Rolex watch from my Grandad

[Grandad7184]

So I have been handed my Grandads engraved watch from 1979 with everything including service history from Rolex orginal box etc. The question is we have in a safe which is put away in the house but do I get it valued to pass this information on the insures. plus theres a collection of WW2 medals including the Burma Star

Then Engraving is from Scottish and Newcastle Brewery I will post some pictures later

[Grandad7184]

Ive never been in watches so I don't know what its worth as its only sentimental value to me.

I will post a few pictures tonight

[Grandad7184]

hedgefinder said:

sorry to butt in,
but does anypone know the best placeto take a 38 year old rolex to have the glass and strap replaced and it serviced?? any idea roughly hpw much it would cost....its a Tudor...erm..cant remember the rest of the name..

Best place would be Rolex in West Malling Kent, Send it for a quote on work

[Grandad7184]

Right sorry for the mis advice was thinking the logical sense in saying Rolex

Here it is


1971 with genuine strap and all documents and still working.

Closer of the face



So the best course of action would be?

[Grandad7184]

It feels wonderful to where so light on your wrist. Will now keep to pass on to my children. There is also a very similar Sekonda watch in the box as well from 1970 which was used daily until he passed away again everything original

The engraving says

1941-1971 Scottish and Newcastle Brewery.

[Grandad7184]

clarkmagpie said:

Lovely watch
Now show the medals too!

Currently going through everything. and with them is the service book and other documents about the war. Will frame them alongside my medals so there is history of my side of the family for my daughter when she grows up.

[Grandad7184]

TheBMWDriver said:

Nice watch, looked older then 1979. Its probably worth the best part of £1k

It may be I'm going of the engraving of 1971 when he was given it. It only ever got used for wedding etc so was always stored away.

Is there anyway of finding out or can a watch person tell when they look at it? As we have some very good local repairs shops where my FIL. Takes his watch for service etc

[Grandad7184]

I've looked and can not find a number anywhere on it. The book says its case 32961 which puts it 1930-1935? Think I'll get it looked at over the weekend to see the date on the back case

Does this sound about right as reading up it's the later models have it on the outside.

[Charlie1986]

So a little update

The watch its self is a late 1950's Rolex precision dress watch 35mm in 9ct gold.

in the end i stayed clear of Rolex and went to Stephen Hales in london who intern referred me to Robert Taylerman who opened up the watch. Only a few will do this as the case will not come off here is some pictures of the watch after Robert opened it up


So the next steps for me is to have it serviced at Roberts and will try and wear it when ever i can.

being Ph too the value is £3-4000 maybe 5k in a watch auction

[Charlie1986]

this both guys said it was a shot in dark as 1 they had never seen one like this as its rare for the size and plus to have the number dial with no 12 and the rolex logo in its place. and 2 They did say if i lost it or it got stolen i would never find a like for like replacement.

So now its in a military grade Cryptographic safe which is world ending proof. I knew my military service would help me out someway.

its going back to Robert Taylerman to have a internal strip down and clean but he has a 4 month wait then it will be put back in the safe with medals and service books from my Grandad and my Medals and service record till my daughter is old enough to be able to study both WW2 and Op Telic and OP Herrick and see the sacrifices her family have made to enable her to have the freedom she ill hopefully have when she is older.

[Charlie1986]

GC8 said:

The valuation is fanciful, I fear. Being a jeweller doesn't qualify someone unless they specialise and are genuinely knowledgeable about their subject matter.

Indemnity value is nowhere near whats been stated and new for old will put you in a Date or AirKing.

Thats your view and I'm not going to get in to argument over something thats not relevant.

The person who gave me the value is highly recommended for vintage rolex in London. Rolex gave me his card and sent Me there. The watch restorer who has advised on costs to service and have it cleaned and who opened it up for me is again recommended by Rolex them selfs. But Of course as you as are an expert surely Rolex must be handing out your card?

Now thanks for the input. I was only updating this thread out of interest after being given trusted advice from people who know the brand and who have been working with Rolexs for many years and waiting lists of over 4 months for there work. But some people always no better!