Vintage Rolex - value?

[crankedup]

My wife inherited my late Mothers 1921 18c gold watch, its in excellent working order but could do with a cosmetic clean. Its not boxed and of course no certificate but it is an genuine Rolex. The wrist strap is 9c gold. My wife never wears it and its been lying in the bottom of the drawer for almost 25 years other than the odd outing. What sort of value for sale would this watch be please?

[LukeBird]

Get some pics up, it's a bit difficult to work out what it could be from the description.
Are there any numbers stamped on the case and bracelet?

[crankedup]

I will get some pictures up and have a look for some numbers also. The watch was 'valued for insurance' in 1985 for 1K but it was only an high street retailer and I don't really feel it has much relevance now.

[Alexandra]

I have a 1920's gold Rolex, albeit with silk/diamond strap, and have it insured for 17,000 EUR.

[BluePurpleRed]

Get that puppy re-evaluated before something happens to it! ;P

[crankedup]

I will try and get pictures up, but the watch case has a number 7397 which is on the back of case. Inside on back of watch is wording 'ROLEX PATENT'. 6 CLIMATES, 15 JEWELS. and confirmation inside of case of 18c gold marks.
I cannot find any other numbers except that mentioned. The case is six sided with fancy engraving to sides of case and enamel blued steel hands on steel face with all english numerals.

[crankedup]

Here's the rolex watch image at last

Edited by crankedup on Saturday 27th November 14:54

[crankedup]

Same watch.

Edited by crankedup on Saturday 27th November 14:54

[LukeBird]

Can't help with model reference I'm afraid; '7397' doesn't come up with any details despite plenty of googling.
I think it's best to get it along to a reputable jeweller for a check out and insurance valuation.

[crankedup]

Thank you for replies, I will open the back tomorrow and add pictures.

[NDA]

crankedup said:

My wife inherited my late Mothers 1921 18c gold watch, its in excellent working order but could do with a cosmetic clean. Its not boxed and of course no certificate but it is an genuine Rolex. The wrist strap is 9c gold. My wife never wears it and its been lying in the bottom of the drawer for almost 25 years other than the odd outing. What sort of value for sale would this watch be please?

I recently had a strong steer from a collector that restoration (and I know you're not suggesting that in your post) is a bad idea in value terms. Given it was your mothers watch, value is probably of little importance - however, just thought I'd mention it.

[crankedup]

NDA said:

crankedup said:

My wife inherited my late Mothers 1921 18c gold watch, its in excellent working order but could do with a cosmetic clean. Its not boxed and of course no certificate but it is an genuine Rolex. The wrist strap is 9c gold. My wife never wears it and its been lying in the bottom of the drawer for almost 25 years other than the odd outing. What sort of value for sale would this watch be please?

I recently had a strong steer from a collector that restoration (and I know you're not suggesting that in your post) is a bad idea in value terms. Given it was your mothers watch, value is probably of little importance - however, just thought I'd mention it.

Yes I'm not considering restoration but its useful to hear advise like this, I would consider a service and cosmetic clean. Also keen to learn market (or as near can be)value for insurance.

Edited by crankedup on Monday 29th November 10:37

Oh dear, I apologise for the rubbish image. On the interior of the back of case is the following :
ROLEX 7 WORLD'S RECORDS GOLD MEDAL R.W.C.Ltd

Also two hall marks and numerical 18 and under the 18 number is .75. The case interior is engine turning.

Edited by crankedup on Monday 29th November 10:44

[NDA]

crankedup said:

NDA said:

crankedup said:

My wife inherited my late Mothers 1921 18c gold watch, its in excellent working order but could do with a cosmetic clean. Its not boxed and of course no certificate but it is an genuine Rolex. The wrist strap is 9c gold. My wife never wears it and its been lying in the bottom of the drawer for almost 25 years other than the odd outing. What sort of value for sale would this watch be please?

I recently had a strong steer from a collector that restoration (and I know you're not suggesting that in your post) is a bad idea in value terms. Given it was your mothers watch, value is probably of little importance - however, just thought I'd mention it.

Yes I'm not considering restoration but its useful to hear advise like this, I would consider a service and cosmetic clean. Also keen to learn market (or as near can be)value for insurance.

If you're planning a trip to London at some point, there are two places in the Burlington Arcade (the arcade runs off Piccadilly and is opposite Fortnums) who could give you a valuation:

http://www.vintagewatchcompany.com

http://www.daviddugganwatches.co.uk

[crankedup]

Thanks for links/advise NDA.