Any value in vintage gold Rotary?
Discussion
Recently I've been gifted a vintage ladies Rotary that belonged to my Great Grandmother, which was given to her for 25 years of service at a carpet manufacturer, back in what we guess was the late 1960's.
It is in need of some TLC; but have been quoted £250 to return to manufacturer for a service which I would not mind doing (not for the inherent value as I am aware this is probably more than it's worth) but purely for sentimental reasons as my partner really likes the watch.
Just wanted an opinion on value / model if anybody knows anything more.
The casing is stamped 375 to side; face says Swiss Made - 21 Jewels. Strap states "rolled gold, stainless steel back"
It is in need of some TLC; but have been quoted £250 to return to manufacturer for a service which I would not mind doing (not for the inherent value as I am aware this is probably more than it's worth) but purely for sentimental reasons as my partner really likes the watch.
Just wanted an opinion on value / model if anybody knows anything more.
The casing is stamped 375 to side; face says Swiss Made - 21 Jewels. Strap states "rolled gold, stainless steel back"
As you’ve already surmised, it’s very likely worth less than the service quote you’ve been given, but maybe someone more knowledgeable than I knows different. I’m not familiar with the model, and perhaps it has some feature – rarity, movement quality – that I’m ignorant of, but I doubt it.
Unless it’s something quite rare/unusual, there’s surprisingly little market value retained in most old vintage watches, with the exceptions being the usual suspects e.g. Rolex, Patek, JLC, VC, AP etc. Even solid-gold lovely old Omegas, in decent condition and with quality movements tend to change hands for a few hundred on e-bay, watch forums etc.
When the UK gold price quadrupled from 2004 to 2012, a lot of great old watches were scrapped for their gold value, which exceeded their value as a watch.
In this case, Rotary as a brand don’t attract many collectors, and women’s watch are valued even less. Rolled gold is a slightly thicker version of gold plating, so it doesn’t have the scrap value either.
In many ways, none of that matters much, because the sentimental value of a family heirloom like that is great – I’d love to have something similar in my family – and it’s definitely worth getting restored.
£250 from Rotary sounds pricey though, unless there’s damage or missing parts. If everything is present & correct, I’d think a simple movement disassembly, cleaning, oiling & re-assembly would give it a new lease of life. That, plus a new mainspring & crystal could probably be had for circa £150 all-in. It’s not something you’ll want to cosmetically restore and remove the look, and even if the bracelet is knackered it’d be better-off on a cheap-as-chips leather strap. ‘Variomatic’ on here (Joe, of Anglesey Watches & Clocks) is the inevitable recommendation for a good guy to do a servicing job, so give him a call perhaps and see what he thinks.
Unless it’s something quite rare/unusual, there’s surprisingly little market value retained in most old vintage watches, with the exceptions being the usual suspects e.g. Rolex, Patek, JLC, VC, AP etc. Even solid-gold lovely old Omegas, in decent condition and with quality movements tend to change hands for a few hundred on e-bay, watch forums etc.
When the UK gold price quadrupled from 2004 to 2012, a lot of great old watches were scrapped for their gold value, which exceeded their value as a watch.
In this case, Rotary as a brand don’t attract many collectors, and women’s watch are valued even less. Rolled gold is a slightly thicker version of gold plating, so it doesn’t have the scrap value either.
In many ways, none of that matters much, because the sentimental value of a family heirloom like that is great – I’d love to have something similar in my family – and it’s definitely worth getting restored.
£250 from Rotary sounds pricey though, unless there’s damage or missing parts. If everything is present & correct, I’d think a simple movement disassembly, cleaning, oiling & re-assembly would give it a new lease of life. That, plus a new mainspring & crystal could probably be had for circa £150 all-in. It’s not something you’ll want to cosmetically restore and remove the look, and even if the bracelet is knackered it’d be better-off on a cheap-as-chips leather strap. ‘Variomatic’ on here (Joe, of Anglesey Watches & Clocks) is the inevitable recommendation for a good guy to do a servicing job, so give him a call perhaps and see what he thinks.
Thank you UnclePat; that is as concise and as knowledgeable as I could have hoped for. In fairness, we only briefly stopped at The Watch Hospital (£250 and 10 weeks!) and Goldsmiths who said it would also have to be sent off to the manufacturer. It appears to wind and will happily tick away but only for a short period. Aesthetically, aside from a minor scratch to the face it appears to be well kept.
Due to the hallmark on the casing I'm assuming this is 9ct only and the strap will be rolled?
Due to the hallmark on the casing I'm assuming this is 9ct only and the strap will be rolled?
Sorry, you’re quite right, I missed that earlier - if the case is stamped ‘375’ then yes, it’ll be solid 9ct gold, and it’ll just be the bracelet that is rolled.
Now I’m using my mobile to post, you can ignore my earlier comment re the leather strap too - clearly those lugs are too small to fit an aftermarket leather to (the hazards of posting from a work PC with internet which doesn’t allow display of pictures!).
It’s a lovely little watch, very classy.
If it winds, sets and ticks that’s good - perhaps just a broken mainspring, or something obstructing/gumming-up the movement - and hopefully there’s nothing too wrong that a good clean & lubrication can’t fix.
Now I’m using my mobile to post, you can ignore my earlier comment re the leather strap too - clearly those lugs are too small to fit an aftermarket leather to (the hazards of posting from a work PC with internet which doesn’t allow display of pictures!).
It’s a lovely little watch, very classy.
If it winds, sets and ticks that’s good - perhaps just a broken mainspring, or something obstructing/gumming-up the movement - and hopefully there’s nothing too wrong that a good clean & lubrication can’t fix.
Gassing Station | Watches | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff