but cheaper than sending it to Rolex. They will do exactly as you ask, which will probably include a case polish. I’m not in your area so can’t advise one, but some folks here can probably give you names if you ask.

3) Send it to Rolex. This is the most costly option, but anything that needs replacing will be replaced with new Rolex parts, the case and bracelet will be polished to look like new, and the whole thing will be returned to new condition.

Personally, if it was my Grandfathers watch, I’d go with option 3. Although you feel the cost when it occurs, it’s soon forgotten when you have a restored classic to wear, and the value of any Rolex is only going one way! There may also come a time when Rolex don’t have the parts left, so I’d get it done while I can!

The value? To me a family heirloom would always have more value than a figure. Imagine how pleased your Grandfather would be to know that an item he probably saved for and cherished is being looked after and prized by his grandson! That can only be priceless!

[abozz]

Absolutly! Get it service

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[TopDog2315]

Nice watch!

I would send it for service at the RSC - get it back and enjoy for many more years!

[Rori]

Get it serviced. Did you try to wind the watch?

[BisonHead]

Lovely watch and great back story. You should defiantly get it serviced as funds allow. Maybe look at one of the trusted Independents to service it.

[ronricks]

I would actually send it to a RSC and tell them not to replace the dial or hands. They will likely service the movement, put a new crown and new crystal on. I would ask for a light polish. Watch will look and act brand new.

[jatco]

Originally Posted by BisonHead

Lovely watch and great back story. You should defiantly get it serviced as funds allow. Maybe look at one of the trusted Independents to service it.

.....one of the trusted people on This Forum. I can think of 2 off the top of my head..

[Rags]

Without a doubt get it serviced and have the bracelet refinished it will come back looking beautiful and your dad will love it.

[darkburial]

Just an update - i brought it to my local RSC yesterday. Its been identified as a O.P. Date 15000, the serial number dates it to 1984 (ie 36 years old). They're currently giving an assessment as to the cost. Apart from the general condition of the watch which everyone here can see, they mentioned two things that didn't sit well with me:

There is no more spare parts for this dial, and there is a risk that they may crack the dial, something to do about checking the mechanism (i didn't quite understand this part).

They way I see it, the RSC is pretty much gold-standard in watch-servicing - so if they say there's a risk of cracking the dial I dont know where else can guarantee that there wouldn't be.

In any case, I will update as to the cost and the after-servicing picture - they said they'll get back in 1-2 weeks with a quotation. How exciting!!

[joli160]

They have to remove the movement to service it. If the dial sticks to the case there might be a slight chance that some paint will break off around the edge.

Certainly not cracking the dial in two pieces.

[Roddypeepa]

Having read this enjoyable thread I then searched up date 15000s on Chrono24. To my great surprise, I came across a Minnie Mouse dialled version and then a few hits down a Donald Duck. What the heck? Who’s doing this and why would anyone want one? I had a Mickey watch when I was about 5 and hated it by 7.


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[darkburial]

Update. Thought I had to wait 1-2 weeks but RSC contacted me today with their quotation, such efficiency

To my immense shock I was quoted USD 2165. That's way over budget and frankly I could probably get another watch at that price... See attached for the quotation breakdown.

Something called the "Case Middle Part", together with the "Case Back Part" costs USD 1.16k. I wasn't sure entirely about what those were and called RSC to explain it to me, which they did and also sent a picture. I asked what would happen if I didn't replace that part and they said:

1) The watch would not be 100% waterproof, so I can't swim in it, bathe in it, and if i wash my hands I would have to be very careful too.
2) However, sweating is fine.

They have sent me a revised quotation, with the replacement of the case parts NOT included. I will be going through with that.

They however, left a Remark: The case and back of your watch is corroded/worn. We cannot ensure the water tightness of your watch.
It is essential to have them replaced for for water tightness.

I feel like I am making a calculated decision (I doubt I would ever fix it up in full because I can pretty much top up another few grand and get a new Rolex). Also, not 100% waterproof is fine. I won't be doing anything water-related with this watch anyway.

Can I check with the community if I am missing any gaps in my knowledge? Is this "middle case" part crucial for....something?

Also if anyone is willing, can you point it out to me (in my screenshot) which part exactly is the "case middle part".

[Alcan]

Its the actual case without the bezel or case back. In your case (no pun intended) there is some corrosion of the case and case back mating surfaces where the O ring seal seats.

From Rolex's website:

SOLID MIDDLE CASE

The Oyster’s middle case (the central section of the case) is stamped and machined out of a solid block of Oystersteel, 18 ct gold or platinum. It is extremely robust and forms the backbone to which all the other parts of the case are securely fitted. Certain Professional models feature a crown guard on the side – these shoulders are stamped as an integral part of the middle case.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by darkburial

. . .We cannot ensure the water tightness of your watch.
It is essential to have them replaced for for water tightness.

I feel like I am making a calculated decision (I doubt I would ever fix it up in full because I can pretty much top up another few grand and get a new Rolex). Also, not 100% waterproof is fine. I won't be doing anything water-related with this watch anyway.

. . .

Middle case is the actual watch case. In watch speak, casing the movement includes the back, crystal, seals and such, along with the "middle case"

Go ahead and have done what you want. The corrosion in the o-ring area of the case and the case back can be neutralized and filled, then re-machined flat. There are a few independents who can to this to save original cases, Rolex does not - they replace.

Your watch is unlikely to leak like a sieve and would likely make a great every day wear. You didn't really want to take it in swimming with you anyway, did you?

[doogan]

I sent my Oysterdate to Christian at watchguy.co.uk. He does a service for £150 (in your case you'll need to spend a little more on parts). I'd happily recommend sending your watch to him.

[Pantheon]

What a great find! I've never met either of my grandfathers as they both died young. If it were me personally I would definitely get it serviced regardless of the cost. However I would try to preserve as many of the original parts as I can such as the hands and dial etc. I think I would pay for the case replacement as you never know what can happen.

Last thing you want is for it to suffer water damage and then it'll be even more costly to fix.

[FlyDuc78]

I would spend the money and get it up-to-date by RSC or a watchmaker. It is not the value of it but the story and history it carry in your family. I think it is a great find and I hope you'll be able to keep it even the cost is high. Good luck!

[Gary Anderson]

Originally Posted by doogan

I sent my Oysterdate to Christian at watchguy.co.uk. He does a service for £150 (in your case you'll need to spend a little more on parts). I'd happily recommend sending your watch to him.

£150 is a ridiculous price for a service of any Rolex calibre. No watchmaker doing a proper job would charge this. I dread to think what 'Christian' has done with your watch.

OP - advise RSC that you are happy to take the risk and go ahead without replacing the case middle and case back. The watch probably will be waterproof, water resistant at least, and RSC are simply (and understandably) covering themselves.