Oyster Perpetual 1002

[K.W]

Hey, I'm a new member here, and new owner of a stainless non-date Oyster Perpetual 1002. The case back is marked I-67 and has a non-hacking 1570 movt. I even found a nice older stainless riveted 7205 oyster bracelet to go with it!

I love the minimalist dial on this watch. I have a question though, this dial isn't marked "superlative chronometer officially certified" and I don't recall ever seeing one of these oyster perpetual dials without those famous Rolex buzzwords. I know the Air-Kings were usually marked "precision" or "super precision" but this dial has nothing above the 6 0'clock marker. I did some searching and the only explanation I could come up with is this watch was not COSC tested after it was built. Does this sound like a likely explanation?

I will try and get some decent pictures up of it!

[K.W]

Attached is a picture. Sorry about the glare on the crystal, I'm not much of a photographer. The camera flash brings out more of the patina on the dial. There is some minor spotting going on, but its hardly visible in normal conditions (on my wrist) :)

[Andy B]

Hmmm....that's a puzzle. I thought all 1570's were certified??

[K.W]

Another question I have regarding the oyster case- there is small amount of corrosion on the mating surface of the case back and the case itself, no corrosion on the threads. Is there supposed to be some type of gasket there or an o-ring?

I would like to have a good watchmaker go through the movement, there are VERY small witness marks from the rotor interfering with the case back and the piece that holds the automatic winding gears (sorry, I only know the laymen term for that piece)

The watch is running very good and keeping great time right now, I would like to keep it that way Is there a reputable watchmaker you vintage Rolex guys suggest I send it to?

As for the oyster bracelet, upon close inspection of a couple links it's apparent that they have been expanded before to add or remove links. A couple places you can see it has been stretched. Overall, I would say it is in good shape for a 40 year old bracelet. Is there any way a watchmaker could reform some of those links to get them tightened up? I know certain types of stainless are a bear to work with since they work-harden. It seems the clasp doesn't really snap close and hold as well as it should, or once did. I would think that would be a common and easy fix. what do you reckon?



That's a lot of questions! Thanks in advance for any help

[K.W]

more pictures attached

[joe100]

I have seen one or two other 1002s without the writing. Chalk it up to the 1960s when nothing was uniform for Rolex or perhaps an early service dial. They do exist but for what reason I'm not sure.